Pruning best done in slow-growth months
Q: How do you prune indoor plants properly to encourage new growth? I don’t know where on the stem to cut and how to cut. Thank you. Chris, Tilbury
A: I don’t know what kind of houseplant you have, but here is a general rule of thumb. Follow the stem down until you reach a branching point at the height that you want. Pinch out growing tips (use your fingers, a scissors, or pruning shears) of the tallest stems, removing them close to a leaf joint. Do this all over the plant until you have an evenly shaped plant.
By doing this you will create a bushier, healthier plant. Best to prune plants in the fall and winter months, when they are not growing as actively as they do in the spring and summer.
This method won’t work on sansevieria or Cacti, but will on your typical green houseplants, like a ficus, pothos, fuchsias, germaniums, etc.
Acid-type compost does the trick
Q: I have bought a spruce to keep in a pot inside on my frost-free glassed-in porch. My soil is rather alkaline for many plants that we have potted, and the water is from my well (very sweet water). Should I use an acid-type compost for this tree when I put it into a bigger pot? Betty and Joe, Puce
A: Yes, spruce trees (picea) are acid loving and would definitely benefit from being planted in a lower pH soil or acid-type compost when you pot it. Remember the compost will only meet the plant requirements for a little while, maybe the first few months or so.
After that, if you have alkaline water, I would put half the recommended amount of acid-based plant food in the water every time you water to lower and improve the pH of the water. This will keep it healthy and help it thrive all year.
The same would be for any other acid-loving plants you want to plant in your area, such as azaleas, heathers, magnolias, or rhododendrons come next spring.
Succulents like bright light
Q: What is a succulent, and could you explain its winter care for me? Clara, Kingsville
A: A succulent is any plant with thick fleshy leave like aloe vera, cacti, etc. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. These plants have adapted to survive very harsh conditions in the deserts of North America.
No matter what kind of succulent you’re growing, the rules are pretty similar between the different species.
Succulents prefer bright light, such as found on a south-facing window, however keep them back slightly to prevent scorching. Succulents prefer daytime temperatures between 21 C and 29 C (70 F and 85 F) and night time temperatures between 10 C and 13 C (50 F and 55 F).
During the winter, when the plants go dormant, cut watering back to once every other month. The potting mix should be allowed to dry between waterings. Overwatering will ensure plant rot and is the single most common cause of plant failure.
Succulents make excellent displays, either individually or in dish gardens, and they are beautiful and nearly indestructible.
Compiled by master gardeners Alan and Karen Batke. Send a question to the Master Gardener hotline, 519-561-6328, or email to firstname.lastname@example.org