House Plant Care for the High Desert

Temperatures and Humidity

Most houseplants do their best growing when temperatures that are 65° to 70° with night time temperatures at 60° to 65°.  Because most houseplants are of a tropical variety they prefer humidity level of 40 to 50 %; however most homes in our area only have a relative humidity of 10 to 20%. 

Humidifiers are an excellent way to increase the moisture levels in the winter and summer months. Simply run the humidifier for several hours once a month during the driest periods.

Watering and Nutrient Needs

House plants need regular watering; they do best when they don’t dry completely out between watering. Once the top few inches of soil has become dry it is time for more water. This rule does not apply to any variety of Cactus or other succulent plant varieties.

A containerized plant is completely dependent on you for water and nutrients. It is important to recognize that every time you water, nutrients are being moved out of the soil. It is best to start with nutrient rich potting soil when planting. Additionally using a slow release fertilizer 3 to 4 weeks after re-potting will keep the nutrients available to the plant. 
Ice cubes are a great way to water all indoor plants, place evenly around the plant. The slow release of water lets the root capture the water and keeps it from running out the bottom.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Re-potting your plant 

Moving your house plant into a larger container is a great way to rejuvenate it. Spring is usually the best time for this however winter can work if you have a healthy plant and are gentle with the root system.

Indicators for a plant that needs repotting 

· Little to no growth, the leaves that are produced are smaller than usual

· Roots are showing through the drainage hole

· Mature leaves are turning yellow

· Water runs straight through the soil, this is due to more roots than soil

· If salt deposits are visible on the top of the soil or on the inside of the pot

· If the container is too small when purchased, it is best to wait 2 to 3 weeks before repotting

Techniques and tools
· Use quality potting soil
· Use a container that is twice as large and has plenty of good drainage

· Wait 3 to 4 weeks after re-potting to fertilize 

· Keep the plant out of the full sun for a few weeks; repotted plants are a bit weakened by the process

· Extra humidity helps repotted plants recover easier

· Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy

· Leaves that are limp or curled will need more water

· Leaves that are turning yellow are usually getting to much water 

My Norfolk Pine 

Use ground cover plants to cover soils and rocks