HOUSEPLANTS
Common sources of indoor air pollution:
Formaldehyde Carpeting, pressed wood, fiberboard, foam insulation, paper products
Hydrocarbons Vinyl furniture, detergents, fabric softeners
Nitrogen dioxide Malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, leaking chimneys
Benzene Glue, spot remover, paint, varnish, paint stripper
Methylene chloride Paint stripper, aerosols
Trichloroethylene Ink, paint, lacquer, varnish, adhesive
Best air pollution absorbers:
Formaldehyde Bamboo palm, ‘janet craig’ dracaena, snake plant, peace lily
Benzene Florist’s mum, peace lily, ‘warneckei’ dracaena, Madagascar dragontree
Trichloroethylene Madagascar dragontree, peace lily, Bamboo palm, ‘janet craig’
dracaena
The best of the best, in approximate order of efficiency
For cleaning the air of pollutants:
1. boston fern 2. florist’s mum
3. pygmy date palm 4. ‘janet craig’ dracaena
5. ‘kimberly queen’ fern 6. bamboo palm
7. rubber plant 8. English ivy
9. weeping fig 10. peace lily
11. areca palm 12. corn plant
HELPING SHORT DAY PLANTS BLOOM
(POINSETTIA) (PHOTOTROPISM)
Phototropism is the natural tendency of plants to grow towards a light source. Indoor plants
will usually bend toward a window. Rotate plants periodically to avoid excessive growth on
the side nearest the light.
Several popular short-day houseplants exist, but the best known are holiday cacti and
poinsettia. In the average home, which is illuminated at night, these plants may never
bloom. Even a streetlight or garden lamp shining down on them is enough to prevent
flowering. You can help them to bloom in time for the holidays by taking a few easy steps.
If your climate is frost free, simply put short day plants outdoors in the fall, in a spot where
they wont receive any light other than daylight. Make sure they are protected from
streetlamps and even car headlights.
Indoors, starting around October 1, put short day plants in a dark closet or cover them with
a cardboard box in the evening, then expose them to bright light again in the morning.
They need a full 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness.
A FEW GUIDELINES ABOUT LIGHT
Intense: 0-2’ from a south window, 0-1’ from a west window
Bright: 0-0.5’ from a north, 0-4’ from an east, 2-6’ from a south, and 0.5-4’ from a west
window
Medium: 0.5-4’ from a north, 4-6’ from an east, 6-8’ from a south, and 4-6’ from a west
window
Low: 4-6’ from a north, 6-8’ from an east, 8-10’ from a south, and 6-8’ from a west window
A sheer curtain lessens the light intensity and heat in a south or west window, making the
conditions appropriate for medium to bright light plant.
Flowering plants usually need bright to intense light, but some fare well in medium light.
A south window provides direct light farther into the room in winter than in the summer, but
heat build up is greater in the summer.
The intensity of direct light varies according to the season. When the sun is higher in the
sky (in the summer in the northern hemisphere), the light is hotter and more intense, but
reaches less distance into the room. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, providing direct
light father into the room but with less intensity.
Low light plants usually do well in east, northeast, or north windows, where they get mostly
indirect light.
A west window is usually hotter than a south window because of the concentrated quality of
the sunlight in the late afternoon.
An east window strikes a nice compromise between heat and intensity. It receives full sun in
the morning hours when the temperature is still cool. Most flowering plants thrive under
such conditions.
Decorator’s secret! Do you really want a high light plant in a low light location? Most plants
do okay with only two weeks exposure, so: Buy two identical plants and keep one in a high
light location and the other in the dimly lit location where you want it. Switch the plants every
two weeks.
East windows get high exposure (intensity) during the morning, and it wanes throughout the
day. West windows get low exposure (intensity) during the morning and it waxes throughout
the evening. South windows start dim, wax to high, then wane to dim. North windows are
always dim exposure. (All notes are written for northern hemisphere)
Plants that tolerate low light (dim reading level):
Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant, ponytail palm, bamboo palm, dieffenbachia, dracaena,
English ivy, philodendron, lady palm, snake plant, peace lily. Many florist plants bought in
full bloom can be maintained in dim light for a while.
