Horticulture Principles and Practices

TABLE 11–5
Plant
Selected Plants for Hanging Baskets
Scientific Name
Begonia
Spider plant
Aparagus fern
English ivy
Boston fern
Coleus
Wandering Jew
Lipstick vine
Swedish ivy
Pothos
Heat leaf philodendron
Christmas cactus
Begonia spp.
Chlorophytum spp.
Asparagus spp.
Hedera helix
Nephrolepis exaltata
Coleus blumei
Zebrina pendula
Aeschynanthus spp.
Plectranthus australis
Scindapus aureus (or Epipremnum aureum)
Philodendron scandens
Zygocactus truncatus; Schulmbegergia hybrids
Like potted plants, it is critical that hanging basket containers drain properly.
However, hanging baskets dry out much more quickly than potted plants on the floor or
tabletop because they are exposed to warmer temperatures (since warm air rises) at the
level at which they are suspended (about 3°C or 5°F warmer) and airflow around them
is much greater. Hanging baskets should be watered more frequently than regular potted
plants. Wire basket designs dry out more quickly than solid-sided container designs.
To add to the decor, some homeowners replace the wires attached to the pots for suspension
with decorative chains or fabric support. Hanging baskets need attention similar
to that for potted plants. Some species prefer sunny conditions, whereas others prefer
shade (Table 11–5). Plants should be fertilized as needed.
11.3 CARING FOR HOUSEPLANTS
Houseplants need all of the growth factors that are obtained in the outside environment—
good soil, air, water, light, and nutrients. Houseplants, however, differ in the quality and
quantity of each factor required for optimal growth.
Caring for houseplants starts with bringing home healthy plants. Commercial nurseries
grow plants under controlled conditions year-round. These conditions are adjusted to
suit the needs of plants. However, at home, even though homeowners adjust the house temperature
as the seasons change, these adjustments are designed for the comfort of people,
not plants. Rooms are often evenly heated or cooled. It is very easy for the homeowner who
is not a houseplant enthusiast to forget about the special needs of plants in the home.
11.3.1 BRINGING PLANTS HOME SAFELY
In spring or summer, temperatures in nurseries and homes are not likely to be significantly
different. More significant differences are likely to occur between the home and
the nursery during the cold period (early fall to early spring). Buying plants for use in
the home requires the most attention and care during this period to reduce shock to
plants. Plants purchased in the cold season should be transported with some insulation.
The car should be heated before plants are moved into it from the nursery. For longdistance
transportation, plants may be placed in cardboard boxes and wrapped in several
layers of paper. Some plants are more delicate than others.
11.3.2 MONITORING LIGHT
A photographic light meter is used to determine light intensity. Light is a critical requirement
for plant growth and development. The average light intensity in a house is about
55 lux, compared with more than 130,000 lux outside on a bright sunny day. A room is
Lux
The metric unit expressing
the illumination falling on
all points on a surface
measuring one meter
square, each point being
one meter away from a
standard light source of
one candle; 1 lux = 0.093
foot-candles.
11.3 Caring for Houseplants 363