The Propagation Kit - Essential Considerations for Propagating Plants

One of the most important elements of gardening is seed and cutting propagation. This is the start of the journey for many plants and whilst the process is certainly technical, it does not have to be daunting. If you have the right propagation kit the process can be made far simpler, helping you to propagate your plants as easily as possible.

One of the most important steps in the propagation process is to have all of the equipment you will need ready before you begin. Once again a kit can help you to do this. Additionally, it is worthwhile making sure any equipment you plan to use is sterile, and any cutting implements are sharp. Understandably, if you have had crops in the past hampered by disease, then ensuring sterility is achieved before propagation is vital. Sterilisation can be achieved using special bleach like solutions, available from gardening retailers.

Humidity Chamber

Propagation can be performed using a number of different growing mediums, from Rockwool and compressed peat to perlite and vermiculite mixes. It is important that these mediums are prepared properly so as to give seeds or cuttings the best chance of success. It is also fundamental to consider four other factors when propagating; these are pH levels, light, temperature and water.

pH levels are important for all plants at every stage of their lifecycle. As a rough guide pH levels between 6.2 and 6.8 should be maintained for the plant to flourish. pH levels should be monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that the plant does not miss out on certain nutrients and elements that are only available at the correct pH.

As well as pH, light is vital in the propagation process. Most gardeners typically use fluorescent lights to allow seeds or cuttings to grow. Typically these lights should be left on for a maximum of 18hrs a day and a minimum of 16. The most convenient way to do this is to use a time operated switch, this also ensures that the plants have a uniform lightness/darkness schedule.

Temperature and humidity are massively important in plant growth. Most plants will successfully germinate at a temperature between twenty and twenty eight degrees Celsius. This temperature range will enable the growth of seedlings at a rate that should encourage healthy growth in later life. As part of a propagation kit, a chamber will normally be provided to create a warm and humid environment for the seeds or cuttings. This chamber should be kept suitably moist to encourage growth.

Finally it is important to consider the water levels provided to seedling. In most cases a spray of mist will be sufficient to keep the moisture levels suitable. In the water it is advisable to use a nutrient solution to ensure the plant is given the food it needs for healthy and successful growth.

The Propagation Kit - Essential Considerations for Propagating Plants

Why Temperature and Humidity Matter When Growing Plants Indoors

When you are purchasing houseplants, pick the right plant for your environment, instead of trying to change your home to accommodate the plant you have chosen. Keep in mind the temperature at which you keep your home; different plants will thrive at different temperatures. Some like cool temperatures, in the 50s and 60s, while others enjoy 70 or even 80 degrees.

If you turn your thermostat down at night, your plants will be able to cope. In the wild, after all, they are used to a 10 to 15 degree drop in temperature at night. Because your plants are probably going to be near a window, make sure that there are no drafts that will make your plants too cold. Be aware that the temperature near a window is often several degrees colder than the temperature on the other side of the room. Especially if you live in an old home or have casement windows, be aware of where you are placing your plants.

Humidity Control

Not only can your plants get too cold, but they can overheat, as well. While most plants can adapt to the heat levels inside the typical home, excess heat or too high temperature can lead to reduced humidity, which can damage your plants. Many houseplants are used to more humid environments than in the typical home. Plants need moisture not only through their roots, but also in the air, which they absorb through their leaves. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to increase the moisture available to your plants. Do not try to do this by soaking them with too much water every time you water them; the moisture must come through the air, not through the soil. There are a few things you can do to make the air around your plants more humid.

If the air in your home is not humid enough for your plants, you can purchase a humidifier to place near them. These keep the humidity around them at a constant level, which will help your plants thrive. A less expensive alternative is to fill pans of water near your radiators. This water will evaporate, adding moisture to the air. Most plants also enjoy being sprayed lightly with water from a spray bottle. When done once or twice a week, this spraying will keep the foliage hydrated. Misting your plants can help keep them from drying out in a low-humidity environment. It also cleans the leaves of the dust found in a typical home, and helps keeps insects from settling on them. However, be aware of the needs of your plant. Some, like African Violet or others with hairy leaves, an actually be damaged by misting. If you mist an African Violet, the leaves will grow white spots and begin to decay.

