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Perhaps the first thing to consider before choosing an exotic plant is whether you are a gardener at heart or more of a decorator? Many exotic plants like orchids, bromeliads and lilies are beautiful, but require some time and care if you want to keep them for a long time. Some folks treat plants like cut flowers and purchase them for decoration for a short period and then throw them away or give them away and buy new ones. I'm a bit emotionally attached to any plants I bring into my home, so could never to that, but it is an option. This is why I have silk Poinsettias at Christmas time. I can't handle the guilt when they die.

One of my favorite exotic plant groups are orchid cactus and the Night Blooming Cerus, but these may require more time and patience than most people are willing to spend. There are many things to consider before choosing an exotic plant and I hope the info listed below will help.

LIGHT: Plants need light, water and food, like all living things. Light is very important. Too much can burn a tender shade-loving plant and not enough will slowly kill it. A south facing window will offer the most sunlight, an eastern facing window is great for many house plants as it offers a lot of light, but not the harsh afternoon sun. A northern exposure provides very little light and few plants will actually thrive there. Windows facing west provide strong afternoon sunlight. When you go to the nursery or plant shop, check to see what exposure is best before you purchase one. You can also purchase plant lights and a timer to insure that your plants receive the correct type and amount of light. This requires a bit of time, space and expense, so try the natural light method first.

WATER: I tend to kill plants by over watering, a habit I'm trying to break. Most plants will rot and keel over when over watered as the roots literally drown. The best way to water plants is to sit them in a sink or tub and water them well from the bottom. Let them sit and soak up moisture through the hole in the bottom of the pot, overnight is fine, then drain thoroughly for about 20 minutes and put them back into their decorative pot or basket. I feed mine with a weak solution of water soluble plant food about every third time I water them and this seems to work well. A drainage hole in the bottom of the pot is a must.

Chlorinated city water is hard on plants, but you can fill your watering can or a gallon jug with water and let it sit for a day or two before using it. Also, we have

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