House Plant Cultural Problems

Several common problems fall under the category of cultural or environmental problems. There is no control for these problems other than manipulating the plant environment and care program.
Odema is common on several house plants in winter. Plants most often affected are peperomia, ivy geranium, shefflera, begonia, and swedish ivy. The most common symptom is leaf spot. Sometimes corky blisters form on the undersides of leaves but this is not always obvious. Give affected plants slightly less water, slightly more light, and increase air circulation if possible. Providing a warmer growing area may also help.

A rapid change in one or more environmental factors can cause leaf or flower bud drop, or failure to bloom. Stationary plants may be subjected to rapid environmental changes or plants can be moved from one environment to another. An example of the first situation, plants growing on window sills in winter, has been mentioned. An example of the second instance occurs each time a plant is taken home from a greenhouse. Another example is moving house plants into the house in autumn after a summer outdoors. Plants adapt to the changes if left in one place long enough and if the new environment meets their minimal growth requirements.