Guest guest Posted January 19, 2005 Report Share Posted January 19, 2005 GARDEN TREASURES: HOUSEPLANTS Spider mites like it very hot and dry---so try to keep your plants from drying out and getting too hot--mist them a few times a week and give them a " bath " a few times a month with a soap spray. ( A little dish soap in a spray bottle of water). You can clean your plants by dampening a soft cloth with plaint water and wipe the surface of each leaf. You can also give your plants a " shower " to rinse them. Don't do this to African Violets or plants with fuzzy foliage. Give your plants good circulation too--don't crowd them. Always remove dead foliage and blooms as soon as you can. Keep your plants clean! Always use a good clean potting soil when you repot your plants. All of your tools should be clean too. Use a wire brush to remove dirt that is tough to get off, and remove rust with steel wool or light sandpaper. Spray the metal parts with a lubricant or rub very lightly to discourage rust. When repotting a plant into a used pot clean it first. You soak the pots in 1 part bleach to 10 parts warm or hot water, then scrub the pots clean with a brush. Rinse and dry the pot before using. One more thing to look for on your plants: mealy bug, scale, and aphids secrete a honeydew on the leaf which is sticky. If you see or feel this, start looking for the pest. MORE GARDEN TIPS: Subscriber, Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, who is an Ornamental Entomologist sent in some tips on preventive pest control! http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/plant-tips.html -- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. -Unknown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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