Growing Foliage Plants LESSON 9

Next Generation Science/ Common Core Standards Addressed! WHST.11‐12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation. (HS‐LS1‐3) WHST.9‐12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (HS‐LS1‐1)

Student Learning Objectives 1. Describe the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry. 2. Discuss production practices used in growing foliage plants in the greenhouse. 3. Explain practices used in caring for foliage plants in the home or office.

Interest Approach Look through books of foliage plants. Do any of these plants look familiar? Can you find any of these in your own home? What are foliage plants used for?

Terms Acclimation Foliage Plants Interior Plantscaping

What is the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry? Tropical or subtropical plants selected for their ability to be grown indoor are referred to as foliage plants. Foliage plants are used to improve the appearance of interior spaces, a practice known as interior plantscaping.

The production of foliage plants in the U.S. ranks third behind bedding plants and potted flowering crops. In the U.S., Florida accounts for 69% of foliage plant production followed by California, Texas, and Hawaii.

Twelve foliage plants make up 60% of all foliage plant sales. Dracena pothos Ficus dumbcane palms Chinese evergreen Peace lily English ivy Philodendron Schefflera and Brassaia nephythytis ferns

Pothos

Dracena

Dumbcane

What cultural practices are used in commercial foliage plant production? Foliage plant production involves propagation of plant materials, rapid growth under optimum growing conditions, and preparation for sale. Different foliage plants require different methods of propagation. Most foliage plants do well with soilless media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Light requirements for most foliage plants are between 1,500 and 8,000 foot candles. Foliage plants do best with night temperatures between 65ºand 80ºF and day temperatures between 75º and 95ºF. Watering depends on the species.

Provide a constant feeding program at 150 ppm nitrogen, 25 ppm phosphorus, and 100 ppm potassium. Foliage plants must adjust to a new environment. To prepare plants for sale, light intensity and fertilization should be reduced 4-6 weeks before sale. The process of becoming accustomed to less humid, darker and cooler environments than found in the greenhouse is know as acclimatization.

How should foliage plants be cared for in the home or office? Most foliage plants can be acclimatized to the indoor environments and thrive if given proper care. There are some general guidelines that can be followed. Select plants for the conditions they will encounter. Provide optimum lighting for the plant species.

Maintain temperatures above 55ºF. Humidify the air in winter months. Select appropriately sized containers. Repot the plants when they become root bound. Water as needed rather than on a schedule. Fertilize sparingly.

Review/Summary What is the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry? What cultural practices are used in commercial foliage plant production? How should foliage plants be cared for in the home or office?

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