Plants that need medium light (good light but little direct sun):
Maidenhair fern, lipstick plant, Anthurium, Norfolk pine, birds nest fern, begonia, caladium,
spider plant, columnea, sago palm, fig, nerve plant, wax plant, jewel orchid, prayer plant,
swiss cheese plant, blushing bromeliad, oxalis, screwpine, slipper orchid, peperomia, moth
orchid, Swedish ivy, Buddhist pine, aralia, table fern, chine doll, easter cactus, mistletoe
cactus, African violet, schefflera, Christmas cactus, moss fern, babys tears, air plant.
Plants that need bright light:
Chenille plant, orchid pansy, vase plant, aloe, pineapple, bamboo, browalia, yesterday-
today-tomorrow, ornamental pepper, areca palm, florist mum, citrus, croton, coffee plant,
jade, siam tulip, umbrella plant, venus flytrap, orchid cactus, evergreen euonymous,
poinsettia, Persian violet, Japanese aralia, fuschia, gardenia, velevet plant, amaryllis, florist
hydrangea, polka dot plant, impatiens, bloodleaf, shrimp plant, mandevilla, banana,
oleander, apostle plant, false holly, tropical pitcher plant, pregnant onion, lollipop plant,
avocado, staghorn fern, elephant bush, primrose, azalea, cineria, gloxina, Jerusalem
cherry, coleus, cape primrose, spiderwort, yucca, calla lily.
Plants that need intense light (four or more hours):
Agve, paris daisy, silver torch, euphorbia, heliotrope, jasmine, Kalanchoe, lantana,
bircathcer tree, cape leadwort, dwarf pomengranate, miniature rose, air plant, adenium,
aeonium, dyckia.
WATERING TIPS
Plants benefit from a bath once or twice a year. Spray them gently with tepid water until
soaked. Gently shake to remove excess moisture and allow to drip dry.
Submerge a plant that has become too dry for watering efficiently. Soak for 30 minutes,
then drain.
If you have any other options, don’t use tap water, it is high in chlorine and low in plant
nutrients such as dissolved metals and minerals. Use collected rainwater, bottled spring
water, or aquarium water, or collected stream water. If you use tap water, be sure to fertilize
monthly using an inexpensive dissolvable fertilizer according to package directions.
Let a crowded plant wick up moisture through the holes in t he bottom of the pot by placing
pot inside a dish and watering the dish.
When you are away, get a capillary mat. Or a cheaper solution might be to tie up a clear
plastic bag around your plant, remove from direct sunlight, and thoroughly water before
sealing the bag. The air will circulate, and the plant will live on all available water. Remove
any dead or dying leaves or branches, and all blooms before using this method. Also, you
make a wick system with a nylon stocking. Get one end of the stocking into the roots
through a drainage hole in the pot, the other end of the stocking goes into a bowl of water,
placed higher than the plant root ball. The water travels along the nylon and keeps the soil
moist. More than one plant can be connected to the bowl.
PLANTS HARMFUL TO PEOPLE AND PETS
(toxic if ingested or sap gets on skin)
African milkbush, amaryllis, Anthurium, caladium, chenille plant, Chinese evergreen, clivia,
crinum lily, croton, crown of thorns, dumb cane, English ivy, euphorbia (except poinsettia, it
is not poisonous), fern palm, ficus, heliotrope, Jerusalem cherry, lantana, mandevilla, natal
plum, oleander, ornamental pepper, peace lily, philodendron, pothos, pregnant onion, sago
palm, swiss cheese plant.
