WHO TO CALL:

Community Editor Horne and Garden Editor
Andrew McCredie ae. Christensen

SRP Ad Oh at aE

on growth

AFTER SEVERAL months of less than ideal growing condi-
tions, house plants and plants brought in for winter storage
may need seme special attention.

Even if you have a sunroom or a R
number or skylights, the available oy
daylight for plants is greatly reduced
during the winter months. Most Jonsson
plants, some animals and a few
humans are affected by a phenomenon
called photoperiodism; a sensitivity to
changing levels of daylight.

However, plants will generally
adjust their germination, growth,
blooming and reproduction according-
jy. For example, Chrysanthemums
respond to short days by blooming
and spinach responds to long days by
setting seed. ; p

Most of our common house plants sow it fF ‘ows
use the short days of winter to rest
before starting their new growth cycle
when the days begin to lengthen. With less light, photosynthesis is reduced —
and the plant may adjust by losing leaves.

One can compensate for the reduction in light intensity by moving the
plant closer to a window, but the hours of sunshine will remain the same
unless artificial light is provided.

When plant activity is reduced, the amount of transpiration (water loss) is
reduced, Thus, during the winter, it is important to ease up on the watering.
Too much water and too little air around the roots of most plants will cause
root rot and the death of the plant.

Over-wintered geraniums are particularly sensitive to wet feet. Keep them
on the dry side (somewhere between medium dry and bone dry) and don't
worry about the piant loosing leaves. The leaves will grow back on in the
spring.

Lowered plant activity and transpiration also causes the amount of fertiliz-

Sez Watering page 12

& Horitago............ wen

ne vl ‘ NEWS photo Terry Peters
PLANTS, SOME animate anda few humans sre affected d by a phenomenon called photoperi-
odiam: 8 ganaltivity to changing levels of daylight. Common houss plants use the short days
of winter to rest before starting their new growth cycle when the days begin to lengthen.

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