Garden Tips by Month
April Gardening Tips
The temperatures are rising, the birds are singing and the sun is shining- Spring is here! The weather, rather than the calendar, dictate when to start working in your garden.
April 1, 2024
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House Plants for Healthy Living: February
February is the perfect time to add some color to your home with flowering plants. They clean the air and add some much-needed color during these long winter months. Here are our picks for February.
Anthuriums
Anthuriums have dark green foliage and beautiful spath-shaped blooms that range in color from red to pink to white. With the right care, these plants can keep their blooms for a long time.
Light: Anthuriums can tolerate low light, but they prefer bright, indirect light. The less light these plants get the fewer flowers they will produce. Keep them away from direct light, the flowers and leaves can get sunburned.
Water: Water your Anthurium regularly. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch and do not overwater because they are susceptible to root rot. Anthuriums love humidity. Keeping them on a humidity tray will cut back on watering, and help the blooms last longer.
Food: Fertilize with a high-phosphorus fertilizer once a quarter.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchids are beautiful indoor plants that have long-lasting blooms. They’re available in a variety of sizes and colors and bring a touch of color indoors.
Light: Phalaenopsis Orchids need the brightest light available without being in direct sunlight. The leaves will scorch if exposed to direct light. They can tolerate low light, but need to be rotated every few weeks to ensure even growth.
Water: Water Phalaenopsis Orchids weekly, or when the roots turn silvery. Watering them first thing in the morning will help keep the soil damp throughout the day. Empty any excess water from around the stem or saucer to prevent new growth from rotting.
Food: During the growing season, fertilize weekly with an Orchid fertilizer. When flowers are in bloom, fertilize once a month.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are beautiful tropical plants with interesting foliage and flower spikes. The flowers are long-lasting and are available in a variety of colors and shapes. These plants add some bright, bold color to your home throughout the year.
Light: Bromeliads prefer a bright spot shaded from direct sunlight. They will do well in lower lighting conditions, but their blooms won’t last as long.
Water: Bromeliads are somewhat drought tolerant — they can go a period of time without water. If your home’s humidity levels are high, Bromeliads won’t need as much water. Water the soil thoroughly once a week during the growing season (March thru October), and less often during the winter.
Food: Bromeliads don’t need much for fertilizer. Use a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a year, and your Bromeliad should look great all.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are as low maintenance as they come. With long stems and glossy leaves, these plants will dress up any office, dorm, and or hallway.
Light: ZZ Plants will do great in any lighting condition and can even thrive in fluorescent lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, because the leaves can get sunburned.
Water: ZZ Plants like to dry out between watering, and can even thrive if forgotten for a bit. When in doubt underwater. Overwatering this plant can cause root issues, and stems to turn yellow.
Fertilize: During the growing season (April to August), fertilize with a liquid fertilizer once a month.
Watch our video House Plant Watering Tips and House Plant Care Made Easy
For more information on choosing the right plant for your home, visit any English Gardens location and talk to an expert.
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