![]() ![]() Transporting Plants Skip to Transporting PlantsĪfter selecting healthy plants, protecting them from light, temperature, or wind extremes during transport is vital. Therefore these plants should be avoided. Leaf shines, however, consist of an unnatural polish that clogs stomates. Many houseplants are sprayed with “leaf shines” to make them more attractive. And finally, inspect leaf-axils and the undersides of the leaves for signs of insects or diseases. Girdled rootsindicate that the plant has been confined in a pot for too long, which can stunt its growth ( Figure 18–3). The roots should be growing towards the bottom or sides of the pot but not circling horizontally around the inside. For most species, a healthy root system has white or tan roots. Gently slide the plant out of the pot to examine the roots. It should fit snuggly in its pot, and its roots should not be pushing out of the pot. (If solid green, the foliage should not be faded or “washed out.” If variegated, the leaves' colors should contrast and not be reverting back to solid green.) Evaluate whether the plant is properly potted in its container. The foliage should be turgid, with no necrosis, chlorosis, tears, or holes. The potting mix or media should be weed-free. Plant growth should be stocky and sturdy, not spindly. Plants should be full and lush with no empty areas or dead material. When shopping for a new plant, pick up the pot and view it from all sides. The first step toward successful container gardening is to start with healthy, attractive, high-quality plants. Start With High-Quality Plants Skip to Start With High-Quality Plants This chapter first explores what all container-grown plants have in common and then reviews the differences between outdoor and indoor container gardening. Indoor and outdoor container-grown plants share many characteristics, but each situation also has some unique needs. Correct management of growth factors-light, water, temperature, air movement, relative humidity, and fertilization-and the proper growing medium are the keys to success with container-grown plants. The possibilities are endless-with new exciting plant varieties that thrive in containers and the bounty of beautiful containers that can be found at local retailers and garden centers.Īll plants need the same basic environmental conditions to survive. Gardeners with physical limitations may find that plants in raised containers are easier to maintain than those planted in the ground. Outdoor containers offer people without a large yard or garden the opportunity to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers for personal enjoyment ( Figure 18–2). Indoor container plants not only improve air quality but also help to enhance the visual interest of a home ( Figure 18–1). Planting in containers allows a gardener to easily make changes in location if sunlight or temperatures do not encourage plant growth. Plants grown in containers offer homeowners flexibility, whether the plants are houseplants indoors or colorful annuals on an outdoor patio. ![]()
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