1 4 Interior Plant Selection

Interior Plant Selection

Plant: Peace Lily

Term: Interiorscaping

Peace Lily

• Spathiphyllum (“Mauna Loa”)• Low light requirement• White blooms last for 3 weeks to 1 month• Lightly fertilize spring & fall• Medium water – don’t let soil dry out• Propagate by division• Problems are rare• Dwarf and Standard Varieties grow from desk-

top size to 4’ tall

Weeping FigFicus benjaminia

• Shrub or tree• Variegated or green• No flowers• Temp: 60-85• Bright indirect sunlight• Keep soil barely moist• Fertilize every two weeks• Whitefly mealy bugs, scale & thrips• Leaves drop whenever conditions change• Propagation: Seeds, stem cuttings and air-layering in the

spring through summer

Interiorscaping

• The practice of designing, arranging, and caring for living plants in enclosed environments

Interiorscaping Firms

• Contract for design, installation & maintenance of interior gardens for hotels, conference centers, shopping malls

• Provide structure, lighting, & plumbing

Services

• Plant Rotation

• Plant care

• Holiday Decorating

• Plant rentals

Interior Plants

• Tropical plants that adapt well to growing in containers under less than ideal conditions.

• Common Names – Used by customers

• Scientific Name – Used by growers & wholesalers

Permanent Plant

• A house plant that will live and re-bloom over a many year lifespan

• Some houseplants may be over 50 years old.

• Examples: – Peace Lily– African Violet– Christmas Cactus

Temporary Plants

• Plants that are sold at peak bloom and will not re-bloom for customers with normal care

• Usually very attractive gift plants– Examples:

• Poinsettias• Cyclamen• Garden Bulbs• Chrysanthemums

Tropical Plants

• Grow under conditions that mimic nature• Temperatures

– Protect from Freezing

• Light– Filtered light – jungle understory– Bright light – desert plants

• Water– Varies

• Humidity– Higher than most homes

Caring for houseplantsWater• Most plants are killed by over-watering• Scratch the surface of the pot, the soil

should be moist ½” down• Wilting may be a result of rotten roots

• Yellow leaves• too much water

Methods of Watering1. drench and let dry completely

2. drench and let dry slightly

3. keep media constantly moist

Temperature recommended temperature50-85 F daytimenight - drop 10-15 below

daytime temp locate plants away from air-

conditioners and drafts

Lighting: natural or artificial

measured in foot candles or klux direct sun partial shade or weak sun - less than

50% natural sun light indirect or filtered light - no direct sun

light

The Light Spectrum

• Plants only use radiation energy in the visible spectrum.

• Chlorophyll does not absorb in the green spectrum

• Why?

Artificial Lighting Incandescent bulbs don’t provide

usable light to plants Florescent bulbs provide light

about 2’ from bulb Grow lights provide more light in

the correct wavelengths

Humidity% of moisture in the air varies with seasons low in the winter

Increase humidity by: spraying with fine mist fill water tight tray with water and

pea gravel, set plants in it use a humidifier place plants in the part of the

house with the highest humidity

Fertilizers slow release

small beads applied to the soil nutrients are steadily released plant absorbs nutrients as needed avoids over feeding

Soluble fertilizer liquid or solid dissolved in water before applying

Compost teaFish emulsionsMiracle Gro

Soil Mixture varies with each plant

African Violet Mix - sandy Orchid Mix – chunky: lots of bark

organic matter helps to improve water holding capacity

perlite helps to keep the mix loose and easily drained

Containers

drainage should be available use well drained soil mix put saucer under pot to protect

furniture from water

Potting plants1. select appropriate container

and soil mix

2. provide drainage - put rocks or put shards in the bottom of container

Potting plants3. add potting mix to cover rocks

4. place plant in to check soil level

5. should be 1/2 inch below top of pot

Potting plants6. fill remainder of container with

media

Repotting repot plants when:

they become root bound roots appear at the top of soilRoots grow out of the bottom

