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Water â€"- a basic need for house plants by Ruth Friendship Horticulture Specialist Rural Organizations and Services Branch Low humidity is a common prob, lem in homes. especially during the winter months and is one of the chin factors responsible for failure in growing house plants. Humidifiers or air conditioners improve the moisture content of the air. Fans of wtllL‘T placed on radiators or hot air regis- lers can also help. Misting with water |\ beneficial to many plants but should be avoided on those \\i[h hairy or fuzzy leaves such as African Violet or Begonia. The hairs of these leaves trap the water droplets thus eneonr~ aging the development of diseme. As well as water in the air. plants require water in their growing marlin. Lack of water can cause a eheek in growth. leaf shedding and unslightly plants with dull unattractive foliage. Too much water results in a lack of oxygen in the soil and promotes the death and decay of roots and plant parts at the soil level. When and how often should you water? Once a day? Or once a week? Plants should be watered according to their individual requirements based on environmental conditions. type and size of plant. kind of growing media and the container size and type. During hot. sunny days plants will require more frequent watering than on cool. cloudy days. When watering always add sufficient water to wet the soil right to the bottom of the pot. The appearance of the soil surface usually indicates when water is re quired a but don‘t be fooled! Some growing mixes will dry out quickly at the surface while remaining wet deeper down, Use your finger to check the soil further down in the pot and check the drainage holclx) to see if the .sOi] is net at the bottom of the pot. If the pot is made of Cid}. tappe ing the \icle.» will indicate dryne». A dry pot will give a clear ringingI sound when tapped. 1f the mix is wet the pot will give a dull sound. H & C Summer ‘85 I7