combat winter effects (In plants)

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combat winter effects
Pamper houseplants
Gardening
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.13.2008
advertisementThink you have trouble coping with dry air and cold temperatures during the winter months? Well, so do your houseplants.When our homes are closed up, especially in the winter with the heat on, the air becomes bone dry.
In addition, houseplants can be susceptible to winter chills if they're located too close to windows and doors. If your potted plants are tropical varieties, be aware that, in general, they don't like temperatures below 55 degrees.
There are many ways to combat dry air indoors, but, contrary to popular belief, misting isn't one of them. Measures that do work include using a home humidifier, grouping plants together and setting plants on water-filled gravel saucers.
Dry-air tactics Saucers should be over-sized to allow moisture evaporating off the gravel surface to flow up, around and into the plants.
Use plastic plant saucers. Clay saucers are porous.
Fill the saucers nearly to the top rim with fine gravel. I like aquarium gravel. It's clean and attractive.
Never let the bottoms of the pots sit in the water. The pots should sit on top of the gravel with the water level about a half-inch below the pots' bottoms. This will provide enough room for drainage water without overflowing the saucer.
If the pots sit directly in the water, accumulating salts can be reabsorbed by the soil. Every month or two, refill with fresh water.
Watering tips
Overwatering during the winter months can result in yellowing and leaf drop. It also can cause plants to be stunted and absent new growth. Plus, water-soaked roots are prone to root-rot diseases that, in turn, can result in plants dying.
To improve drainage and make overwatering less likely, use a well-drained container soil mix. It's a good idea to allow plants to go longer between waterings in the winter than during other times of the year.Most potted plants are not actively growing in the winter and don't require as much water.
I suggest using a moisture meter to determine when your potted plants need watering. Moisture meters are inexpensive and available at most garden supply outlets. And, best of all, they really do work.
To water your houseplants, use water that is at room temperature or slightly warm to the touch. That's because chilled tap water can damage plants, especially tropical varieties. During the winter, this is a problem since water pipes running into the house are cold.Some plants also are sensitive to chemicals added to our tap water, including chlorine or fluoride. To combat that, fill a watering can or other open container with water and let it sit overnight. That will allow these chemicals to evaporate, making the water safer for your house plants.
You also can collect rainwater for your plants. It's totally free of chemicals and salts and may even contain some beneficial trace minerals.
● John P. Begeman is the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension. If you have questions, call 626-5161 to reach a master gardener.

Fluoride evaporates?