Clean Plants Make The Most Of Winter
by Gail Hirst
December 21st, 2010 10:07 AM
During a regular staff evaluation recently, I mentioned that dust on one plant was beginning to become evident. The plant appeared to be clean, but I was able to pull off quite a bit with my bare hand. Never mind giving it the white-glove test!
The trouble, she pointed out, was that this had been one of the longest “summers” we’d ever had. It was well past the time we would normally be deluged with rain. Hence, plants were still requiring substantial amounts of water, particularly as many office buildings had already turned their air-conditioning off and the heat on.
The same thing happens in homes. Daytimes are bright, sunny and warm but because outdoors the evenings are cold, heat systems are kicking in, drying the plants out that much faster. This Horticultural Consultant reminded me that during the summer, when plants require a substantial amount of water, cleaning routines need to relax a bit because of all the water being hauled to the plants. But winter is the time to really go to town, cleaning all plants thoroughly throughout the course of the darker months.
This cleaning during the winter accomplishes two goals. First, clean plants can use light more effectively. This means that during our grey, winter months, your plants can make the most of any and all light – even that hazy grey – to photosynthesize, survive and thrive. Second, plants that are clean are much more resistant to pest infestations. In addition, when plants are clean an infestation or infection is much easier to spot in the early stages, so you don’t have to wait until it is full blown. Thus appropriate treatment can be applied with greater chance of success
How does one clean a plant like the poinsettia, for example? In truth, one doesn’t do much. You cannot spray a cleansing potion on any foliage that is fuzzy, hairy or absent of cuticle. I like to take a clean, soft bristled toothbrush and gently brush these leaves clean.
For plants with a cuticle (shiny surfaced leaves) a light dusting followed by enthusiastic buffing using a swiffer-type cloth can accomplish miracles. If you try to wash a dirty plant with water it can turn to a nasty mud that is difficult to remove off foliage.
Christmas generally means the lovely and colourful poinsettia will join our standard foliage friends to commemorate the holiday season. Much has been written about the care and feeding of the poinsettia. Briefly, you’ll want to let it get dry to touch prior to a thorough watering. Don’t let them sit in water, and keep them away from drafts. Remember they are quite brittle, so transport them carefully.
As I look around me, I see I have my own work cut out for me before I bring any seasonal colour into our lives!
Warmest best wishes for wonderful, happy and sage Christmas and New Years celebrations. Remember, bloom where you are planted!
Gail Hirst is an Interior Landscape Specialist. 604 984-6341 or plantpal@telus.net
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 06 - Jan 07
The trouble, she pointed out, was that this had been one of the longest “summers” we’d ever had. It was well past the time we would normally be deluged with rain. Hence, plants were still requiring substantial amounts of water, particularly as many office buildings had already turned their air-conditioning off and the heat on.
The same thing happens in homes. Daytimes are bright, sunny and warm but because outdoors the evenings are cold, heat systems are kicking in, drying the plants out that much faster. This Horticultural Consultant reminded me that during the summer, when plants require a substantial amount of water, cleaning routines need to relax a bit because of all the water being hauled to the plants. But winter is the time to really go to town, cleaning all plants thoroughly throughout the course of the darker months.
This cleaning during the winter accomplishes two goals. First, clean plants can use light more effectively. This means that during our grey, winter months, your plants can make the most of any and all light – even that hazy grey – to photosynthesize, survive and thrive. Second, plants that are clean are much more resistant to pest infestations. In addition, when plants are clean an infestation or infection is much easier to spot in the early stages, so you don’t have to wait until it is full blown. Thus appropriate treatment can be applied with greater chance of success
How does one clean a plant like the poinsettia, for example? In truth, one doesn’t do much. You cannot spray a cleansing potion on any foliage that is fuzzy, hairy or absent of cuticle. I like to take a clean, soft bristled toothbrush and gently brush these leaves clean.
For plants with a cuticle (shiny surfaced leaves) a light dusting followed by enthusiastic buffing using a swiffer-type cloth can accomplish miracles. If you try to wash a dirty plant with water it can turn to a nasty mud that is difficult to remove off foliage.
Christmas generally means the lovely and colourful poinsettia will join our standard foliage friends to commemorate the holiday season. Much has been written about the care and feeding of the poinsettia. Briefly, you’ll want to let it get dry to touch prior to a thorough watering. Don’t let them sit in water, and keep them away from drafts. Remember they are quite brittle, so transport them carefully.
As I look around me, I see I have my own work cut out for me before I bring any seasonal colour into our lives!
Warmest best wishes for wonderful, happy and sage Christmas and New Years celebrations. Remember, bloom where you are planted!
Gail Hirst is an Interior Landscape Specialist. 604 984-6341 or plantpal@telus.net
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Dec 06 - Jan 07
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