A new Montguide is available online (store.msuextension.org) or at the Chouteau County Extension Office. The Montguide was written by Cheryl Moore-Gough, former MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist. Segments from the Montguide are below.

Houseplants are raised in greenhouses under ideal conditions. As a result, it is important to care for plants properly while becoming established in the home. Houseplants have varying needs. When selecting a new plant, consider the new plant’s requirements, and match the plant to an appropriate place in the home. Light, temperature, and humidity must all be addressed. Placement of a houseplant can contribute to its ability to thrive and not just survive in the new environment. Before purchasing a houseplant, do research to help select the right plant for the right spot, or have the spot in mind when shopping and ask the knowledgeable garden center folks what plant might work. When the decision has been made, examine the plant carefully for the presence of insects and diseases, damaged tissue, and root issues. Plants raised in a greenhouse will need special care to adapt to a new location and may share insects and diseases with other nearby plants. Isolate from other houseplants for a week or two to be sure that hiding pests were not missed. Do not bring problems home.

Unfortunately, many houseplants are killed by well-intended owners due to a lack of understanding of how much water to apply, and how often to water. Pot size, shape and material, as well as plant type, season, humidity level, and light all impact watering needs, and for watering, one size does not fit all. Water from the kitchen sink is fine for most plants, unless it goes through a water softener, in which case use rainwater, melted snow or bottled water. Some plants, including African Violets do poorly if water is too cold. Generally, houseplants should be potted in a container with drainage holes. These pots may be placed in decorative pots, trays, or sleeves to catch applied water.

Plants that require more water include flowering

plants as well as plants potted in a porous container such as terracotta clay. Bottom watering is recommended for some houseplants to avoid stem rots, but for most, either bottom water or water from the top. When watering from the top, apply until water runs out the bottom of the pot. Do not let any plant sit in drainage for more than an hour after watering. Potting media of plants that are always bottom-watered will often accumulate a layer of salts on the surface. Leach these salts occasionally by top-watering until water actively flows from the bottom of the pot. Do not let the plant sit in this salty water. Check established plants occasionally to ensure drainage is occurring to be certain the plant is not sitting in water.

Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.