PLANTS TO MATCH MICROCLIMATES
Steamy bathroom (with good light): flamingo flower, cape primrose, coleus, croton, ferns,
hibiscus
Cool foyer: cactus, citrus, Japanese fatsia, spider plant, umbrella plant
Dark corner in cool living room: cast-iron plant, Chinese evergreen, dracaena (some),
snake plant, philodendron, pothos
Cool sunroom (in winter): asparagus fern, cactus, Christmas cactus, clivia, English ivy,
artillery plant, Swedish ivy
Warm sunroom (in summer): bromeliads, cactus, crown of thorns, grape ivy, wax plant, jade
plant, panda plant, nerve plant, ponytail palm, ficus
SEASONAL CHORES
January Give plants a shower, adjust for short days
February Check for new insect outbreaks
March Prune for spring growth. Check carefully for pest outbreaks and control
as needed. Fertilize.
April Repot if necessary. Fertilize.
May Fertilize. Plant items to be harvested for drying later.
June Fertilize, move plants outdoors if desired.
July Fertilize.
August Inspect plants for insects. Prune where needed. Fertilize lightly. Harvest all
drieds.
September Bring in plants; take cuttings of annuals for growing on window sill. Fertilize
lightly. Dry out bulbs to be forced later.
October Check carefully for pests and control as needed. Treat poinsettias for
blooming.
November Check humidity levels after you turn on the furnace.
December Relocate plants as necessary to compensate for shorter days.
RESOURCES
An excellent book is:
Complete guide to houseplants, Meredith 2004. ISBN 0897215028
A very informative website is:
www.aboutflowers.com
Common sources of indoor air pollution:
Formaldehyde Carpeting, pressed wood, fiberboard, foam insulation, paper products
Hydrocarbons Vinyl furniture, detergents, fabric softeners
Nitrogen dioxide Malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, leaking chimneys
Benzene Glue, spot remover, paint, varnish, paint stripper
Methylene chloride Paint stripper, aerosols
Trichloroethylene Ink, paint, lacquer, varnish, adhesive
Best air pollution absorbers:
Formaldehyde Bamboo palm, ‘janet craig’ dracaena, snake plant, peace lily
Benzene Florist’s mum, peace lily, ‘warneckei’ dracaena, Madagascar dragontree
Trichloroethylene Madagascar dragontree, peace lily, Bamboo palm, ‘janet craig’
dracaena
The best of the best, in approximate order of efficiency
For cleaning the air of pollutants:
1. boston fern 2. florist’s mum
3. pygmy date palm 4. ‘janet craig’ dracaena
5. ‘kimberly queen’ fern 6. bamboo palm
7. rubber plant 8. English ivy
9. weeping fig 10. peace lily
11. areca palm 12. corn plant
HELPING SHORT DAY PLANTS BLOOM
(POINSETTIA) (PHOTOTROPISM)
Phototropism is the natural tendency of plants to grow towards a light source. Indoor plants
will usually bend toward a window. Rotate plants periodically to avoid excessive growth on
the side nearest the light.
Several popular short-day houseplants exist, but the best known are holiday cacti and
poinsettia. In the average home, which is illuminated at night, these plants may never
bloom. Even a streetlight or garden lamp shining down on them is enough to prevent
flowering. You can help them to bloom in time for the holidays by taking a few easy steps.
If your climate is frost free, simply put short day plants outdoors in the fall, in a spot where
they wont receive any light other than daylight. Make sure they are protected from
streetlamps and even car headlights.
Indoors, starting around October 1, put short day plants in a dark closet or cover them with
a cardboard box in the evening, then expose them to bright light again in the morning.
They need a full 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness.
A FEW GUIDELINES ABOUT LIGHT
Intense: 0-2’ from a south window, 0-1’ from a west window
Bright: 0-0.5’ from a north, 0-4’ from an east, 2-6’ from a south, and 0.5-4’ from a west
window
Medium: 0.5-4’ from a north, 4-6’ from an east, 6-8’ from a south, and 4-6’ from a west
window
Low: 4-6’ from a north, 6-8’ from an east, 8-10’ from a south, and 6-8’ from a west window
A sheer curtain lessens the light intensity and heat in a south or west window, making the
conditions appropriate for medium to bright light plant.
Flowering plants usually need bright to intense light, but some fare well in medium light.
