Herself’s Houseplants

I think this is my favorite of all the alocasias. It is certainly the most dramatic looking.  Leaves can reach 2′ long and it will bloom indoors when happy.

High humidity is the key for this plant to do well. If you are in a cold climate and the heat is on, or in a dry climate you need to supply it with humidity. A dish filled with gravel and water underneath works well.

In the house it should be happy in just about any window. Some people report it gets sunburned in southern exposures, others swear it loves the sun. Try and see what works for you.  Do keep it from cold drafts.  It does not like the cold.

Keep the soil moist. Many people treat this like an african violet. Sit it in a dish of gravel and water and let it soak up water as it wants from the gravel dish. Keep an eye on it however, some plants will rot if kept this way especially if they are not in a sunny location.

I find the water tray works for mine. I keep it in a shaded east exposure.

It has been known to suddenly drop all its leaves.  Not to worry, new leaves usually appear almost immediately.

Keep an eye out for spider mites they like this plant.

So you have this Chia pet that’s been in the back of your hall closet forever. Did you know that the Chia seeds are very high in omega-3 fatty acids? Perhaps they would be better added to your salad.

( Just kidding, the seeds may be treated with something, buy some food grade ones to eat. )

Several U.S. researchers maintain the seeds used in products such as Chia Pet are actually good for the human body, it was reported Sunday.

The research that determined the seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids comes as the omega-3 supplement market in the United States is reaching new heights, the Chicago Tribune reported. . . .

Chia seeds are derived from Salvia hispanica, a mint-related plant, and chia is regulated as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Researchers: Chia seeds are good for you

Better to find some Chia seeds and plant them yourself for a healthy addition to your salads and sandwiches.

Maybe you really do have a green thumb and it’s the air in your house that is doing in your plants?

A new home can be even more dangerous. Just bring in a plant, and it will tell you.

“Fresh paint, fresh carpeting, fresh furniture — the plants are dying. You could see the leaves just burning to a crisp,” said Bruce Jacobson, a plant expert who does indoor landscaping for offices and buildings. “What were they doing? They were cleaning the air.”

Jacobson said newer buildings and homes have chemicals in the air that plants can help filter.

Experts said not to be too disappointed if your plants die. It could just be a sign that your plants are doing their job.

“Every time we replaced them, they did better and better, and after about six months, the plants were just fine,” Jacobson said. [ read more Healthy House Plants]