If you’re like me, you had your plants outside back in May. I know they love the fresh air circulation, better light, and humidity, since most are native to the tropics. It reminds them of home. I love seeing all the bright green new growth, and it’s nice not to have to pick up yellow leaves from the floor where the weeping fig was complaining, “Get me outside NOW”. There are some things to keep in mind, however.
FEED ME!
The light is much better and your plants are feeling fine and growing much faster now that days are longer. Growing takes nutrients. Feed your plants with the appropriate fertilizer. Remember all fertilizers have three numbers (10-10-10 for example). The first number is nitrogen which promotes foliage growth. The second number is phosphorus, which promotes blooming, the third number is potassium which promotes overall plant vigor.
As a very general rule of them, plants we grow for the beauty of their foliage( (ficus trees, palms, ferns, etc). are usually fed either even numbers (like 20-20-20) or a fertilizer a bit higher in nitrogen. With the exception of orchids, most blooming plants get fed a fertilizer higher in phosphorus.
WATER ME!
Remember that even though plants are happier in better light, they are also actively growing which means they may be drying out on a different schedule than during the winter so go back to feeling the soil with your finger first before watering.
NOTICE ME!
Plants summering outside can pick up an unwanted “guest” so check the leaves and stems once a week or so for pests or eggs. If you find any either clean them off or spray with a good organic spray like Neem Oil.
ENJOY ME!
Enjoy watching your houseplants thrive in the summer. If you have a problem of any kind, that’s what we’re here for!
Why do the bottom leaves of my African violets get limp and die?
There are several reasons why this can happen. The most common reason is watering issues. African violets need to at least surface dry before we water. Some people keep them a little too moist. That said, they also should not go so dry that they begin to wilt either. If you bring your violet in for us to take a look at, we can give you a more definitive diagnosis.
My orchid has a yellow leaf……. not enough water or too much water…
Without seeing it, it’s hard to be sure. Is there any way you can bring it by or call the greenhouse for my email and email a picture?