A south window provides direct light farther into the room in winter than in the summer, but
heat build up is greater in the summer.
The intensity of direct light varies according to the season. When the sun is higher in the
sky (in the summer in the northern hemisphere), the light is hotter and more intense, but
reaches less distance into the room. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky, providing direct
light father into the room but with less intensity.
Low light plants usually do well in east, northeast, or north windows, where they get mostly
indirect light.
A west window is usually hotter than a south window because of the concentrated quality of
the sunlight in the late afternoon.
An east window strikes a nice compromise between heat and intensity. It receives full sun in
the morning hours when the temperature is still cool. Most flowering plants thrive under
such conditions.
Decorator’s secret! Do you really want a high light plant in a low light location? Most plants
do okay with only two weeks exposure, so: Buy two identical plants and keep one in a high
light location and the other in the dimly lit location where you want it. Switch the plants every
two weeks.
East windows get high exposure (intensity) during the morning, and it wanes throughout the
day. West windows get low exposure (intensity) during the morning and it waxes throughout
the evening. South windows start dim, wax to high, then wane to dim. North windows are
always dim exposure. (All notes are written for northern hemisphere)
Plants that tolerate low light (dim reading level):
Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant, ponytail palm, bamboo palm, dieffenbachia, dracaena,
English ivy, philodendron, lady palm, snake plant, peace lily. Many florist plants bought in
full bloom can be maintained in dim light for a while.
Plants that need medium light (good light but little direct sun):
Maidenhair fern, lipstick plant, Anthurium, Norfolk pine, birds nest fern, begonia, caladium,
spider plant, columnea, sago palm, fig, nerve plant, wax plant, jewel orchid, prayer plant,
swiss cheese plant, blushing bromeliad, oxalis, screwpine, slipper orchid, peperomia, moth
orchid, Swedish ivy, Buddhist pine, aralia, table fern, chine doll, easter cactus, mistletoe
cactus, African violet, schefflera, Christmas cactus, moss fern, babys tears, air plant.
Plants that need bright light:
Chenille plant, orchid pansy, vase plant, aloe, pineapple, bamboo, browalia, yesterday-
today-tomorrow, ornamental pepper, areca palm, florist mum, citrus, croton, coffee plant,
jade, siam tulip, umbrella plant, venus flytrap, orchid cactus, evergreen euonymous,
poinsettia, Persian violet, Japanese aralia, fuschia, gardenia, velevet plant, amaryllis, florist
hydrangea, polka dot plant, impatiens, bloodleaf, shrimp plant, mandevilla, banana,
oleander, apostle plant, false holly, tropical pitcher plant, pregnant onion, lollipop plant,
avocado, staghorn fern, elephant bush, primrose, azalea, cineria, gloxina, Jerusalem
cherry, coleus, cape primrose, spiderwort, yucca, calla lily.
Plants that need intense light (four or more hours):
Agve, paris daisy, silver torch, euphorbia, heliotrope, jasmine, Kalanchoe, lantana,
bircathcer tree, cape leadwort, dwarf pomengranate, miniature rose, air plant, adenium,
aeonium, dyckia.
WATERING TIPS
Plants benefit from a bath once or twice a year. Spray them gently with tepid water until
soaked. Gently shake to remove excess moisture and allow to drip dry.
Submerge a plant that has become too dry for watering efficiently. Soak for 30 minutes,
then drain.
If you have any other options, don’t use tap water, it is high in chlorine and low in plant
nutrients such as dissolved metals and minerals. Use collected rainwater, bottled spring
water, or aquarium water, or collected stream water. If you use tap water, be sure to fertilize
monthly using an inexpensive dissolvable fertilizer according to package directions.
Let a crowded plant wick up moisture through the holes in t he bottom of the pot by placing
pot inside a dish and watering the dish.
