Care of Specialty Potted Plants
Improper water and light,and excessive heat are the leading causes of failure in caring for gift plants. These plants are grown in greenhouses, where the nighttime temperatures are cool, light is adequate, and the air is moist. When they are ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
The Art of Bonsai
Bonsai is an art form that stems from ancient Asian culture, originating in China and developed by the Japanese. In the 13th century, the Japanese collected and potted wild trees that had been dwarfed by nature. These naturally formed miniatures ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Houseplant Safety
Most of our homes are graced with houseplants. As adults, we realize these plants are to be looked at and not eaten, but children may have other ideas. Be sure children understand about houseplant safety, and if necessary, place houseplants so ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Control of Pests On Foliage And House Plants
Although there are only five major groups of insect and mite pests on house plants, they are very difficult to control and highly persistent, once established. The many varieties of house plants are variously susceptible or sensitive to pests and ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Care of Indoor Ferns
Because of their soft, delicate appearance, ferns add interest and texture to any room. The most familiar varieties for indoor landscapes are those native to a tropical setting. The natural habitat of ferns is the forest floor and shaded ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Better Blooming Bulbs Indoors
Bulbs are unique, self-contained plants. They can be planted in pots and exposed to specific environmental conditions to bring them into bloom during winter. Florists and garden centers display them for sale for people who desire a little floral ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Heirloom House Plants for Modern Homes
In the chilly nights of winter in a Victorian era home, a house plant had to be quite hardy to survive. Still, the homes of the time were full of thriving plants. Then, as now, the secret of successful indoor gardening was selecting the right ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Oedema of Houseplants
Sometimes houseplants will develop swollen blister-like areas on their leaves or fleshy stems which turn tan or dark brown and become wart-like in time. These corky protuberances occur most often on the underside of the leaves of succulent plants ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Indoor Bulb Gardens
You can take the chill out of the upcoming winter months with an indoor garden of sunny tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs. A simple procedure called "forcing" makes it possible to enjoy spring blooms in winter. If [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Flowering Houseplants
There is something special about persuading a plant to bloom indoors. From the first sign of a bud until the flower shows its full face, it demands frequent inspections -- What color will the flower be? How large? How long will it take to open? ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Interesting Foliage Plants
Working with an indoor garden of lush, tropical houseplants can make us forget the winter cold. Foliage growers are introducing a variety of new plants prized for disease resistance, colorful highlights on the foliage, and improved hardiness. ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
Woodland Ferns for the Home and Garden
Ferns are among the most adaptable of plants for home gardeners. They are ideal for ground cover or border plantings in the landscape, and are especially useful as potted plants in the home. Ferns are an ancient type of vegetation which occupied ... [... more]
Virginia Tech Extension |
