But the one thing everyone should do now is remove winter wrap from plants. As the days begin to warm up, the air inside the wrap will begin to heat up, creating a mini-greenhouse effect that can cause plants to dry out or even break bud long before it is time.
I know we still have some cold nights ahead, but the plants will quickly acclimatize to the weather and may even be stronger and healthier for the exposure.
I also want to answer a couple of questions about house plants before we leave them to fend of themselves while we are out in the garden.
Q. I buy peace lilies with about five flowers. Within 10 days the flowers fade then die and I do not have flowers again. The leaves remain nice for about six months and then turn brown. The plants are not attractive although they’re still alive. Should I expect a second flowering?
A. Peace lilies are a great plant for low light areas. They will burn very quickly if they get too much sun. Ideally these plants are best for north-facing windows or artificial light. They do not like changes in temperature so keep them away from drafts from windows and doors as well as furnace vents.
Peace lilies do best when you let them slightly dry out between waterings. They will turn a grey-green colour and droop if they need watering. Don’t worry if this happens. Just give them a good drink and they will stand up again.
As for them flowering again, yes, they will if they are given the right amount of light as well as fertilizer about once a month.
Q. What do I do with all the roots of my orchid that are growing outside of the pot? And how do I get them to bloom again?
A. First, it is not unusual for an orchid to have its roots growing out the top of the pot or not in the pot at all. Orchids in the wild grow on the bark of many trees so their roots run along the bark and in and out of crevasses, allowing them to hold themselves in place. This is why we do not pot orchids in soil but in bark mulch. These roots are also looking to absorb any moisture they can find in the surrounding air, so misting them from time to time can help.
To get an orchid to re-bloom requires giving them a rest period as well as the right amount of light and temperature. I have had success putting my orchids outside for the summer hung in the shade of a tree from about the first of June until mid-September, and then when I bring them indoors they start to flower in February and March.