One of the most basic needs of any plants is water. However, water does not come naturally to indoor plants. As an interiorscaper, you must solve this problem for your clients. Typically is means sending a technician on a regular schedule to check the plants and water as necessary. Sub-irrigation is another option. It usually won’t cut out the middle man but it will make their job easier, allowing time for other aspects of maintenance.

How Sub-irrigation Works

Sub-irrigation does exactly what the name implies, waters from below. The plant sits over water and soaks it up over time through its growing medium.  Any drain holes in a container are plugged, and there is a shaft down the side of the container that allows water to be added directly to the bottom of the container. There is typically another layer between the soil and the platform separating the water, to slow the uptake of water into the soil. Sub-irrigation usually also includes a water level indicator so it is clear when more water is needed. See this link for a diagram of one of NewPro Containers sub-irrigation systems.

Why Choose Sub-Irrigation

If sub-irrigation doesn’t cut out the middle man what does it do? According to Plant Care Tips, some of the benefits include less stress on the plants, as well as seasonal plants maintaining their blooms longer. Because  the rootball of the plant stays at a constant moisture level, it is not stressed with drying out or getting to soggy. Over watering, which is a common problem for indoor plants, can be avoided.  Soil is not moved or lost as water is added as well. There is also less opportunity for mess, especially for plants in hard to reach places.  The water is poured directly into an area where there is space for it, not into the soil where it must soak in or overflow.  According to NewPro Containers many of their sub-irrigation systems will keep plants watered for up to 12 weeks. So why do you still need the middle man? The sub-irrigation still needs to be monitored. Water levels must be checked and the soil must be checked as well to make sure your plant isn’t staying too dry or too wet. A technician may need to make adjustments if this is happening. A quick check however, rather than toting water to all of the necessary places, will free up a technician’s time for other plant maintenance. For example, dusting and inspection for pests. Overall, with a healthy water level, increased care and early detection for pests and diseases, the sub-irrigation system should save you and your business time and replacement costs.

Try It Out

If you are considering sub-irrigation check NewPro Containers’ selection of containers and systems and give a few a try to see what you like.

Have you tried any sub-irrigation systems? What have you liked about them? What didn’t work? What plants have worked well with sub-irrigation? Have you found any plants that don’t respond well to sub-irrigation?  If you have not tried these systems, what are your hesitations?

Photo Regadora by Xavi Talleda

The supposed death of a two year-old in 1919 after eating a poinsettia leaf seems to be the genesis of a persistent urban legend that poinsettias are deadly for children and pets. While there may not be too many kids or dogs on your Interiorscape service routes, many in the plantscape industry still hear this question from clients dozens of times a season.

Ironically many of you may still answer “yes!” Nearly 66 percent of those participating in a 1995 Society of American Florists poll believed poinsettias toxic if eaten. A 1994 survey of 1,000 Americans by Bruskin/Goldring Research for the Society of American Florists showed that 42 percent of men and 57 percent of women polled also thought that.

The truth is that poinsettia leaves taste awful – but don’t kill.  The assumed cause of the toddler’s death was never confirmed according to the well-respected myth debunking site snopes.com. In fact, after extensive testing by the American Society of Florists and the Ohio State University, researchers confirmed that no part of the Poinsettia plant is toxic. While the leaves may cause minor skin irritation, and consuming any part of the plant could result in a stomachache, there is no documented evidence that ingesting any part of a Poinsettia would be life-threatening or has actually killed anyone.
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35 days.

840 hours.

50,400 minutes.

3,024,000 seconds.

No matter how you state it, the duration of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day this year will be hectic for many Interiorscapers who add on holiday installations to their service profile. Oftentimes the item central to holiday designs also provides the most headaches from hair-pulling – the Poinsettia.

It is not uncommon for some Interiorscapers to install the majority of decor during the week of Thanksgiving. But some Interiorscape companies shared with us some tried-and-true methods they will be using this year to extend the Poinsettias they install in November all the way to late December. (more…)

Are you searching for a way to increase plant longevity AND decrease your workload? Wrapping a plant’s rootball using a quarter-inch thick piece of foam inserted into a water-tight, no-hole liner is a practice many Interiorscapers are using to accomplish this.

This foam and liner combination also adds stability and integrity to the rootball. You should fill with water to what seems like a third of the way to the top of the plant (see graphic).

This graphic illustrates how a simple foam liner benefits plant health

The plant hair-roots seek out the oxygen trapped in the foam.

“Despite the fact that the rootball is saturated, oxygen exchange is occurring within the hair-roots of the plant at the point of contact.” said Fred Scott, Vice President of NewPro Corp. “This gives the interiorscaper the luxury of more time between watering visits and extends the longevity for plants such as Peace Lillies, Ficus or Palms.”

You may not choose to sub-irrigate some plants, therefore the foam/liner combination may not be needed.

“By the time you need to replace the foam insert, it’s time to replace the plant anyway,” Fred added. “The presence of the foam will maintain the integrity of the rootball and help you avoid its disintegration all over your client’s carpet when it’s time to change or remove it.” (more…)

Interiorscapers possess a variety of talents. Of course they understand how to install plants and related accessories to keep them alive, as well as horticultural knowledge and design skills. Yet during the holidays, they must wear many more hats (carpenter, electrician and even engineer). This all must be accomplished while avoiding neglect of existing non-holiday installations.

During the holidays, customers, ironically, are oftentimes less patient and forgiving. Clients are more demanding, and your chances to “get it right” are fewer. Even the best intention to tap into holiday cheer can create situations better suited for Halloween!

NewPro Corp Vice President Fred Scott, a former purchaser and manager of installations at one of the largest exterior and interior landscape supply companies in the US, has seen holiday planning go well and, not-so-well.

One strategy that works well with poinsettias is selling a pot with each plant. It saves time on installation and clean-up. A decorative container, rather than simple foil or even a speed cover keeps the poinsettia more stable and therefore healthier throughout the holiday. (more…)