Plant Care Tip

Spring time brings longer days, more light and warmth which promotes new growth. So it is time for scheduled fertilizing to provide the right nutrients for lush, vibrant growth. Longer, warmer days trigger growth hormones stimulating the production of new leaves and stems. This is true even if your house plants don't see the light of day, only interior lighting. We suggest that you use a well balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 for instance) for interior plants. Start at the recommended rate or a little less when you first see new growth appearing in the spring.

Fertilizing is a case where more is not better. Sometimes soluble salts can build up and burn the edges of the leaves. This is especially true if there aren't drainage holes present in the nursery pot. Watch for browning edges leading up to the tip of the leaf for soluble salt burn. Another clue that may be present is a white, crusty material that forms on the edges of the pot. These are the minerals left behind after the water evaporates.

Other things to look for in spring:

• As plants start to grow they use more water. Still, be wary of over-watering.
• Insects start to multiply in the spring. Examine new leaves and stems carefully, top and bottom. Look for abnormal bumps, cottony looking masses or webbing. Other symptoms may be a sticky residue or mottled leaves
• If a plant is starting to outgrow its space, spring is often a good time for pruning when you can redirect growth where you want it to go. For example, you may want the plant to grow up instead of out.
• Don't let your trailing plants get out of control! Spring is a good time to cut back some of the trailers to encourage new growth. You will find the new growth from here is much prettier. If you alternate your trimmings, you can keep the newest growth long and cut the oldest growth back and be constantly rejuvenating your beloved trailing plant!

For further information, please contact us today at 541-772-9567 for your FREE phone consultation.