When you are away, get a capillary mat. Or a cheaper solution might be to tie up a clear
plastic bag around your plant, remove from direct sunlight, and thoroughly water before
sealing the bag. The air will circulate, and the plant will live on all available water. Remove
any dead or dying leaves or branches, and all blooms before using this method. Also, you
make a wick system with a nylon stocking. Get one end of the stocking into the roots
through a drainage hole in the pot, the other end of the stocking goes into a bowl of water,
placed higher than the plant root ball. The water travels along the nylon and keeps the soil
moist. More than one plant can be connected to the bowl.
PLANTS HARMFUL TO PEOPLE AND PETS
(toxic if ingested or sap gets on skin)
African milkbush, amaryllis, Anthurium, caladium, chenille plant, Chinese evergreen, clivia,
crinum lily, croton, crown of thorns, dumb cane, English ivy, euphorbia (except poinsettia, it
is not poisonous), fern palm, ficus, heliotrope, Jerusalem cherry, lantana, mandevilla, natal
plum, oleander, ornamental pepper, peace lily, philodendron, pothos, pregnant onion, sago
palm, swiss cheese plant.
PLANTS TO MATCH MICROCLIMATES
Steamy bathroom (with good light): flamingo flower, cape primrose, coleus, croton, ferns,
hibiscus
Cool foyer: cactus, citrus, Japanese fatsia, spider plant, umbrella plant
Dark corner in cool living room: cast-iron plant, Chinese evergreen, dracaena (some),
snake plant, philodendron, pothos
Cool sunroom (in winter): asparagus fern, cactus, Christmas cactus, clivia, English ivy,
artillery plant, Swedish ivy
Warm sunroom (in summer): bromeliads, cactus, crown of thorns, grape ivy, wax plant, jade
plant, panda plant, nerve plant, ponytail palm, ficus
SEASONAL CHORES
January Give plants a shower, adjust for short days
February Check for new insect outbreaks
March Prune for spring growth. Check carefully for pest outbreaks and control
as needed. Fertilize.
April Repot if necessary. Fertilize.
May Fertilize. Plant items to be harvested for drying later.
June Fertilize, move plants outdoors if desired.
July Fertilize.
August Inspect plants for insects. Prune where needed. Fertilize lightly. Harvest all
drieds.
September Bring in plants; take cuttings of annuals for growing on window sill. Fertilize
lightly. Dry out bulbs to be forced later.
October Check carefully for pests and control as needed. Treat poinsettias for
blooming.
November Check humidity levels after you turn on the furnace.
December Relocate plants as necessary to compensate for shorter days.
RESOURCES
An excellent book is:
Complete guide to houseplants, Meredith 2004. ISBN 0897215028
A very informative website is:
www.aboutflowers.com
Your first plant from the florist:
Check out this page for
typical blooming plants.
cyclamen, violet, jade, kalanchoe,
chrysanthemum
chrysanthemum
POPULAR PLANTS FOR INDOOR
BONSAI
about any pines, can be used for
reference books are available for
the bonsai art form. Many good this
art form.
reference books are available for
this art form.
Azalea, bougainvillea, Buddhist
pine, dwarf pomegranate, elfin herb,
English ivy, fig (dwarf varities),
jasmine, natal plum, serissa.
GOOD HERBS FOR INDOORS
Basil, sage, Bay, chives, dill, lemon
verbena, marjoram, mint, parsley,
rosemary, scented leaf geranium,
tarragon, thyme.
Bromeliads are plants with a
reservoir to hold water. They absorb
much less from the soil, and should
be watered at the base of the flower
inside the cup formed by the latest
leaves, at the very center of the
plant. They usually bloom at their
full mature size, which can take
years. If they don’t bloom, place
them in a plastic bag with ripe apple
for a few days. The ethylene gas
given off by the apple initiates the
flower bud.
Bromeliads purchased with blooms
will die after blooming, discard the
plant.
ORCHID CARE
Orchids are a very special class of
plant, and each variety takes a
different kind of care. A separate
sheet of care instructions is
available with each orchid type that
we sell. There are also many
excellent websites from orchid clubs
with all kinds of information. See our
page of orchids.
