- Jody LukatichHorticulture
Hi-Desert Gardening
Winter is a special season here in the hi-desert. Unlike the lower elevations of Southern California, we will experience some below-freezing temperatures at this time of year. Sometimes we are even treated to a little snowfall! Yet despite some late-night and early morning lows that may dip into the "teens" and "twenties", the daytimes are usually quite mild and filled with sunshine. So there are still many winter days that you can be out in your yard and garden. Consider the following winter chores:
OUTDOOR GARDENING:
1. Watering. Although it need not be nearly as frequent as it was during warmer weather, some irrigation is still necessary for most of your cultivated trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Natural precipitation in winter can be minimal, so it is important to maintain some soil moisture. Both evergreen and deciduous plants may be dormant, but they cannot be allowed to dehydrate.
2. Pruning. Now is a good time to prune most anything in your landscape before new growth resumes in the spring. It is especially advantageous to prune and thin deciduous trees and shrubs while there is no foliage, because it is easier to see the form and framework of the branches.
3. Planting. Yes, you can plant most anything available as long as it is purchased locally where it has had some time to acclimate to our weather conditions. (Plants from "down below" are probably too succulent to withstand a sudden cold). This is the only time of year when bare root stock becomes available. A wide selection of fruit and shade trees, roses, grapes and other deciduous flowering shrubs and vines are offered at your local nursery and garden shop. If you purchase a living Christmas tree, it should be planted soon after the holidays, because it can easily blow over, dry out or be forgotten if you wait until spring. In all plantings, be sure to use the proper procedures and products including planter mix, preplant fertilizer and Vitamin B1 or Superthrive. And don't forget to keep all new plantings watered.
4. Garden Preparation. If you have a vegetable garden plot, it would be wise to get it ready now by working in planter mix and/or manure and vegetable garden fertilizer. With a few waterings and perhaps some winter rain, the soil will have a chance to "mellow" and will be ready for spring planting.
INDOOR GARDENING:
When the weather is too cold or windy for outdoor work, but your green thumb is still itching, why not concentrate on your indoor plants? I certainly hope that you have at least some indoor plants because they are definitely of value both aesthetically and psychologically. Consider these words taken from the introduction to Ortho's Complete Guide to Successful Houseplants (1984, 1992, p.6)
"Why do we have a fondness for plants in our homes?" If all we're looking for is a particular shape, texture or color, wouldn't something else--a piece of furniture, an urn or a basket--do as well? The answer is a resounding no. In this technological age, there is a need to stay in touch with nature--a desire to have living, growing things around us. A happy, healthy plant fulfills these needs and supplies a sense of accomplishment."
There is no question that properly placed living plants add considerably to the warmth and beauty of a room. Just flip through any home decorating magazine or glance at any advertisement for home furnishings and you will see plants--lots of them. And, of course, there can be just as much joy and satisfaction in growing and caring for indoor plants as there is with plants in your outdoor landscape.
Successful indoor plant gardening begins with the basic knowledge of what a particular plant species requires. Just because it is called a houseplant does not mean that it will thrive anywhere indoors. The most critical cultural factors that must be considered are the proper amounts of light, water and humidity. Most indoor plants prefer what I call good indirect or filtered light, avoiding the extremes of direct sunlight or low, poor light. This is because the majority of houseplants are native to the tropics where they flourish under the shade canopy of large trees. And the rain forest is so named because of the frequent and abundant rainfall, therefore most indoor plants prefer a consistently moist soil. However, despite the abundant rainfall, the soil of the tropics is generally shallow and drains quickly, so this also indicates that you should avoid the soggy condition when you water your potted plants. I should add an additional word of caution regarding watering. At this time of year, and into the early spring, our local tap water can become very cold (due to the above-ground storage tanks), so be sure to either draw a little hot to warm it slightly or allow the filled watering can to sit awhile and adjust to room temperature. Pouring very cold water on a warm tropical plant could definitely shock and harm it.
