Making the Most of House Plants

We acquire knowledge of plants in many and varied ways: by paying attention at school, listening to others expound on the subject, or by practical participation in growing them.

Although a note can he taken of particular plants which are suited to particular situations, given reasonable conditions the majority of plants, other than known tender ones, will do well. This is borne out if one visits the home of the she, will have plants in ever room in the house, from the loo to the larder.

My job takes me to many such flower shows, and requires me to answer a vast number of letters on the subject of indoor plants. Some letters are amusing, others quite sad; some concern premature loss of leaves while others are from perplexed householders who have room ceilings too low for rampant monstera plants.

Between show attendances and letter answering a somewhat unique knowledge of plants has been acquired - much of it useless, but a great deal closely concerned with plants and the problems they present for the average householder. It is hoped in the ensuing pages that the reader will benefit from the worthwhile information and be amused by the more bizarre incidents.

Talking to members of flower arrangement and gardening clubs, and listening to their many questions at the close of proceedings, can also be helpful in building up a knowledge of plants. Particularly so when a member describes how successful he has been with growing Begonia rex, for instance, or stephanotis, and gives an account of how the plant is cared for. In this way you really do learn about success and fliilure, and how to improve your chances of growing bigger and better plants indoors.

Even the simplest flower arrangement is the better for having a focal point to attract the eye, which is usually in the form of an unusual or particularly fine flower. The rest of the arrangement is complementary to the centre piece. The same may be said of the plant arrangement with a fine cryptanthus or similarly unusual plant as a centre piece. We have focal points in our rooms; it may be a television set, a fine piece of furniture, or a striking flower arrangement. In the same way an interesting group of plants may be used as a central feature.

Article by: JohnWilliams | Total views: 73 | Word Count: 384

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Gardeners can find free houseplant tips on the internet.