THE JADE PLANT (crassula ovata),
success and good fortune, new
homes. Keep on the dry side, well
drained sandy soil. High light.
According to oriental tradition, like
other plants with heart-shaped or
round leaves, the succulent called
jade plant generates prosperity and
luck. It is also known as the wealth
plant because its leaves resemble
pieces of the valuable gemstone. It
makes a perfect housewarming gift.
Other “lucky “plants include the
lucky bamboo (really a dracaena
stem), and the money tree plant,
whose dried seed pods resemble
coins.
In general, it is tradition that a new
home or office space be immediately
gifted with a houseplant of any kind.
Check out this page for
typical blooming plants.
cyclamen, violet, jade, kalanchoe,
chrysanthemum
chrysanthemum
POPULAR PLANTS FOR INDOOR
BONSAI
about any pines, can be used for
reference books are available for
the bonsai art form. Many good this
art form.
reference books are available for
this art form.
Azalea, bougainvillea, Buddhist
pine, dwarf pomegranate, elfin herb,
English ivy, fig (dwarf varities),
jasmine, natal plum, serissa.
GOOD HERBS FOR INDOORS
Basil, sage, Bay, chives, dill, lemon
verbena, marjoram, mint, parsley,
rosemary, scented leaf geranium,
tarragon, thyme.
Bromeliads are plants with a
reservoir to hold water. They absorb
much less from the soil, and should
be watered at the base of the flower
inside the cup formed by the latest
leaves, at the very center of the
plant. They usually bloom at their
full mature size, which can take
years. If they don’t bloom, place
them in a plastic bag with ripe apple
for a few days. The ethylene gas
given off by the apple initiates the
flower bud.
Bromeliads purchased with blooms
will die after blooming, discard the
plant.
ORCHID CARE
Orchids are a very special class of
plant, and each variety takes a
different kind of care. A separate
sheet of care instructions is
available with each orchid type that
we sell. There are also many
excellent websites from orchid clubs
with all kinds of information. See our
page of orchids.
THE JADE PLANT (crassula ovata),
success and good fortune, new
homes. Keep on the dry side, well
drained sandy soil. High light.
According to oriental tradition, like
other plants with heart-shaped or
round leaves, the succulent called
jade plant generates prosperity and
luck. It is also known as the wealth
plant because its leaves resemble
pieces of the valuable gemstone. It
makes a perfect housewarming gift.
Other “lucky “plants include the
lucky bamboo (really a dracaena
stem), and the money tree plant,
whose dried seed pods resemble
coins.
In general, it is tradition that a new
home or office space be immediately
gifted with a houseplant of any kind.
Plants
Whether green, colored, or blooming; plants cheer up anyone's spirit naturally.
They give off oxygen, and naturally make everyone feel better. Most all our plants
require very little care, and care instructions are always sent with every potted
order.
Whether green, colored, or blooming; plants cheer up anyone's spirit naturally.
They give off oxygen, and naturally make everyone feel better. Most all our plants
require very little care, and care instructions are always sent with every potted
order.
Typical Green Plant
Bonsai
Bonsai
Bromeliad
Chrysanthemum
Herb Garden
Dish Garden
| Call us or use our online ordering site here for next day free delivery to Columbus and surrounding cities, Franklin County, and surrounding central Ohio counties. |
buying flowers should bring as much joy as getting them;
it's not just flowers- it's a Design by Doe
it's not just flowers- it's a Design by Doe
| call 1-888-724-7673, or 614-299-2858 |
buying flowers should bring as much joy as getting them;
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Your flower order is special to us. Get exactly what you want and when you want; call your real,
local, family florist now: We are open and delivering everyday, even Sunday. Register here for updates and reminders and offers!
local, family florist now: We are open and delivering everyday, even Sunday. Register here for updates and reminders and offers!
Specials... Free
delivery, Free Godiva
chocolate, and free
handmade card...
Order flowers now
online and save on
our quality products.
delivery, Free Godiva
chocolate, and free
handmade card...
Order flowers now
online and save on
our quality products.