Beech Tree News Network

Do you have plants blooming now? Some of my outdoor spring plants are nearly ready to bloom, and I have indoor plants that are showing off their pretty flowers. My three peace lilies are in bloom, and my Christmas cactus has bloomed in stages, still having a few blossoms left. However, the three plants that I am most happy about are an orchid, an African violet, and a kalanchoe.

First, the orchid has been on my desk (by a window, providing indirect sunlight) for a year. Surprisingly, an orchid needs very little weekly attention. Orchids do well in filtered light, and although they require a specialized potting mix and a certain amount of water, they reportedly produce flowers for years. To tell if it's time for a watering, stick one finger into the potting mix, then rub your fingers together. If you don't feel any moisture, it's time to water your orchid; if your fingers feel moist, check again another day. Watering is as simple as pouring water into the potting mix, and letting the excess drain through the bottom. Orchids should be repotted in new bark or moss every year or two, clipping off dead roots at that time (https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/how-to-care-for-orchids/). To fertilize, I use a water-soluble fertilizer at ¼ the amount/strength recommended on the label. Since orchids are tropical plants, a daily mist is recommended; however, I quickly spray each plant leaf once a week in my kitchen sink, letting the water drain before returning it to its home on my desk.

Second, African violets are beautiful and may bloom in any month. I currently have two: one adult violet and a newly-started baby (Thanks to Paula Clark for telling me how to start the new plant.). These plants like lukewarm water at the base of the plant – without hitting the foliage. Water on a leaf can cause spots or damage. The violets do not like to stand in water or to dry out completely. Appropriate lighting is bright to medium filtered light (near a south- or west-facing window), and pots should be turned regularly to prevent the plant from reaching for the light. Fertilize with a special African violet food or one with a higher phosphorus number such as 15-30-15 – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/african-violet/african-viol...). My adult violet is several years old and blooms repeatedly throughout the year. African violets are so pretty that I should make room for more with different colored blooms.

Third, the kalanchoe (collin-CO-wee or kal-un-KOH-ee) is a succulent, meaning its leaves store water. Like other succulents, kalanchoes do not need much water. The soil should dry between watering. Over watering may cause the roots to rot. Since this plant is a tropical native, it does best in a warm environment (between 55-80 degrees F). The blooms of this plant may be yellow, orange or red, and it most commonly blooms in late winter to late spring. Getting the kalanchoe to bloom again requires a rest period for the plant, correct lighting (near a sunny window) and some fertilizer to fuel the process. Also, when finished blooming, the kalanchoe may be pruned. Most kalanchoes will re-bloom, usually during shorter days and longer nights, between fall and spring. To propagate the plant, take a leaf cutting and place it into some water until roots form, then plant in soil – preferably in a clay pot (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/kalanchoe/make-a-kalanchoe-... https://www.growerdirect.com/how-to-care-for-your-kalanchoe-plant; https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-Kalanchoe). My middle daughter gave me the kalanchoe last spring around Easter. Currently, it has small yellow blooms at the top of each plant branch. Since it has tripled in size over the past year, it will soon need pruning.

Luther Burbank said, “Flowers … are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul” (https://www.house-plant-hobbyist.com/plantquotes/2019/2/22/luther-burbank). I enjoy all of my indoor plants, but the orchid, the African violet and the kalanchoe are especially pretty this week. These plants are medicine for my tired-of-the-cold attitude, reminding me that spring will soon be “in full bloom.”