Horticulture CDUnit B1 - 9

Floriculture

Problem Area 1

Greenhouse Crop Production

Lesson 9

Growing Foliage Plants

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?

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.

Objectives Cont.

3. Explain practices used in caring for foliage plants in the home or office.

Terms

AcclimationFoliage PlantsInterior 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.

DracenapothosFicusdumbcanepalmsChinese evergreen

Peace lilyEnglish ivyPhilodendronSchefflera and

Brassaianephythytisferns

Pothos

Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

Dracena

Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

Dumbcane

Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

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 known 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?