The tropics are also very humid, so for some indoor plants this becomes an important factor. The air in your home tends to be dry, especially in the winter when heat is on and in the summer if you have refrigeration-type air conditioning. (Evaporative coolers, however, will actually add humidity). Some indoor plants have thick, waxy leaves so are less vulnerable to dry air. These include the succulents, as well as species of Philodendron, Ficus, Dracaena and Aglaonema. For those plants requiring fairly high humidity such as Ferns, Piggyback, Begonia, Fittonia, Aphelandra, Alocassia, Calathia and Orchid, there are certain methods by which you can create or conserve humidity. A portable humidifier is an obvious solution, but here are some other techniques:
LOCATION. Avoid the really dry areas of a room, such as those in direct line of heating or air conditioning vents. Consider the spots where water is present such as kitchens, bathrooms or perhaps a room with a spa or fountain.
MISTING. Use a trigger sprayer to moisten foliage as often as you like, but be sure to use only mineral-free water (distilled, deionized or rainwater) to prevent the accumulation of unsightly, and sometimes harmful, minerals and salts.
HUMIDITY TRAY. Set the potted plant on a large plate or saucer that contains a layer of pebbles. Keep water added within the pebble layer (but not above it) and the evaporation will create a microclimate of humidity.
TERRARIUMS. Like miniature greenhouses, these containers will confine the moisture. They need not be completely covered to be effective. Even open bowls and brandy snifters help to conserve the humidity for the plants within the glass walls.
GROUPING. Keeping a number of plants within close proximity will also create a microclimate of humidity as moisture is given off by the foliage and pots of moist soil.
Besides the proper amount of light, water and humidity, your indoor plants require periodic and proper fertilizing. Although any good potting soil contains a variety of plant nutrients, these will be depleted in time with plant absorption and the leaching from watering. It is therefore necessary to apply plant foods regularly according to label directions. It is usually better to apply more frequent mild doses than less frequent full-strength amounts. The soil should be at least slightly moist when fertilizers are applied to reduce the possibility of root burn. Make sure that the product has a recommendation for indoor plants. I prefer those that are applied as a liquid solution. As good as any one brand may be, consider alternating feedings with different products. Chemical formulas vary and each product can have a slightly different effect on the plant and the soil. Organics such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract are beneficial because they contain trace elements and enzymes that promote the production of certain microorganisms that occur in a "natural" soil. Regular proper feeding not only promotes growth and good color, but a healthy, vigorous plant may be less susceptible to disease.
This leads us to another facet of indoor plant care. You may need to treat for certain insects or diseases. Make it a point to inspect each plant as you water. It is much easier to control and eliminate a problem if you catch it early. Use only products that are formulated for indoor plants. Some chemicals are too strong for delicate tropical foliage or too noxious to be applied indoors. With some knowledge and experience, you will discover that certain plants are prone to certain bugs or diseases. If you can't identify a problem, consult a plant professional, perhaps taking along a specimen. I urge you to search out a plant expert, not only for advice and service, but for quality, cared for, plants. If you start out with a truly healthy plant, your chances are much greater for success. Remember-- a sickly, neglected plant at a cheap price is no bargain.
To summarize, an indoor plant is totally dependent on you. You must locate it for the proper light exposure and provide the correct amount of moisture and humidity. It relies upon you for all of its nutrition and any treatment for pests and diseases. Avoid the extremes. Many plants suffer and die simply because they receive too much or too little of the critical elements of light, water, humidity or fertilizer. However, with consistent and proper care, your indoor plants will reward you with great joy and beauty. In upcoming issues of Hi-Desert Magazine, I hope to share more information about indoor plants and their care. In the next issue, I will return with "Jody's Top 10 Favorite: Annuals". Happy Holidays!
Jody Lukatich is a California Certified Nursery Professional who holds a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Cal Poly. He operates a commercial indoor plant maintenance service and Jody's Plant Shop in Yucca Valley. He is also familiar to many residents from his many appearances on the stage of the Hi-Desert Playhouse.
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