HO-39
YARD AND GARDEN
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA 47907
HOUSE PLANT CARE
John A. Wott, Extension home environment horticulturist
House plants help create a pleasant home environment. Small plants add color and scenery to windows or tables, while larger ones soften and blend with groups of furniture. An important part of the "indoor landscape," plants create a feeling of spaciousness and coolness, even in the warmest weather.
If you have often been puzzled as to why some house plants thrive while others refuse to flourish, even with tenderest care, this publication is for you. Most house plant problems can be easily corrected and even more easily prevented.
First, realize that most of the foliage plants known as house plants are really native to tropical forests. Therefore, it is necessary to create an environment that meets the basic requirements of a very tropical creature. This is why, for instance, most house plants prefer a humid atmosphere and indirect light. Of course, there are exceptions, and these are discussed also. Keep in mind that good, sound cultural methods, preventive care, and careful attention are the best substitutes for a green thumb.
Light
This publication includes a partial guide to the light requirements of some common houseplants. Use it as a guide for the selection and placement of your house plants. See Tables 2-4.
Plants vary considerably in their light requirement. For example, plants such as the Croton need direct sunlight, while Philodendron will grow under lower light intensities. If plants are grown in insufficient light, their leaves turn yellow and die.
If window sill space is in short supply, hang basket planters, make glass shelves, or build a "bay window greenhouse" by extending the window and adding shelves for plants requiring higher light intensities. Light from reading lamps is also beneficial, but the new "broad spectrum" fluorescent lights are usually better. Generally, artificial fluorescent light 10 to 14 inches above the plants will provide sufficient light for plants requiring medium light intensity, such as the Pothos. A combination of one warm white to one cool white light is best. If your plants appear spindly, they need more light or should be closer to artificial light. For even growth, turn the plants once a week so they receive uniform light on all sides.

Temperature and ventilation
Most house plants grow well between 60 and 75°F. They may be spindly if kept warmer. Always keep them away from hot or cold drafts, warm appliances, and heat registers. Flowering plants will retain blossoms longer if lower temperatures are provided. Temperatures above 75°F. hasten the death of flowers and make plants more spindly as well as less resistant to disease and insect attack.