Interior Gardening

• Prevent stem rot of house plants by potting up plants on a slight mound with the soil sloping 1/4 to 1/2 inch lower at the edge of the pot.
• Now is a good time to start a cactus garden. Cacti may be started from seeds or from cuttings. Sow seeds in trays filled with a mixture of half sand and half potting soil. Cover with glass or plastic film to retain humidity while seeds germinate. Take cuttings using a sharp knife. Set cuttings aside for one day to form a callus before placing them in the sand/soil media. Once rooted, transfer seedlings or cuttings to shallow containers filled with a quick-draining media.
• Don't overpot African violets. They bloom better in small pots.
• A popular gift plant, the Easter lily, needs bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. After blooming, it can be planted in a sunny spot in the garden after danger of frost is over, where it will bloom next year.
• Don't be too anxious to move your house plants outdoors. Even a good chill can knock the leaves off of tender plants.