The Gardening Life – January 3
Going into a garden center’s greenhouse is dangerous at this time of year. I want to buy everything. Since snow covers the ground and it’s too early to start seeds in northern climates, I have to get my colorful flower fix from indoor plants. This is fine by me, even if some of them don’t last forever. (Tips for keeping flowering plants alive below.)
I understand that some houseplants can be with me for years and years while others are better for short-term pick-me-ups. As a gardener I’ve learned that when a houseplant is purchased we don’t always know if that plant will be long-lived or not. This is also OK…”Surprise me,” I say.
Often the public doesn’t have such a forgiving or adventurous attitude toward their plants. They want “something I’m not going to kill.” If you’re of this mindset, I invite you to think about your flowering houseplants in the same spirit as a meal out.
When you go to a restaurant you’ve never been to before there’s a chance that you won’t like the food. It might be fantastic, or it might be horrible…most likely the experience will fall somewhere in the middle of those extremes. Going out to eat is nevertheless pleasurable, not to mention somewhat of an adventure. “Surprise me,” we say, hoping to be delighted but accepting if that’s not the case. After all, it’s just one meal.
Most flowering houseplants will cost a great deal less than that restaurant meal and even if you have a black thumb they’ll last a lot longer. So what’s the hesitation? After all, it’s just one plant. Go into a greenhouse this month and get your flower fix. Be willing to be surprised.
This was one of the plants that caught my eye today: Kalanchoe 'Pearl Bells' - it's a good example of a "lift my spirits" houseplant because it doesn't flower continuously. Kalanchoe is triggered into flowering by short days. This means that if I keep the plant alive and doing well all year, and I have it in a room that doesn't get supplemental lighting in the winter, it will most likely flower for me sometime in January, February or March of 2014. Or I might just thank if for making me happy this winter and toss it in the compost this spring.
Sharing The Wealth
Tips for Flowering Houseplant Care:
