Home and time we have to devote to them. But, rest assured, as long as they have enough light, water and protection from pests, they can succeed.
Let There Be Light— But How Much? Because many favorite houseplants evolved in the tropics where light is filtered, they do not require direct sun. The intense desert light can actually burn leaves, so to prevent this, try to keep plants away from west-facing windows. This is not to say that they can survive if it is too dim. Look at the plant. If it is pale, has fewer, smaller leaves or its stems appear longer and thinner than normal, it might be stretching out in search of light. In this case, it should be moved to a brighter area. (Bright northern light is close to ideal for most foliage.) And by the way, these same symptoms can occur if a plant is allowed to get too dusty, so occasionally wipe off the leaves with a damp cloth to let in the light. Interior plants are not terribly fussy about the kind of light they receive. For leaf production, the blue-white fluorescent type is as good as any, as long as it is bright enough and on for at least eight hours. Although people rarely look good under those long tubes, plants appreciate that fluorescents are “cool” and will not burn leaves. Houseplants grown for their flowers require more brilliant conditions, but again, not scorching western glare. There are many types of “grow lights” available. Some produce light in the redorange range, which are the wavelengths that best promote flowering. I have yet to see these in a compact fluorescent form, but no doubt that will happen. Note that these plants do not need light 24 hours per day; in fact, some require periods of darkness for certain processes, such as flowering.
Containers Make a Difference Where plants are placed is important, but so is what they are put in. Terra cotta (i.e. red clay) pots are popular, but not necessarily the best choice for our environment. Desert homes are very dry, which makes these standard flowerpots more brittle. Plants tend to dry out more quickly in them, too. They are also heavy and can be costly. But if you believe that the plants will look best in terra cotta, buy the attractive glazed kind, as they hold water better. Plastic and compressed foam can be 92 D e s e r t C o m p a n io n N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9