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LIFESTYLE

FLOWERING POT PLANTS:

PAIN OR PLEASURE?

by Elize Malan

Eventually the flowers die
and you are left with a sad
looking plant with some
green leaves.

here are some flowering pot plants
that can be kept inside homes to
Tflower again, for example Violets,
Orchids and Anthuriums, but a large
percentage of flowering pot plants will not
flower again in normal indoor conditions.
A lady showed me her pots with Poinsettia
plants after Christmas. She wanted to
plant these in her garden for colour.
There is nothing wrong with the idea,
but Poinsettia plants grown outdoors will
only flower in winter and will no longer be
the nice, compact plant that the grower Hyacinth and daffodil bulbs will flower Although the majority of plants
provided to the store. The beautiful for many seasons if transplanted into the mentioned here are annuals, they last
specimen bought to provide long-lasting garden. Like all dormant bulbs, watering longer than cut flowers. Actually, there is
colour during the Christmas season is should be restricted until the bulb starts no real comparison, as all cut flowers start
cultivated in grow-houses with humidity, sprouting. deteriorating after being removed from
light and fertiliser, perfectly controlled the mother plant. The end destination
to produce superb flowers ready for Tulips are often forced in water and of every single cut flower is the compost
Christmas. displayed in glass containers with the heap.
roots visible. Toss these plants as soon as
Chrysanthemum plants are manipulated the flowers are finished.
to produce a spectacular head of flowers
on a short, compact stem. The pot is Cyclamen plants, in the right conditions,
crowded with at least five plants and then will bloom continuously for a couple of
receives special treatment before being months. Once the plants become dormant
sold to stores throughout the year. When the pot with the bulb in it can be kept in a
the chrysanthemum plants have finished cool dry place until autumn. Start watering
flowering, they can be separated and and you will be rewarded with another
planted in the garden. Being a short-day season of blooms.
plant, flowers will only be produced when
the day length suits the specie and by that
time the stems will have grown to the
normal height of approximately 50cm. GARDEN COMPETITION
Miniature roses will seldom regain their
former splendour indoors. The plants
are susceptible to red spider and fungus Do you have a beautiful garden and think it’s worthy of
infections indoors due to lack of direct commendation? Enter our Garden Competition by completing
sunlight. On patios with morning sun, the
rose bushes can be brought back to flower the entry form at the HOA reception by close of business on 17
successfully, but re-planting in the garden February.
will give the best results.
Judging will be conducted by The Garden Group on 19 February. The winners will be
Years ago, gloxinia plants were considered announced on 22 February at the Clubhouse’s Park View Room after the Garden Talk
perennials. After dormancy the plant would about Water Wise Gardening at 10:00.
regrow and produce a fresh flush of
flowers. The new hybrids of gloxinia plants For more information contact daleen@silverlakes.co.za
are not suitable to revive the next season
and are best treated as annuals. Terms & Conditions apply. The judges’ decision is final.

16 INTRA MUROS FEBRUARY 2020