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New House Plant Care - Bringing Home Your Baby

Hi New Plant People,
Pothos Marble Queen Plant

This is for the folks that are new to the business of interior plant care. I often receive emails from readers that are having problems with their indoor house plants.

This is how they generally read:

"I am new to houseplants and have just gotten my first indoor potted plant. It was love at first sight. I have never had a plant before so I was so happy to bring it home. I got her a new pot, some soil and potted it up as soon as I could. Now it is not doing so well. Can you tell me what is wrong with my plant?" 

Just a few tips for starting in the fun of indoor gardening. It can be addictive and since most plants cost money it is wise to use a little common sense when acquiring new additions to the family.

Indoor plants are something like a new puppy. Dog professionals will tell you that you need to research the dog breeds before you bring a new pup home. They each have different needs, energy levels, some shed alot, some like to laze about and some need lots of attention and training. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane are quite different dogs, especially when it comes to how much they eat. 

Tip #1 - Don't just buy a new plant because you like the way it looks. If you have lots of experience you will probably do alright. If you are a beginner in house plant care you should start with an easy care plant that will do well in almost any home situation. Here is a list of some of the best indoor plants for anyone.

Tip #2 - Do learn how to properly water your new indoor plant. You also need to understand the intimate relationship between your house plants lighting and environment and its water needs. Incorrect watering is a usual suspect in the death of most indoor house plants. 

Tip #3 - Allow your new house plant time to acclimate before you do anything other than learn how to properly water it. You can remove leaves if they turn yellow or brown. Do not pot it up, do not fertilize or "feed it". Plants that have been raised by a grower are most often heavily fertilized. Excess soluble salts in plant foods can damage your house plant's roots, the engine for its growth.

About repotting - House plants should be repotted when the root system has displaced so much of the soil that it can no longer retain enough moisture to last the plant a week or so. You will often see the roots growing out of the drainage holes. Or gently remove it from its pot and examine the root system. Only pot up to a pot 2"-3" larger that what your lovely plant was in before. 
Always pot your indoor plants into containers with drainage holes in the bottom!

These are some simple effective ways to introduce yourself to the house plant growing hobby. If you need more information, come on over and visit at PlantAndFlowerInfo.com...
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