Q. My ficus seems to drop leaves all year round. Is there anything wrong?
A. It is normal for a Ficus Tree to drop some leaves. The causes for dropping leaves are many, including a change in the environment, incorrect watering, too little light, pests or a fungus.

Q. Once my Peace Lily blooms, is there any reason I can't cut the flower out?
A. No - and it's a good idea to take them out. The white hooded blooms of the Peace Lily can be enjoyed for weeks or months. When the blooms start to discolor, you then can remove by cutting. Leaving the flowers on for an extended period takes energy away from the plant and causes new leaves to be smaller.

Q. The leaf ends of my Peace Lily are turning brown. What should I do?
A. You can trim the tips but leave a small end of brown tissue. This provides a barrier to help prevent further damage of healthy tissue.

Q. When should I take my plants outside?
A. According to the Farmer's Almanac the average last frost in Virginia is mid-May. This is hard to believe. Ideally you should not take your plants outside until then.

Q. How much sun and how much water does my orchid need?
A. Orchids thrive in bright light, but not in direct sunlight.If in bright light, water them thoroughly once or twice a week depending on light levels. If in low light, water them every other week. Utilize good drainage, not allowing them to sit in water.

Q. Should I forget about attempting to get my poinsettia to re-bloom?
A. If you are interested in getting your poinsettias to re-bloom, consider the following: After the holidays continue to water your poinsettia the same way you did when you first got it. Re-pot into a container about an inch wider and set the poinsettia outside once night temperatures average 55 degrees or above. In early April, prune the poinsettia to about eight to 10 inches. At the end of May you should see vigorous growth. Prune during the summer to keep the plant bushy, but do not prune after September 1. Keep the plant in indirect or filtered light and fertilize every two to three weeks. In October, move the poinsettia indoors to experience long nights. Place the plant in a closet where there is complete darkness. The plant needs to have 14 hours of darkness and 10 hours of light. Continue with the process of placing it in the dark, and back in the light for 10 weeks. Good Luck!

Q. How often should I repot my houseplants?
A. If your plant wilts between normal watering, or if the roots protrude from the drainage holes or the plant shows little or no growth, it is probably time to re-pot. Typically, young and fast-growing plants need re-potting every six months, older ones every few years.

Q. My office doesn't have a lot of natural light. Will plants thrive with artificial light?
A. Yes. There are a number of plants that will do just fine, although they may not grow as quickly. We would suggest you try Pothos, Heart Leaf Philodendrons, Snake Plants, or Peace Lilies. Contact us for additional plant options for low light areas.

Q. How frequently do I need to fertilize my houseplants?
A. It's a good idea to fertilize your houseplants in the Spring and Summer only. Follow the directions on the label and apply as recommended.

Q. Should I be watering my houseplants from the top or should they sit in a saucer?
A. It's probably easier for most homeowners to water from the top. Whichever way you choose, be consistent. When you water, water thoroughly so that a little water comes out at the bottom. Apply enough water to moisten the entire soil volume plus a little extra. Indoor plants are usually placed in saucers to hold the excess water that drains from the bottom of the pot. If the plant is left standing in this water for too long, root rot, salt injury, and generally poor plant performance can be expected. If there is still excess water in the saucer after a couple of days, discard the remaining water.