1. Horticulture CD Unit B1 - 9 Floriculture

2. Problem Area 1 Greenhouse Crop Production

3. Lesson 9 Growing Foliage Plants

4. Interest Approach zLook 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?

5. Student Learning Objectives z1. Describe the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry. z2. Discuss production practices used in growing foliage plants in the greenhouse.

6. Objectives Cont. z3. Explain practices used in caring for foliage plants in the home or office.

7. Terms zAcclimation zFoliage Plants zInterior Plantscaping

8. What is the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry? zTropical 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.

9. yThe production of foliage plants in the U.S. ranks third behind bedding plants and potted flowering crops. yIn the U.S., Florida accounts for 69% of foliage plant production followed by California, Texas, and Hawaii.

10. Twelve foliage plants make up 60% of all foliage plant sales. zDracena zpothos zFicus zdumbcane zpalms zChinese evergreen zPeace lily zEnglish ivy zPhilodendron zSchefflera and Brassaia znephythytis zferns

11. Pothos Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

12. Dracena Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

13. Dumbcane Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.

14. What cultural practices are used in commercial foliage plant production? zFoliage plant production involves propagation of plant materials, rapid growth under optimum growing conditions, and preparation for sale. yDifferent foliage plants require different methods of propagation. yMost foliage plants do well with soilless media with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

15. yLight requirements for most foliage plants are between 1,500 and 8,000 foot candles. yFoliage plants do best with night temperatures between 65ºand 80ºF and day temperatures between 75º and 95ºF. yWatering depends on the species.

16. yProvide 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

17. yless humid, darker, and cooler environments than found in the greenhouse is known as acclimatization.

18. How should foliage plants be cared for in the home or office? zMost foliage plants can be acclimatized to the indoor environments and thrive if given proper care. There are some general guidelines that can be followed. ySelect plants for the conditions they will encounter. yProvide optimum lighting for the plant species.

19. yMaintain temperatures above 55ºF. yHumidify the air in winter months. ySelect appropriately sized containers. yRepot the plants when they become root bound. yWater as needed rather than on a schedule. yFertilize sparingly.

20. Review/Summary zWhat is the importance and scope of the foliage plant industry? zWhat cultural practices are used in commercial foliage plant production? zHow should foliage plants be cared for in the home or office?