Introduction to Horticulture

Plant: African Violet

Term: Acclimation

African Violet – Saintpaulia• Perennial short leaves on short stems – may be

fuzzy• Flowers pink, purple, white, salmon• Temp: 60 -75• Bright indirect light

– Can tolerate low light periodically• Keep soil evenly moist• Don’t let the leaves get wet• Feed monthly, spring – fall• Propagate by division & leaf cutting• Pests: Mealy bugs, mites & aphids

Kalanchoe

• Succulent• Red or pink flowers• Temp 50-75• Bright Sunlight• Drench and then let dry to barely moist before

watering again• Fertilize twice a year: Spring & Summer• Propagate by seeds & leaf or stem cuttings• Pests: Scale, aphids, mealy bugs• Need short days (6 weeks) to flower

Acclimation

• A time period for plants to adjust from the high light, fertilizer, and humidity levels in the greenhouse to the lower levels of retail stores and homes.

Indoor Plant Pests

• Mealy bugs– Suck plant sap– Check underneath

leaves and in folds of new leaves

– Control by wiping off with cotton swap in alcohol or with insecticidal soap

– Ladybugs (lady beetles)

Scale• Small (1/8 “ long) insects that

attach themselves to leaves and stems

• Females are smooth and look like pale green or brown “bumps”

• Males are winged and rarely seen.• They pierce leaves and stems to

feed on plant juices• Control with insecticidal soaps and

Ladybugs

Other pests

• Whiteflies • Thrips

Biological Control

Powdery Mildew

• Problem for African Violet, Begonia, and Jade Plants

• Prevent with good air circulation, avoid wetting leaves

• Control by applying fungicides

Care Cards

• House Plant Name• Genus• Water requirements:

• Light Requirements

• Special Needs or Potential Problems

Job Interviews

• After the application, the interview is the next step in employment

• Can be formal or informal depending on the hiring manager

Important Items

• Be on time• Dress neatly and appropriately• Have questions for the employer not

related to vacation & wages• Have answers ready about interests, skills,

and education• Always keep in mind how your answer will

sound from the employers viewpoint.

Videos

• Right and wrong example• List 6 things she did wrong

• Don’t make these mistakes

Interiorscape

• Front Hall Entrance to school• Measure Light• Select Plants• Design Plantings – use same design

principles as landscape design