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Show WASATCH COUNTY COURIER your being shorta couple of gardening genes. Light, temperature and humidity have a lot to do with whether a plant _ thrives or dies. We'll help you choose the right plants for your - home, and then: help you find tlie proper location and care for foliage drop, most dramatic on figs (Ficus species), can result from a sudden move from bright light to low. | 3 Even when you find what seems to be the ideal spot for your plants, it might be necessary to move the plant as the seasons — and light levels — them. Right plant, right place _ Light levels, humidity and change. Plants that thrive in the direct sun of a south- or temperature vary throughout every. home. Match plants to specific conditions.Light “Light is clearly the most west-facing window in winter might sunburn if left in the same spot in late spring or ‘summer as light intensifies. In this case, move plants farther limiting factor to growing plants indoors,” says Deborah Brown, University of . Minnesota extension horticul-turist. “All plants need light to from the glass or filter light with a sheer curtain. Humidity manufacture food, but the amount needed varies from ‘says Matthew Gardner, owner of The Wright Gardner, a San Francisco-based © interior— plantscape company. Another option is to place a humidifier in the room where most of. your plants are located. There room. Baier aes can protection with a heavy curtain, or place a piece of cardboard between the glass and the plants. Few plants tolerate cold drafts or hot air blowing the Eee plants. thirsty —the leaves lose their. ‘Sheen just before they wilt. duct. Fertilizing Grouping plants keeps the moisture level higher than if . 2% ‘Watering The one word to describe _air freely circulates around— each plant. Another way is to : hon to water is thoroughly. -place plants on a shallow waterproof tray of pebbles par- “Fertilizing falls into the less-is-more category,” explains Gardner. He says peaple have a tendency to overfertilize plants. tially covered with water. The ’ Use tepid water and supply enough so excess flows through the soil and out from pebbles provide lots of extra surface area for. evaporation. the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. But don't let the (But don't let the plants sit in the water, or roots could rot.) plant stand in water collected Many people mist plants to than a few minutes. Instead, dump the water from the saucer, or if the saucer is large raise the humidity level, but it's not effective. The water evaporates too fast to benefit plants. - _ ally need higher light levels than plants with green leaves. And a select group of plants, including the popular Chinese evergreen and cast-iron plant, tropical or . T | But too much fertilizer does more harm than good. After all, plants make their own “food,” with the help of the sun. in the drip saucer for more and awkward to maneuver, use a turkey baster to suck up water from the saucer. _ semitropical papery. Brown leaf tips are will tolerate very low light lev- - another common symptom. “One solution is to locate plants that need more humid signs of stress when light levels are too low or Fertilizer primarily promotes growth. Use a fertilizer labeled for house plants, and apply it at half strength, suggests Gardner. As-a guideline, fertilize regularly in spring and summer, when plants are actively growing and can make most use of the added nutrients. Cut back in fall, when growth slows, and stop fertiliz- ing once daylight-saving time ends. And, to prevent root burn, © make sure to always moisten the soil before adding fertilizer. Remember, start with plants that fit with the condi- ple, on extremely cold winter between waterings. But most nights, temperatures on a win- house plants fall in a third cat- dowsill could be considerably lower than elsewhere in the egory: They do best when the Don't soil grow, just enjoy them. dries slightly between ’ _ you can tell when a plant is are several other ways to raise around | to 2 inches below the surface watering again. _ before Precision is impossible here; the specific plant and the size — of the container have a signifi-_ cant. bearing on timing. Often: on them. So, don't place plants next to an exterior door or humidity a te waterings. With these ae allow the soil to dry 1/2 inch — freeze unless you protect them. Keep foliage from touching windows and provide re in the " eas How frequently you water. House plants are “house depends on the plant and conregions, where the air is moist. plants” because they need the Many of these plants can adapt same conditions we do to sur- ~ ditions in your home, includvive. Most like daytime teming temperature and humidity. to the drier air in our homes, peratures ranging from the Some plants, notably ferns, do but they do better when humidupper-60s F to the mid-70s F, best when the soil is kept ity is increased _ especially during winter when most homes — and nights that are about 10 evenly moist. For other plants, are heated. With insufficient | degrees cooler. But be aware such as cacti and succulents, the soil should dry thoroughly humidity, leaves turn dull and of cold or hot spots. For examin Most house plants thrive in els. Plants show as kitchen or bathroom, where humidity tends to be highest,” Most house plants originate _ — one plant to another.” moderate to bright, indirect light. Flowering plants and those with colored leaves usu- , air, such er too high. Weak, spindly growth - indicates insufficient light. Variegated foliage will lose all or part of its markings. Signs Here's some good news for of too much light are bleached those of you who have trouble. or wilting leaves on plants like ke growing house plants: The problem could lie in where you _ scheffleras, | philodendrons, put the plants rather than in - ferns and peperomias. Quick OMIT Teen | TMT ‘LYNN OCONE _ TODAY'S HOMEOWNER MAGAZINE ' | | For People Who Can’ t Grow House Plants y ‘House Plants ee one: rire HOUSE B7 tions in your home, and then — _ provide commonsense care. push your plants to nye 27, 2000 On _ DECEMBER municate even more, which will strengthen the rapport within your relationship. If you are presently on the sidelines, you may soon fall in love! continue for some time, but you now momentum slows down and everything sputters to a snail’s pace. Plan a few outings to spice things up. If you've been holding your feelings have a more realistic view about love. VIRGO: (August 24 - aS 23) A brighter future, concerning and express affections intensely. , career activities, will now be in plain '. view. Many actions will be related to TAURUS: (April 21 - May 21) your income, so plan carefully. There You may feel on top of the world, is a fortunate accent on your home and both physically and emotionally - don’t take unnecessary risks. Use a close _ property interests this week, and your personal aims are supported by all. friend as a sounding board for those CAPRICORN: back, don’t go to the other extreme putting up big walls between and those around you -and wondering why no one tries to get through them. Let - others see your fun-loving | LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Don’t push your luck concerning a job or career opportunity. Confidence is good, but what you may be banking you for some time. If practical, your ideas will be good. | | GEMINI: (May 22 - June 21) Just being yourself will be a big asset in the workplace and at home. CANCER: use 22 - July 23) - Doors will open which will lead. to wonderful family, property or household developments. Start the week with your eye fixed on an important target. If | you don’t concentrate and stick to your resolve, a number of possible distractions will send you off course. LEO: (uly 24 Arigust 23) Your romantic prospects are likely Don’t take on anymore tasks than you can really handle, or you may find yourself feeling totally drained. If there is a problem, you need to speak ciency on the job will be noted by a. superior.. You will receive answers to some questions today. be aware of get rich quick schemes, _ out and not let negative feelings fester inside. Work on your various friend- ships this week, people need to know . you care. SCORPIO: _ (October 24- N ovember 22) Caution is the keyword. Try not to ‘sound off in the heat of the moment: you will no doubt say things you will later regret. Be careful regarding any transportation plans. You have ideas, which will eventually come to fruition, but be pee SAGITTARIUS: | (November 23 - December 21) TT and make sure to think things through. completely.. Adjust to whatever it is that is a yor AQUARIUS: (Qanuary 21 - February 19) on now is not a sure thing. Your effi- Your personal finance situation is rosy, | (December 22 - January 20) This week may seem long and unduly drawn out. There is trouble everywhere you look,.so be aware of . what you say and what you do; others - may be overly sensitive. Concentrate on doing your best at work, instead of worrying about romantic uncertainties. ideas that have been churning within You don’t make it easy for other people to know you, side. _and your partner will share and com- You will no doubt have more free time for pleasures. The romance theme will — Just when you were on a roll, your IF THIS WEEK IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: you = (March 21-April 20) the air. If you are already married, you PE PEE TT ARIES: Love and marriage is definitely in to enjoy a lively upswing during the weeks ahead, as well as life in general. - PISCES: | (February 20 - March 20) - A family member or friend could. use some of your sympathy and quiet understanding this week. You are in tune to a lover’s feelings and are appreciated for this fact. Watch out for any mood swings, which may cause . . you to overdo it with regards to spend- | ing or eating and drinking. Ook BY MISS ANNA Wyrnt an hag HOROSCOPES Your Weekly Horoscope |