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Growing

The basic starting point for all gardens and gardeners is knowing how to grow and look after your own plants successfully. Gardening is a skill that is learnt over many years, but some of the essential elements can be established quite quickly. The following brief guide will help you to gain an understanding of general plant growing techniques, covering sections like seeds, seedlings, plants, cuttings and related subjects.

Growing House Plants - Insects & other Pests

House plants require a balanced environment to ensure healthy growth. They may suffer and have a shock reaction to your homes environment if it is different to what they have been used to.

Here are several tips to help condition the plants to your environment.

There are a range of Insects, mites, and other pests that can occasionally damage the flowers and foliage of houseplants. The most common are aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, scale insects and spider mites.

You can also find that slugs, caterpillars and ants have found a way to get to the plant. Usually they find their way in when you place the plant outside for a period of time.

The best way to prevent the most damage is to avoid the level of any infestation becoming too high. You should carefully inspect leaves, stems, and soil of newly acquired plants for any signs of insects, mites, or any other potential pests. Also, any time you have had the plant outside for a length of time.

When repotting any plants it is best to use a commercial potting compound, this should be free from any insects. Make sure that the containers you are planting into are clean and pest free as well.

Another good tip is to make sure that any infested plants are isolated, and cannot infect any neighbouring plants.

Dealing with insect infected plants should be researched carefully. Consult your local supplier for the best advice.

Sometimes a simple washing of the plant with soapy water and a rinsing with clean fresh water afterwards can be all that is required to remove an insect problem. Other options are sprays, which can be purchased from a suitable outlet.