70 | CANADIAN LIVING NOVEMBER 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY,^UNSPLASH,^ ISTOCKPOTTING PREP
Plant pots are available in virtually any size, shape,
colour and material—the one thing to remember
when choosing a vessel is to make sure the bottom
has proper drainage holes.
Plants that have outgrown their pots are not
happy, and they show it. Watch for roots that are
coming out of the holes in the drainage pot, signs
that the plant is no longer stable in its pot, if it wilts
only a couple days after watering, or if a white crust
(an accumulation of mineral salts) forms on the
sides of the container. If these signs are evident,
it’s time for repotting.
Select a new pot that’s a size bigger than the old
one, which means about an inch or more in diame-
ter. To prep plants for being transferred, water
them the night before so the soil is moist and eas-
ier to work with. On the day of, lay down some soil
in the new pot as a base for your plant and add some
water to moisten it. Carefully lift and move plants to
their new homes, disturbing the roots as little as
possible. Tuck in more soil around the plant to
about an inch below the lip of the pot. Tip: If you’ve
discovered a white crust of mineral deposits on your
plant, proceed with a “soil leaching” before repot-
ting: Place the pot in the sink and give the plant lots
of water. Continue watering until the liquid running
out of the drainage holes is clear, not discoloured,
before moving the plant to another vessel.FERTILIZER
FACTS
Natural fertilizers like liquid
seaweed or soluble feed help
your plants grow. Add them
to the soil during the plants’
active period (March to Oct-
ober) every two months, or
every month for those with
fast growth spurts. Avoid
fertilizing sick plants, those
with dry soil, or specimens
that have just been repotted,
as new soil usually already
contains fertilizer—wait at
least a month.LEAF LESSONS
Dusty houseplants are a
no-no. Gently clean large
leaves with a soft cloth or
place small plants in the
bathtub and wash them
with soapy water before
rinsing clean. Use a tooth-
brush or paintbrush on
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Regular care is the best pre-
ventive treatment for insect
pests, so inspect your plants
regularly and treat them
with the proper care.HUMIDITY HELPERS
Plants like 40 to 60 percent humidity, as a general rule, which can be
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placed near your plants and far from your heat vents will undoubt-
edly help. It’s also possible to increase humidity levels by making a
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plant on top. The stones keep the pot from sitting right in the water
and humidity is created as the water evaporates.Spider plantChinese evergreensAspidistraPonytail palmEASY-CARE
PLANT CHOICES- Chinese evergreens (which can be
toxic) can thrive in environments with
low or dappled light. - Aspidistras thrive in dappled to
bright light, but don’t like direct sun. - Snake plants are very easy to take
care of, but are potentially toxic. - Ponytail palms enjoy bright light,
but can also live in medium light
surroundings. - Dracaena is not a demanding species,
but it prefers warm temperatures.
Place it in front of a west- or south-
facing window. - Spider plants are tolerant of a variety
of environmental conditions. Their
discreet flowers are beautiful but not
long-lasting.