This Month in the Garden (February 2010)...

During winter, potted plants indoors can substitute for the garden.  African violets, foliage plants and vacationing garden plants line sunny windows throughout the Port Washington during the cold months of the year.

Many people also have collections of easy care orchids like phalaenopsis which produce long-lasting flower stems several times a year.  Terrestrial orchids like cymbidiums thrive in the cool Port summers, too, and begin to open their flower spikes in February.

Those with more space or a greenhouse may over-winter less well known plants like the red passion flower (Passiflora cocinnea) above, flowering maples (Abutilon), or more potted citrus trees like Improved Meyer Lemon that are compact enough to move inside for the cold months.  Even small citrus trees can produce dozens of tasty fruits during the cold months.

Conditions comfortable for humans, however, are not always the best for plants.  Furnaces running overtime during cold snaps can lower indoor humidity and the indoor temperatures in many homes are too warm for many plants. Night temperatures near sixty degrees are ideal for some orchids and popular foliage plants and may even be required for them to develop flower buds. 

Combat dry indoor air by misting plants or placing them on trays that can be filled with pebbles and a little water to create humidity pockets (the water level should stay below the roots).  Also keep an eye out for insects like red spider mites, scales and aphids.  These pests attack plants stressed by indoor conditions. 

If insect problems develop they can be safely treated with products like insecticidal soap.  Powdery mildew on edibles like rosemary can be treated with some sulfur based fungicides.  Check the labels on any product for warnings and directions before treating your plants.

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November 2010
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