Repotting

April 18, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

Spring is here wich means its a great time to start repotting plants.

Plants should be moved into larger containers as they grow. Unless more space is provided for the plant’s roots, they can become pot-bound. That is, the roots of the plant become cramped and form a tightly packed mass that inhibits growth. The most obvious sign is when you can see roots on the surface of the soil or emerging from the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.

 If the plant seems to stop growing or has slowed growth, it has likely become pot-bound. If it’s a small plant, turn the pot on its side and ease the plant out of its container. Take a peek at its roots. Are they coiled in the bottom of the pot? If so, it’s definitely time to repot.

How to repot:

  1. To remove the plant from its original pot, turn it on its side and ease the plant gently from the pot. If the plant won’t budge, you may have to tap the bottom of the pot on a hard surface to loosen it. Or, slide a trowel or knife around the inside of the pot, taking care not to damage the rootball.
  2. If the roots are coiled around the bottom, use your fingers to pull them straight. Prune the roots before potting. Pruning will stimulate new root growth and help the plant establish in its new container.
  3.  Partly fill the new container with potting mix. Center the plant in its container, then fill the sides of the plant with additional mix. Tamp it down with your fingers, especially around the sides of the pot.
  4. Water thoroughly to moisten roots and to settle potting mix. Add more mix if needed.

We know how busy you are….allow us to help with your repotting service. We have the expertise and all the necessary supplies. We have soil containers so all you need to do is bring your plant down to the store at 161 Main Ave E and we can repot it for you and save you the mess!

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Our Secret for “Shininy” Leaves

April 12, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

We are always asked, either here at the store or while servicing accounts, “How do you keep your plants so “shinny”?

First of all a healthy plant puts on new growth which looks healthy but what we use to give the foliage that extra “shinny” look is Pokon. 

I have used it for years with great success. It even seems to repel dust once you have cleaned the plant and use on a regular basis. Another advantage is it takes care of “water spots” just spray, no wiping!

More info on this product and others can be found here on our website. Or stop in at the store at 161 Main Ave East and we can answer questions about this and other’s you might have.

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Spring has finally sprung!

April 4, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

 Surprise someone with a living plant.  It’s a living gift that keeps on giving!

A few tips to keep your plants beautiful all year:

  • Always use lukewarm water when watering plants to avoid chilling the roots.
  • Most flowering plants require more light than foliage plants. Watch leaves for signs of improper light conditions. If they start turning yellow, move the plant to a spot where it will get less light. And, if your flowering types have deep green leaves and few blossoms, give them more light.
  • Give pots a quarter turn each time you water so the plants won’t lean toward the light and get lopsided.
  • When you touch the soil with your finger and feel no moisture, that’s a good time to water
  • It’s a good idea to fertilize your plants from March to September about once every couple weeks, when they do most of their growing

  • If you notice many roots wrapped around the potted soil or a solid root mass, with not much visible soil, it’s time to re-pot. The new container should be an inch or two wider, as well as deeper, than the old pot.

    • We have some great new products in the store. Stop by and check them out!

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