Carrie Barre-LiBaire's Gardening Column

Down to Earth Gardening

It’s November and there is no denying that the outdoor gardening season is at an end. Though I’m an avid outdoor gardener, I am not an avid indoor gardener. Sure, I have the standard issue Philodendron, Spider Plant, Wandering Jew and ”Christmas” Cactus, but that’s it. This year I am going to expand on my indoor gardening for three reasons; this column, the passing of my last cat, and my youngest is old enough not to eat my plants-I hope.

I have had most of my houseplants for almost ten years, so it’s not like I can’t grow anything indoors, it’s really been an issue of space and time. I used to have put my plants high enough so they would not get chewed up by infants or cats. I really didn’t mind if the cats chewed on them, I just didn’t like the finished product of their grazing. But most houseplants are poisonous, so if animals and children are around it’s better to keep them out of reach. Now that the demographics in my household have changed, I can put them where I want and taking care of them will be much easier since I don’t have to climb a ladder to reach them.

I don’t take my houseplants outdoors in the summer, as I feel I would just be asking for trouble when I bring them back inside. I have enough battles with aphids outside, thank you very much, so I am not going to battle them all winter inside my home. They do get moved into the three-season porch during the warmer months, but now it’s time to move them back indoors. I thoroughly water and wash the stems and leaves on both sides. Cleaning maximizes their exposure to light, which helps with photosynthesis. Forget about leaf shine products because they actually attract dust. I have a hard enough time dusting my furniture, let alone my plants.

South or west facing windows are the best places for most houseplants during the winter. Remember to close the curtains or shades at night if they are close to the window to protect them from bitter cold air. Rotate them every couple of weeks so that they don’t grow lopsided, and then they will look good from every angle. When watering, use room temperature water as houseplants can be injured from cold water.

If you kept your Amaryllis from last winter and had it outside for the summer, the leaves should be turning yellow by now. Cut the leaves back to two inches and remove the bulb from the soil. Clean the bulb and keep it in a cool dark place where it’s 40-50 degrees for at least six weeks. Then remove and replant eight weeks before you would like it to bloom again.

I’m excited to expand my indoor garden this winter. I may as well, since it will be a long time before I can resume my outdoor gardening. Maybe I’ll finally become an indoor gardener, too.

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