Stream Corner

We have seen that in general, light is more important for house plants than warmth, feeding or even water, although it must be obvious that some of all of these are necessary for the long life and healthy growth of all plants. But it is difficult to realize that as humans we are tremendously adaptable, much more so than less sophisticated plants.

It will, in fact, be absorbed by the peat or other material. Nov so far as humidity is concerned, this moist material at the base of the plant will gradually dry out and in doing so the moisture it gives off will drift slowly up and around the plant, thus giving the plant its own micro-climate of humidity.

In addition the peat or other material will keep the roots of the plant warm in winter and cool in summer.

Even simpler than this is to stand the plant pot again in a larger container, but instead of packing the space between the two with peat or other absorbent material, stand the plant pot on an upturned saucer, on gravel or pebbles, on a block of wood or on anything else that will serve to collect excess moisture and release it gently to the atmosphere without at the same time allowing the base of the plant pot to paddle permanently in water.

With its huge, slashed and holed leaves this is a favourite among the more decorative and exciting larger plants.

Where several plants stand together in a community it can be helpful to use a tray to hold them. If the floor of this tray is covered with sand, peat or gravel, it will collect excess moisture safely and provide extra humidity to the plants.