The Lions Garden ThePlantHospital.com

Growing house plants is a challenging and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by everyone and need not be difficult. Give plants what they need and they'll do well for you. Give them just about what they need and they hold their own. Deny too many of their needs and plants fail.

Take time to learn the cultural needs of a particular plant when you purchase it and keep a watchful eye out for possible disease and insect problems. If a plant has poor color, or distorted leaves or flowers, or if the plant tends to droop, something is wrong. These distress signals tell you the plant is having problems and corrective steps should be taken.

Check plants over carefully before purchasing. Pick one which has a healthy green color and shows signs of new growth. Make sure that the pot has good drainage and the plant is not root bound. Avoid plants with abnormal white or brown lumps on the leaves or stems. Webbing or a speckled leaf appearance could indicate an insect or related pest problem. A new plant should be isolated from other plants in the home for two to three weeks to avoid exposing other plants to problems which may develop. If a problem does develop, you have not exposed your other house plants.