Lowe's provides helpful tips on repotting house plants into larger pots. Learn when you should repot plants, how to remove the plant without damaging it and other hints to keep your house plants living longer. For more advice and gardening videos, visit www.Lowes.com
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When I was CEO of a plant corporation, I enjoyed educating groups of people on the how-to's of different indoor plants. One of the questions I got most was why are two plants the same except one of them is variegated? They meant one plant was all green and one was a combination of green/white or green/yellow.

Variegated plants are an interesting topic. Most variegated plants are chimeras, meaning that have more than one tissue type due to a mutation. Leaves with yellow or green margins have cells in those areas that lack chlorophyll. (Flowers - especially tulips - in the 1600s had streaks caused by a virus infection. They were weakened plants.)

Even today, a variegated ivy must have access to higher light than the non-variegated to look (and be) as healthy as the all-green twin.

This has caused me to think about my spiritual life. Is my character variegated by weaknesses that will prevent me from being the woman God created me to be?

As I do a serious evaluation of myself, I wonder:

Isn't fear a variegation of my character? Didn't God say, "Do not fear"? I think so. I remember reading in Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Whoa! To be included in the group with abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, liars, and idolaters is pretty serious lumping! God must view fear and unbelief as very serious sins. I know, from experience, they are definitely character defects for a Christian who says she believes God's Word!

I think fear must be a slap-in-the-face of God. It's like screaming at Him, "You're nothing but a liar!" when I allow fear to reside in my mind, will, thoughts, and emotions. Why even read His Word - all of the promises He made in both the Old Testament and the New Testament - if I am going to give in to fear? Jesus, Himself, kept admonishing His disciples not to fear.

So, since I do have a choice, I choose to be a dark green Christian instead of one weakened by the virus of fear.

I believe, Lord. Forgive my unbelief.

(c) 2009 April Lorier

(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

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Do not be among those few who think that to take care of the house plants is hard! If you want to keep house plants, with the following guidelines you will not have anything to worry about.

Every garden needs watering; the best way to go about this is to use a spout with a narrow inside to make sure that your watering is adequate. If this is not the case, you can use the finger test. The finger test means inserting your finger in the soil and feeling if it is damp or not. If the soil is still damp, do not water the plant, however if the soil is not damp, you should go ahead and water the plants.

The plants, mostly foliage plants, need constant feeding of nitrogen, however, if the plants are flowering, K20 is the best for them. Slow release fertilizers should be put together with compost fertilizers. However, there are special feeds for plants like orchids and cacti. The plants should be fed depending on the rate the plant is growing. You don't have to use shade for plants like Aspidistra or Sanseveria, you can place them on a window. Plants like the spider grow well in a semi-shade environment; you can put it in the window that gets sunlight and shade during the day. Some plants need to be in the sun continuously, while others do not have to be in the sun at all, the example is cheeseplant.

House plants will survive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 250 degree Celsius. However, the plants may suffer if the temperature fluctuates drastically. Most of the house plants need to be in a humid environment. To maximize humidity, you have to put a small pot in a bigger pot and refill the remaining place with compost or stones to keep the small pot moisturized. However, if you have more than one plant, they can create their own humid environment and keep the soil moisturized if they are put together. However, according to the temperature, you can spray water on the plant once or twice a day.

Some plants are suitable for repotting while others are not suitable for it since their roots are not suitable or are too small to be disturbed. To assess if you have to repot any plants, tap under the pot for releasing the plant; if you see the roots then begin repotting. 

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Perhaps you live in an urban environment and do not see vegetation every day. The sight of a lovely flower or a Dieffenbachia can brighten one's life a great deal. It is not hard to take care of your indoor plants in New York, but you need to know a few of the basics.

Specialized Knowledge

Whether you have ferns, flowers, or crotons, you will want to know more about them. There are many books available for purchase, or at your local library. However, an excellent source is at your computer. The Internet is an excellent place to find what you need to know.

Soil

Your growing medium is a very important issue. Soil selection will depend on what you are growing, but in most cases, it should be well-drained. Many things like flowers will need to be re-potted when you get them. You should consider a new container and potting soil, as soon as possible.

Moisture

Your new indoor friends are living things that require water to live. However, in many cases, too much water can be just as bad as not enough. Some things will require more water than others, and the best way to check moisture levels is with a moisture meter. They are not very expensive, and you can purchase them at home improvement centers and some department stores.

Sun and Lighting

It is important to have adequate sunlight available. However, make sure that you know how much sunlight is required. It is possible to have too much sun for some kinds of vegetation.

Summary

You may wish to have a flower or fern brighten your indoor life. Make sure that you know all about your new friends, so you can take proper care of them. Research online about the care and feeding of plants New York. It may be best to re-pot as soon as possible, too. Use a quality potting soil that has good drainage and buy a moisture meter, so you can be sure when it is time to water. Provide enough sunlight, but not more than necessary.

More Indoor Plants Articles

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Making a bonsai juniper. Initial / Basic Pruning.

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The creation of a shohin Bougainvillea bonsai from a rooted cutting. Includes pruning, wiring and repotting into a bonsai pot. For more information about Bougainvillea bonsai, please see kuromatsubonsai.com
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Kitchen Herb Garden - includes seeds

• Grow your very own Kitchen Herbs on your windowsill!!
• The Kitchen Garden includes: Compost, 4 x pots, 4 Packs of Seeds
• (1 x Basil, 1 x Parsley, 1 x Chives, 1 x Coriander)
• 1 Wooden Trough displayed in a gift packed sleeve
• Perfect for All year round Herbs!!

Grow your very own Kitchen Herbs on your windowsill!! The Kitchen Garden includes: Compost, 4 x pots, 4 Packs of Seeds (1 x Basil, 1 x Parsley, 1 x Chives, 1 x Coriander) 1 Wooden Trough displayed in a gift packed sleeve - Perfect for All year round Herbs!!

List Price: £4.99

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The House Plant Encyclopedia

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Contains the advice the indoor gardener needs, from purchasing and positioning to pests and diseases. This book features a 250-page A-Z listing of the botanical names of 1,000 houseplants. Each entry includes a colour photograph of the plant, a description and horticultural advice.

List Price: £18.95

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Bonsai Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Cultivation (Pyramid Paperbacks)

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Explains the techniques needed to keep a bonsai alive and in good shape. This book covers both indoor and outdoor trees and their characteristics.

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Technorati Tags: Basics, Bonsai, care, Comprehensive, Cultivation, Guide, Paperbacks, Pyramid