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Green and growing isn’t a common phrase for January in Hastings, NE. Wherever I look outside all see is white and frozen. Adding the words houseplants with green and growing conjures up all sorts of creative thoughts, such as warmth, and even satisfaction. Houseplants have their own special way of demanding attention. Each plant has a unique culture of its own. I challenge anyone to take the time to learn the basics of houseplants. Spending time with houseplants makes me feel like some sort of scientist as I discover the cultural conditions necessary for the plant to thrive.

All houseplants are not equal. I’m not just talking size and shape, though it is necessary to balance both features to the space where I want to add a spot of green. Not equal has meanings of different plant requirements for water, humidity, light and temperature. The scientific challenge is to match plant needs with the indoor environment.

There are many benefits of growing indoor plants that refer to as houseplants. Research tells me that plants remove carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Oxygen makes me more alert and efficient. Plants filter the air from contaminants and toxins that are in the carpets, furniture and office equipment. Several of these contaminants are known to cause problems such as headaches, respiratory irritation, skin rashes and even nausea and vomiting. Green plants have a calming nature. Green is a peaceful color. I am generally happier and more content when around the visual effects of green plants. Creativity and productivity is higher with happy people. Plants act as humidifiers to the home. Homes with plants have higher humidity which in turn reduces respiratory issue. Plants need attention. Working with plants, whether I am merely watering, or doing some tough stuff like propagating, leaf cleaning, pruning, or fertilizing, gives me the pleasure of touch.

The University of Nebraska has two NebGuides available for houseplant enthusiasts. These fliers, “Guide to Selecting Houseplants – G837” and “Propagating Houseplants – G1853” are available at the Adams County Extension. Master Gardeners think both of these are great help with identifying the plants most likely to succeed in the house or office as they identity the plants needs of light, water and temperature,

Determining the location I want to fill with a green plant also helps identify what I can grow in that space. If I want a plant in the center of the room, I need a plant that grows in the shade or with little direct light. If I want a plant that requires bright light, then I have one that fits the window ledge or by the window. A rule of thumb for keeping plants green and growing is to match as nearly as possible the environment from which the plant originated. An example would be the Croton plant which originates from Malaysia and the Pacific Islands. Rain forest conditions of heavy rains and medium to high light needs would tell me that my croton needs a window location and maintaining a wet, well drained root ball.

Most houseplants come with a tag stating light and water needs. A tag of high, medium, or low takes much of the guesswork from my scientific effort. A plant marked as high light needs, (most cactus, rubber plant, burro’s tail, croton, etc.) means a sunlit window with strong, reflected or indirect light. Simply stated, this means long hours of good light from a south window. A plant marked medium light (philodendron, spider plant, dieffenbachia, peace lily, etc.) should be placed in a well lit area out of direct sun, which is usually 4-8 feet away from the window, or 2-4 hours of sunlight from a west or east window. A plant marked low light needs, (pothas, bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, etc) can be placed more than 8 feet from a window, or by filtered light in a north window. Artificial light from a fluorescent bulb can be an excellent way to fulfill light requirements of the plant. This is worth noting if you wish to maintain a plant at the office where it’s doubtful a window is available.

Follow suggested plant guidelines for watering as well. I touch the soil to determine the need to water. When a plant feels dry on the surface, I water thoroughly. Since pot size varies, as well as my soil mass, I simply can’t do the plants justice by merely watering once a week. Most of my plants seem to thrive best with 5 day watering cycles. It took me almost a year to get plants, containers and watering cycles coordinated to my work schedule.

Though light and water are the most critical issues of houseplant culture, other management issues such as pest control (insects and diseases), fertilization of houseplants, propagating (dividing and reproducing) are required. I guess these topics will just have to wait until next time. If you are interested in trying your green thumb abilities, now is the time to buy a houseplant.

About the author: Don Siffring

Don Siffring is a 6 year Master Gardener with the University of Nebraska Extension in Adams County. He is a professor emeritus with the University of NE, Institute of Agriculture. Don works part-time as a Horticulture Aide with UNL Extension in Adams County. Don and his wife, Bev, retired to the Hastings Community in in 2003 to be closer to their married daughter and husband, Christi and Brian Berns of Bladen.