A few plants grow best when roots are crowded

Repotting

Separate roots to allow re-growth If plant is blooming, wait until after

flowering is completed Select pot or container of the next

larger size than the originalor

Trim roots to make plant fit in old container

General Care Leaves

clean occasionally with a fine spray of water

wipe top and underside of leaves

Cleaning Leaves

helps to remove dust and insects

do not use leaf shine products clogs the stomata makes it hard for plants to

breathe

Break

• Take 5 stretch –

• Next – Job applications

Job Applications

• First impressions are important. • Remember to bring everything with you that you

will need when filling out applications. – Ball point pens (black or blue ink) – Your fact sheet– Copies of your resume

• Your completed application is a reflection of you. Make it a good one!

• Employers use applications to decide who to interview

Filling Out Applications

• Read the entire application form first: especially the instructions

• Be polite when requesting or submitting an application. • Be honest in your answers. • Use blue or black ink pens.• Have a fact sheet • Print clearly and legibly. • Apply for a specific position, not "anything," • Leave no blanks. Write "Does Not Apply" (or "N/A") • Read and check the application for completeness before

turning it in to the employer. • Be sure to sign and date the application. • Mail or turn the application into the correct person or

place.

Personal Data • In the name field, be sure to note in what order the employer wants your first

and last names. Print neatly. • Use an address where you can receive mail. • Provide your telephone number with an area code. If you use a message

number, make sure that everyone at that number knows what to say for you or that the message on a message machine is appropriate.

• Be sure that you meet the health requirements for the job. If a physical examination is a condition of employment, the employer must pay for it and can only request it after you are hired.

• All applications ask for information about the schools you've attended. List your education, detailing any special courses.

• If you have any professional certification, licenses, or registrations, ie. special class driver's license.

• List any hobbies or interests you may have. This will provide the employer with additional information about related skills.

• If possible, avoid entering birth dates or school graduation dates on an application.

Work Data

• Always fill in the space for the "Position Desired." – Never write "any" or "will do anything!" – It is acceptable to list more than one position.

• In the salary desired field write "open" or "negotiable“• Don’t put in a salary figure that might be too high or too

low. • In the availability field write "immediately," if you are

available to start right away. – If you are currently employed, indicate that you are available

to start after giving two weeks notice. – Giving two weeks notice makes it more likely that you will get

a good reference from the employer. • Be knowledgeable about the hours required for the job.

Work Experience• Give your job title and dates of employment; the name, address, and

phone number of the employer; and a description of your duties. –Might need your salary and your supervisor's name. –Include part-time and full-time jobs. –Make sure that the dates of employment don't overlap or conflict.

• Highlight any club activities, or volunteer work, or organizations you belong to, that may relate to the job you are seeking.

• List any special skills, abilities, experience and/or training that relate to the position you want.

• Always talk to your references before beginning your work search, to ask permission to use their names, addresses, and phone numbers on your application(s).

• Former employers, business acquaintances, teachers, and the clergy are all acceptable references. Be sure to keep your reference list updated and let them know when you find a job.

Leaving Jobs

• If asked for the reason you left a job, use positive phrases– "to take a job with more responsibility,"

"moved," "seasonal," "business closed," "job or contract ended," "temporary work," " laid off," " reorganization," "returned to school," " or "career change."

• Avoid negative words– "fired," "quit," "absenteeism," or "tardiness."

Mistakes• Not following directions • Misspelled words • Crossed out writing • Not printed • Wrinkled or messy application form • Incomplete information or unanswered questions • Not applying for a specific position • Application not turned in by the deadline • Use of troublesome words, such as "quit" or

"fired" • Forgetting to sign the application

Fact Sheet

• Find out all information before going to put in your application

• Keep the form – just use it to copy information

• Update it with names, addresses and phone numbers

• Be detailed in duties preformed

• Complete the worksheet now