Lesson 7 - Understand the care of plants in an interior situation Flashcards
List the environmental factors that must be taken into account when displaying plants inside domestic buildings
Environment, temperature, humidity, light, air movement, irrigation requirements, pollution and dust problems, health and safety, public pedestrian traffic.
Describe the temperature challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Normal day time and night time temperatures must be taken into account - a maximum-minimum thermometer can be used.
Temperature must be correct for photosynthesis.
If the night time temperature is too high, respiration will exceed energy created from photosynthesis during the day, and the plant may die.
Some plants require a period of dormancy which cannot be achieved in a house, and so temperate plants aren’t often kept indoors.
Draughts from windows may make temperatures too low for the plant
Over radiators are often too hot
Fluctuations in temperature are damaging to plants.
Describe the humidity challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Humidity in a how is usually below 40%, yet most houseplants prefer a relative humidity of 60%. Plants may come from greenhouses that have their preferred humidity, and so may need acclimatisation to the house.
Insufficient relative humidity may result in brown or blackened leaf tips and dehydrated patches.
Humidity may need to be altered with gravel or pebble trays, grouping plants together, using small humidifier units, damping down in conservatories and greenhouses, or hand misting.
Describe the light challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Plants require light for photosynthesis, and indoors the light intensity may not be strong enough.
In low light intensities, leaves turn yellow and fall. If too high, leaves can scorch and curl.
Plants must be picked to fit the light intensity.
The correct light duration is required for plants to flower, and longer days result in more vegetative growth. This might not be desirable if plants are already the correct size.
The correct light quality can be hard to achieve artificially, and special lights may be needed for good growth
Describe the air movement challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Describe the irrigation requirements and challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Different plants require different watering schedules. The size of the container and the size of the plant affects it. Younger plants require more water than older plants. Clay pots require more watering than plastic pots. A sandy compost requires more watering than a high in peat one. In winter they require less water than in summer. High light and temperatures mean more water is needed.
under watering results in wilting, loss of leaves and flowers and death. Over watering may result in little oxygen in the compost causing root rot.
Overhead watering can result in fungus gnats.
Mains water can have large quantities of calcium carbonate in (not good for ericaceous plants!) and also chlorine. Using rainwater is preferable. Hard water splashing on leaves leaves white spots from the lime.
Describe the pollution and dust problems and challenges when displaying plants in a domestic building
Dust can cover the leaves of plants, reducing the plants ability to photosynthesise. Dust also blocks the stomata, which can reduce transpiration. Leaves should be cleaned with warm water a drop of mild washing up liquid. Do not handle newly emerged leaves. A soft brush can be used for hairy leaves.
Describe the health and safety requirements when displaying plants in a domestic building
Plants can be toxic to animals and people, so keeping them out of reach of animals and children is important.
Containers can be heavy, so must be secure if they are up high.
Plants should be checked for pests regularly, so that pests aren’t introduced to the household.
Care must be taken when moving heavy containers around the house.
Describe the challenges of public pedestrian traffic when displaying plants in a domestic building
Describe the choice of suitable containers for house plants
Visual appeal,
drainage
hygiene
Management considerations
Describe the choice of suitable growing media for house plants
Nutrients, drainage, hygiene, water retention
It should be loose (permitting adequate air exchange between the soil atmosphere and the air above the composts surface), well drained, pest and disease free and a suitable pH for the plants. The qualities should fit the plant being grown ie a cactus may need more drainage so it should be more sand incorporated.
Name one fern
Adiantum raddianum
Name one fern
Adiantum raddianum
Name one foliage plant
Ficus benjamina
Name 3 seasonal flowering plants
Euphorbia pulcherrima
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Saintpaulia ionantha
Describe the temperature requirements of Adiantum raddianum
Prefer cooler conditions , can be happy down to 10 deg C. Above 24 deg C and they need higher humidity levels.
Describe the potting of Adiantum raddianum
Moisture retentive compost is needed, with good drainage. Peat based and coir based composts are good. pH around 6.5. Clay pots are preferable.
Use the double potting procedure - pot inside a pot, with the gap filled with sphagnum moss.
Describe the feeding of Adiantum raddianum
Feed with standard fertiliser during the spring and summer months. Not heavy feeders. Once a month is adequate.
Describe the watering of Adiantum raddianum
Keep compost slightly moist at all times. Water when the top 2cm of compost becomes slightly dry when touched.
Describe the deadheading of Adiantum raddianum
They do not produce flowers. Remove older fronds that are deteriorating.