Be aware of your plants' requirements such as humidity and not too high temperature when bringing them into your home. While many can adapt to the conditions of the typical home, you should monitor the temperature and humidity so that your plants can thrive.

Why Temperature and Humidity Matter When Growing Plants Indoors

Moisture and pest control of bonsai plants

Growing bonsai is not as easy as you might think. There are many different factors to improve a beautiful bonsai plants. An important factor is fertilizer.

Most soluble fertilizers to fertilize the first full strength every two weeks. Just remember the water is to use half the power stuff for bonsai, this is a parable, is, as instructed. For tropical continue until new growth is evident to fertilize them.

Humidity Control

Minor points to consider, but the important ones forInternal growth is the movement of air, moisture and insect / disease control. In winter, you want to know for perhaps a minute too delicate fan that blows air through the system. The humidity is maintained seriously concerned about a moderate climate-stressed plants inside. For many of the inexperienced grower, fogging mantra is to show a method that you care, but many plants it does not matter. Misting plants a couple of times a day, in my opinion, a process without value. The only thing that is just how it happens thatThey build on the leaves salt as the water dries. If you fog the whole area around the plant for moisture, then you have some 'useful, but at home this usually is not possible.

Instead, create moisture filling the facility on a bed of pebbles in a large pan with the water low. Do not let water touch the pot really. The pot theme, so much the better, this could help keep the algae and other animals, because it is only on the entire volume of waterevaporate every day.

To control insects and diseases will essentially start when you do all the above, as an active healthy plant that will be in a position of having to resist. Turn the page and look at weaving or waste. A healthy leaf is completely clean, except for certain types of hair. Mites are easily visible with a magnifying glass and see the human eye. 2 spotted mites are smaller and can actually difficult to detect.

Mites, aphids, woolly aphids, scale insectsand almost all types of pests can be controlled if it is early and sprayed with insecticidal soap acceptable. These soaps can be toxic to some species and the leaf damage, so try a few leaves first to make sure. For cases terribly annoying, you may need to chemical pesticides. Follow the instructions carefully for good.

These tips will help you control pests that could ruin your bonsai plant.

Moisture and pest control of bonsai plants

Moisture can destroy your house plants

Moisture, the moisture in the air at the expense of growth of house plants. The humidity in your home is a rare phenomenon, or to have an eye on your plants to keep them in order to ensure that they are not attacked by moisture. If red, to detect mold or mildew on plants, it is time to act, because the moisture has penetrated the system.

Humidity, high or low, plants in the same way. Decompose at high humidity the plants with low humidity andThe plants wither and die. You can see, low humidity, when you see the brown leaves, fall flower plant buds. Winter months are especially dangerous for plants indoors, because the humidity is low and then add on home heating systems are used to keep warm.

Humidity Control

To keep your plants alive and well have to control the humidity inside the house. If the humidity is low you can install a humidifier in the house that will provide sufficient moisture forplants. On the other hand, if the humidity is high leverage, you can install dehumidification. This way you can monitor the humidity in your home.

The next thing you need to ensure that plants are watered regularly. Do not keep a tight schedule for the irrigation of crops. You should check the soil every day and make sure that the soil is wet. Paste will keep a lot of manure in the soil, the water for a long time. The sandy soil should not, because the water is running outsandy soil quickly. And not to keep the plants in a place where the wind is strong, it will also evaporate the water from the plant quickly.

In the event that you have a number of small potted plants, make a large tray and fill it with rocks and water. Then put the pots on pebbles so that the pots are above water level. The water evaporates from the tray retains moisture for plants. Humidity control allows the sun to growhealthier plants.

Moisture can destroy your house plants