Suitable for our dry homes, bromeliads have graphic-rich foliage |
How to buy the right houseplant
When looking over the many plants at your favorite garden center, stay away from the plants that are less than robust (and those on the Clearance rack!) Take your time to look over and under leaves, on stems, and examine flower buds.Use technology to help: there are smart phone apps that turn your smart phone into a smart magnifier. You can even snap pictures! I downloaded one for my android phone simply called "Magnifying glass". It works slick.
Desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a drought-tolerant plant for warm sunny windows and patios. |
Help your new plant adjust
If you're wrapping up a plant in a large plastic bag to transport it home/to your office/to a friend, blow into the plastic bag to inflate it and create an air barrier, then tie it shut. This prevents the plastic from transmitting cold if it touches the plant, and possibly cause chilling damage to the plant. Just a little extra protection!Moth orchids (Phaleanopsis) are some of the easiest orchids to grow - and affordable. |
If you do discover your plant is infested, contact the garden center where you purchased it and ask for a replacement. Our webpage Managing insects on on houseplants contains important and helpful information on identification and various management techniques.
What's your favorite houseplant? Let me know at jweisenhorn@umn.edu
--Julie Weisenhorn, Extension Educator, Horticulture