by Jennifer Palus

Created on: December 03, 2006   Last Updated: March 18, 2007

Your house plants are telling you what they need. You need only heed their signs. For example, if the tips of the leaves are turning yellow on you, then your plant is getting either too much or too little water. You should be able to tell the difference by checking the soil. When you do water your plants, place them in the sink if possible and water them generously until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. If they are not showing much growth then perhaps they need a few regular feedings.

Plants require sunlight. Provide as much daylight as possible by opening the blinds before going to bed, so that they will be exposed to the earliest morning sun and continued light all day long. Some plants require more light than others. Adjust the amount of light your plant receives by placing it nearer or farther from the window, or by locating it in a sunny south facing window or for less sun, place it in a northern facing window.

Dust can be a bit of a bummer for a house plant that doesn't have the benefit of wind and cleansing rains. A coating of dust on the leaves can intercept light before it reaches the actual leaf and the photosynthetic machinery. Dust can also clog the pores on the leaf's surface, inhibiting oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange which can in turn limit your plants photosynthetic processes i.e. its energy production.

Dusting the leaves when needed is a good idea to promote vigorous growth. I've heard that using mayonnaise is a bad idea and that it can clog pores as well as dust can, but I have always had good experiences with it, especially on peace lilies. Alternatively a soap solution can be used. Though this hasn't worked so well for me in the past. Perhaps if you do choose to use soap, be certain to rinse the leaves thoroughly. A trip to the shower isn't such a bad idea, just maybe don't let your roommate see you showering with your plants. Here's to your green thumb! Happy gardening.

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