Flower Show Prep: Flowering Houseplants

In order to make an entry in the flowering houseplant category, you must have owned the plant you enter for at least three months. If you do not own a plant, now is the time to find one! Here is a partial list of plants that will give you the best odds of bloom for this March’s show:

Anthurium: requires bright, indirect light
Begonia:(any of the tuberous varieties such as Rieger): full sun to bright indirect light. Do not over water!
Clivia requires full sun
Maranta: (prayer plant) bright indirect light
Oxalis morning or afternoon sun
Pelargonium: (geranium) full sun
Saintpaulia: (African violet): prefers full sun. Do not overwater!
Schlumbergera: (Christmas cactus): full sun tot bright indirect light
Spathiphyllum: (peace lily): prefers indirect, even low light. They also purify toxins from the air
Streptocarpus: prefers full sun. Do not overwater!

Flowering requires a huge amount of energy from the plant. Remember to keep the plant nourished by using fertilizer, based on the specific plant’s needs. Scout for pests and disease and treat the plant as needed.

Below is a partial list of flowering plants that are difficult/impossible to get to rebloom in a home environment:

Azalea
Chrysanthemums
Cineraria
Cyclamen
Gloxinia
Hydrangea
Kalancho/Kaladiva
Pointsettia
Primrose

Here are a few links that may prove useful for getting your houseplants ready for the show:

http://extension.psu.edu/pests/ipm/pestproblemsolver/perennials-annuals/point-of-purchase/flowering-houseplants.pdf

http://ccenassau.org/resources/-houseplants-flowering

http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/factsheets/FertilizingHouseplants.html