Did you receive any ornamental house plants over the holidays? How are they fairing in your home?

As you might know many of the potted plants that you might have received over the holiday season are not usually meant to be kept as permanent house plants. They’re raised in green houses and often don’t adapt well to the conditions within your home.

Many of them do not like being kept at high temperatures. If you want to prolong their life try to keep them in full sunlight, in rooms that are between 65 F and 72 F.

If you haven’t already removed the foil around the plants pot you should do that now The foil might be preventing the plant’s pot from draining properly and roots might stay too wet and die off.

If you have Amaryllis blooming in your home right now remember to cut the faded flowers. You don’t want seeds to form as that robs the bulb of energy that should be put toward next nears growth.

House plants with large leaves such as Philodendron, Dracaena, and rubber plant will benefit from a leave wash on occasion. Rinse with clear water or a damp clothe to remove dust and grime as this will keep the leaves pores open, and help keep your plant healthy.

If you want to reflect more light towards your houseplants you can line the window sills or shelves that the plants are sitting on with aluminum foil as it will reflect the light and provide a little bit of extra light for the houseplants.

If you live in an area with mild winters remember to check your window boxes and other outside containers that might have evergreen plants in them to see if they need watering.