And now, the new plants

After a long time the weather and my personal schedule have decided to align to allow me some dedicated plant-time. So I grabbed this opportunity with both hands and even got some additional new plants, as well as pots and all the needed equipment and supplies.
This is the obligatory 'before' photograph, with all the plants neatly arranged next to their prospective new homes. On the right, is one of the new plants, a Dracaena Compacta. I had one before which passed away as a result of over-watering. I also have one at my workplace, which has successfully survived many a forgotten watering.

Then on the left is two Verbena Lascar plants, a white and purple variety. These are going to stay outside on the porch to provide some colour. Interestingly, whilst re-potting all the above, I found the Verbena's to have more than one per pot and re-planted into multiple pots.

I noticed that all the plants had very well developed roots which in all cases seemed to be almost too much for the pots they started in, and I hope they will start to flourish in their new containers.

And this is the complete set after re-potting them. Already looking a lot better than a few weeks ago with one web-covered Yucca.

Rain, rain, rain

Probably a result of me suddenly getting interested in plants of all things.

Since starting this blog last week, the floodgates of heaven have opened up here and it has been raining almost continuously, and is still continuing to do so. Since I would prefer to do any re-potting of my plants outside, the rain has severely hampered my plans. Also, I'm still waiting for better light to take pictures of my new plants.

In the mean time Ive done some basic research regarding pot plants, especially regarding watering them.

• Allow the soil to dry out a little before watering. Doing so allows the roots chance to breath. Depending on the specific plant, the recommendations average to about having the top third of the soil in the pot dry out before next watering.
  
• Potted plants left outside in harsher weather generally requires more frequent watering.
• Ensure the soil in your pots have some course filling at the bottom. Rocks, gravel or broken pot shards for example. This allows the water to drain out and not rot the roots of the plant. This is particularly important if your pot doesn't also have draining holes at the bottom.
  
• When in doubt, don't water. (Learned this the hard way)

Till next time.

Uninvited guests

Its amazing what you find whilst trying to take photos of your decrepit pot plants for a blog. So there I was yesterday, taking photos of my Yucca Cane, when I noticed this under the windowsill next to me:
Yip, a hornets nest. Not quite sure if it is an old or a new nest really. The structure seemed to be aged based on the colour. And the hornets were all very passive. Almost frozen in some form of hibernation. The only movement was the back ends (thorax?) which were pulsating like some alien egg waiting to hatch. Truly the stuff that inspires sci-fi movies.

Amazing to note, that the entire structure is hanging from a single small fastening point. Truly remarkable if you ask me.

So I know I promised the new plat pictures, but I'm just not getting the right lighting today, so the pictures just don't look right. Will put them up soon. Promise.

What I have to start with

The John McClane of my 'greenhouse' is a hardy Yucca Cane plant. It was standing somewhat neglected and spider infested on my porch, but it has now been moved back on to my kitchen counter. See one of the less fortunate ones right next to it.

I received this one (and his unlucky neighbour) as house-warming gifts shortly after moving in to my flat. Since then, I have on two occasions thought it had died, but after watering it again it promptly sprang back to life.

Initially it had a main stem twice its current length with two sprouts of leaves at the top. Shortly after dying the first time, it re-sprouted near the bottom of the stem, and I removed the dead top half with a steak knife. Yes, it may be cruel, but as I still short a vast collection of gardening equipment, the nearest tool had to suffice.

This is one of two small succulent plants I have on my windowsill, gifts from my parents visit to Namibia. Unfortunately I have no idea what this is called, anyone of you perhaps?

I've tried hard not to over-water these plants. From the little reading up on the matter I've done till now, it seems over watering pot-plants can be more dangerous to them than under watering. And I love to water...

Next post I'll introduce the latest additions to the family.

A Random Urge

So I was suddenly struck by this random urge about an hour ago. An overpowering urge that came out of nowhere, and I couldn't resist it.

I need to make hobby out of pot plants and home gardening.

I've been living on my own for just about 2 years now after leaving the safe green surroundings of my parents home. In those two years my little spot I call home has been mostly devoid of any other living organism except the occasional human, or neighbourly feline, visitor.

Sure there has been a few small pot plants which I tried to care for dutifully. Currently three little plants has survived the dangers that is my easy loss of focus. Two haven't.

So starting today my mission is to get my knowledge of house plants and care therefore up to the level om my knowledge of all things technological. In an attempt to help me focus I'll be keeping track of this hobby right here in the hope that tracking my progress will make it more enjoyable for myself, and any random stumbler who comes across here.

Since I know very little to start with I'll also be posting any useful links and tidbits of info here as I find them. I'll start this afternoon after getting home by posting some photos of my medal of honour worthy surviving plants.

Till then, any basic tips are welcome.