Houseplants need light, and usually plenty of it. We’re not talking direct sunlight here, though. Most houseplants thrive in a bright spot but sheltered from direct exposure, making the windowsill a perfect spot – east facing is usually best. East facing windows allow the plant to receive morning sun (which is usually cooler than the afternoon) and indirect sun in the latter part of the day.

Here’s a general rule: plants that have flowers or variegated leaves generally require the most light, while plants that are mainly foliage require the least. Cactii, for example, require plenty of light and do well sitting on the sill of an eastern facing window. Ferns, on the other hand, should be kept in a shadier spot far away from the heat of sunlight.

So how do you know if your plant is getting enough light? Easy. Simply look at how your plant is growing.

Are the stems of your houseplant growing toward the light source?
Are the stems spindly?
Do the leaves seem to grow sparsely and are smaller than usual?
Does the plant seem to grow extraordinarily slowly?

If you answer yes to these questions, then your houseplant needs more light!

Are the leaves pale and/or yellowish?
Do the leaves look unhealthy and seem to sag or curl down sadly?
Are there any brown spots on the leaves?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then your houseplant needs less light!

Adjust the lightining for your houseplant, and you’ll find that it will slowly repair itself (you may also want to consider other things like humidity levels and fertilizer if it doesn’t).

The temperature of the environment is one of the most important things to consider when deciding where to place the potted plant you’ve received from your Toronto florist. No matter how much water and sunlight you lavish upon it, if you’ve placed it in a cold spot, it will just not flourish.

It’s true – potted plants love the warmth. Whether a leafy fern or showy hydrangea, if it’s in a pot with soil, you can safely bet that your houseplant will thrive in warmer conditions (however, temperature requirements vary depending on the type of plant.)

Warmth is vital for several reasons:

• it facilitates nutrient intake
• it stimulates growth
• helps plants out of their dormant period and flower
• helps maintain fertile soil

If your home is a little too cool, you may want to keep your potted plant warm by wrapping the pot (only the pot) with a “blanket”, since the warmth of the soil is more important. The soil should always be the same temperature as the soil, at least. You can also place a clear plastic roof, with ventilation holes, over the plant to create a mini greenhouse.

And remember: warmer temperatures tend to dry out the soil, so you’ve got to be vigilant about watering. When required, it’s important to give your potted plant warm water to maintain the cozier temperature. The last thing you want to do is to shock your plant by exposing the roots to cold water! Doing so will give your plant “cold feet”, inhibiting water absorption.

What’s notoriously hard to take care of and can make the greenest thumb turn brown? You may think that the answer is orchids, but you’d be wrong.

Orchids, a popular flower for just about any occasion (including as a chic alternative to the rose for Valentine’s Day) has a bad reputation for being fragile and far too delicate for the harsh Canadian environment. However, don’t believe the bad press. Orchids that wither and die have most likely been the victim of over/underwatering, or too little/too much much attention.

Follow these 5 tips to help keep your orchids as beautiful and healthy as possible, despite the weather outdoors:

1. The right amount of light. Different types of orchidsneed different amounts of light. For example, oncidiums love lots of sunshine, but should be shielded from the heat of midday sun. Popular moth orchids prefer a little more shade, making a north or east facing window ideal. Check the leaves to see if your orchid is getting enough light. Dark green means that there’s not enough. A lighter, grassy green means that the amount of light is perfect.

2. The right fertilizer, generally used about once a month. Fertilizer can help keep your orchid healthy and facilitate the blooming process. Use specially formulated flower food for orchids when watering and remember to follow the instructions closely.

3. Like most houseplants, orchids can also be attacked by pests like aphids and mealybugs. However, a healthy orchid will tend to fend off the pests well. To eliminate invaders, use a insecticidal soap that’s gentle and preferably organic.

4. The right amount of water. Overwatering and underwatering an orchid is the easiest way to destroy it. Overwatering will rot the roots and underwatering will make the flower dehydrated. Depending on the type of orchid, the soil should be kept moist, moist only when actively growing, or dry to the touch before watering again. In general, you can water your orchid about once per week or once every two weeks. Moth orchids, for example, require less water than oncidiums. A good way to determine the frequency of watering is to check the leaves. If they’re thick and fleshy, they won’t need as much water because they can retain it well. On the other hand, if the leaves are thinner, you’ll need to keep the soil moist.

5. In general, orchids do not need to be repotted until the roots grow long and start climbing over the pot’s edge. Repot when the orchid is not in bloom, and make sure to remove any dead or rotting roots before placing the roots into the new pot.

Pictured on the left is a beautiful Cymbidium Orchid and Rose arrangement in a black vase, garnished with greenery. Blooms are in yellow to represent joy, warmth and happiness.