Horticulture Principles and Practices

11
Growing Houseplants
PURPOSE AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES
This chapter discusses the environmental factors required for growing plants indoors and
how to choose, grow, care for, and use houseplants.
After studying this chapter, the student should be able to
1. Distinguish between the practices involved in growing plants in the house and
under controlled environments (greenhouses).
2. List and discuss the factors that one should consider in growing houseplants.
3. List ten common houseplants.
4. Discuss the correct ways of watering plants.
5. Discuss the correct ways of feeding plants.
6. Describe how plants are repotted.
[COLOR PLATES—see color plate 8–16 for additional chapter photos]
OVERVIEW
Plants can be successfully grown indoors in a controlled environment in which all of the
required plant growth factors are supplied in appropriate amounts. Growing plants indoors
at home is an activity that enables homeowners to enjoy plants year-round. However, the
home environment is not as controlled as a greenhouse environment because the home is
shared by humans, and sometimes pets, whose needs take precedence over the needs of
plants. Home conditions are generally less than ideal for general plant growth, especially
with respect to light. For this reason, not all plants can be successfully grown indoors.
Growing plants indoors necessitates that plants be grown in containers, which
restricts the growing environment for plant roots. Choice of proper growth medium is
critical to the success of growing potted plants. Also, proper choice of plants is essential
in growing indoor plants. After choosing the right plants and the appropriate medium,
the grower must employ good management practices to maintain the plants in good
health. A green thumb is not hereditary but is an acquired trait obtained through
experience and knowledge of basic horticultural principles.
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