Tropical Plants in a Canadian Winter

Here in Canada we endure a long, cold winter that encourages us to reach for tropical plants for good reason. There is literally no better way to introduce humidity and oxygen into the indoor environment. To garden successfully indoors, especially this time of year, it is very important to provide the best possible growing conditions.  With the right care, your indoor plants will live a good long life and you will reap many benefits from them.

Light requirements

Observing the growth and changes in your tropical plants allows you to determine if they are receiving enough light. Plants that do not get enough light will usually look pale, have longer than normal stems, and smaller than normal leaves. Sometimes a plant will actually look as if it is reaching for light, stretching its leaves and lengthening the distance between growth nodes toward the nearest window: a sure sign that it needs either to be placed in a sunnier window or the natural light augmented with artificial light.  Plants with colourful foliage will often lose colour when they do not get enough light and revert to green leaves.

Tropical Plant Care in Winter

Through the winter season, there are some additional variables to keep in mind. When plants are dormant – not showing any growth but looking healthy in every other way – they need less light. When plants are blooming, the blooms will usually last longer if they are kept out of the direct sun. However, in the case of continuous blooming plants such as hibiscus and African violets, these need consistent sun to form new flowers.

Via Mark Cullen

Fertilizer

Fertilizing indoor plants in winter is necessary only when you see new growth developing or the plant is in bloom. Otherwise your tropical plants are ‘resting’ this time of year and will not benefit from a fertilizer application. It is best to err on the side of caution and give plants a little less than the amount the instructions call for.

There are several forms of fertilizer available: granular, slow-release granules and spikes, and water soluble. These can be organic combinations or inorganic chemical combinations. In my opinion the best choice for houseplants is an inorganic, water soluble formula. The elements in it are readily available for the plant’s use and you will be able to see the effect right away.

Rules of Fertilizing Indoor Plants:

Do not fertilize plants when: they are wilted, dry or dormant.

Plants only need nutrients when they are actively growing, and/or flowering. Fertilizing at other times could cause a build-up of insoluble salts in the soil which can damage the roots. If white salts build up on the pot rim or soil surface, stop fertilizing and drench the soil a couple of times with generous doses of water (putting them in the shower works!) then, if growth continues, resume feeding in a month or so, using less fertilizer.

Maintenance

In the winter months, the air in most Canadian homes is dry and conditions are perfect for insects to thrive. To raise the humidity around your plants, place a tray filled with pebbles and water under your plants. The water should not touch the bottom of the pots. This will create a cooler, humid atmosphere due to evaporation. Routinely inspecting houseplants enables you to observe and correct most problems before they get out of control. You will be able to spot insect or disease problems before they get too serious.

Knowing when to give your indoor tropical plants attention – and when to back off – is the secret to long term success.

Mark Cullen appears on Canada AM every Wednesday morning at 8:40. He is spokesperson for Home Hardware Lawn and Garden. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter at www.markcullen.com.