Temperatures and falling and so are the leaves. But there is still plenty of time to get in the garden before the first …
make life beautiful
In Plants: PANTONE’s Color of the Year 2016
PANTONE has been presenting Colors of the Year since 2000. The colors they choose are based on trends they see in popular culture. For the first time, Pantone introduces two shades together: Rose Quartz and Serenity. Likewise in harmonious hues, we’ve selected plants that are available at our stores right now to brighten up your home!
Polka Dots
Also known as freckle face and measles plant, these plants are a native to Madagascar and were first grown in England in 1840. They are a lively and beautifully colored plant, with brightly spotted leaves. Plants grown in poor light conditions are likely to have solid green leaves.
Light: Full sun (a south-facing window is best).
Water: Keep the soil moist in the summer and reduce in winter.
Fertilizer: During the Spring and Summer, feed every other week with a water-soluble fertilizer that includes micronutrients and encourages blooming, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food.
Soil: A light, fast-draining potting soil, such as Espoma Potting Mix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
Kalanchoe
Also known as Christmas Kalanchoe and Widow’s-thrill, this species of Kalanchoe is a succulent native to Madagascar. It is a relatively low maintenance plant, hardy when potted and requires little water to keep alive.
Light: Full sun to part shade (a south or west-facing window).
Water: Dry to medium.
Fertilizer: Feed bi-weekly in the Summer with a liquid fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic Water
Soluble Plant Food. Do not fertilize in the Winter.
Soil: A light, fast-draining potting soil, such as Espoma Potting Mix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
African Violets
These beauties are some of the most popular houseplants – and for good reason! They are an easy plant to grow, flower several times a year and thrive in typical household conditions. They are low maintenance, compact and like to be slightly under potted.
Light: Bright indirect sunlight (an east-facing window).
Water: Keep soil evenly moist at all times. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering.
Fertilizer: Feed with an African Violet fertilizer every other week, such as Jack’s Classic African Violet Food. Do not fertilize in the winter.
Soil: A well-draining potting soil, such as Espoma African Violet Mix.
Care: Pinch off faded flowers to keep plant looking neat. Re-pot once a year to refresh soil, but keep in small pots.
Agave
Also known as Parry’s Agave and Mescal, this plant is a rosette-forming perennial succulent that is native to grasslands, desert shrub and oak woodlands in Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico. These plants are popular for their beautiful blue-gray to gray-green evergreen leaves. Consider moving it outside during the summer, so they can enjoy full sunlight!
Light: Full sun to bright light.
Water: Drought tolerant, water when dry. Never let stand in water.
Fertilizer: Feed sparingly during growing season, using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted at half rate, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food.
Soil: Standard potting mix, such as Espoma Potting Mix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
Bromeliad
These plants grow in rosettes of relatively large, strappy leaves around a central cup. There are about 3,000 species of bromeliads! They are perfect for your home, because they are very tolerant of fluctuations in temperature, drought and careless feeding.
Light: Better longevity under higher interior light levels.
Water: Water when soil becomes dry. Prefers humid conditions.
Fertilizer: Monthly with balanced water-soluble fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food.
Soil: Well-draining soil (prone to rot if kept too wet), such as Espoma Potting Mix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
Echeveria
From the Crassulaceae family, these succulents are native to Mexico, Texas and South America. They often grow in higher elevations in Mexico where the humidity is low and the temperature is rarely exceedingly hot. These plants grow in rosettes of colorful leaves and have wonderful texture.
Light: Full sun to bright light.
Water: Drought tolerant, water as needed. Never let stand in water.
Fertilizer: Feed sparingly during growing season using a water-soluble fertilizer diluted half the recommended rate, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential, such as Espoma Potting Mix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
Anthurium
One of about 1,000 species of Anthurium, this species is commonly known as the Flamingo Flower. Anthurium are native to tropical rainforests throughout Central and South America. They are climbers in their natural habitat and require humidity and warmth to thrive. Provide humidity by placing the plant on a tray filled with damp pebbles.
Light: Bright to moderate light. No direct sun.
Water: Keep soil moderately moist. Water when soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: Monthly Spring to early Fall with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic Water Soluble Plant Food.
Soil: Rich, loose potting soil, such as Espoma Potting <ix or Miracle Gro Potting Mix.
These plants offer a variety of benefits for your home. Not only do they resemble PANTONE’s stunning shades of pink and blue, but they help filter your air from toxins, and the rich colors and textures will brighten your space during the winter months!
Selection may vary by store.
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