No Science and Little Art
June 8, 2008 - new leaves are a growing! - See an updated photo of the repurposed pop bottle planter.
This tiny Polka Dot plant was a handout at the World Science Festival Street Fair today. One of our botanical institutions was giving them out to demonstrate their kids gardening program. I don't see any science here, only imprecise "art".
The little plant was installed in an overly heavy compost, certainly not a good media for an indoor plant. When I removed it from this soil, I noticed a fungus gnat (Sciarid fly), a sure sign of soil that is too moist.Their larvae thrive in soil like this.
Following is the text of the "plant care sheet" included with the plant. The method of planting along with the vague, unscientific care sheet leads me to predict that few of these plants will survive. I don't see that as a good way to introduce kids to gardening.
Plant Care Sheet Hypoestes "Polka Dot Plant"
Polka dot plants come in white, red, or pink, and are
native to Madagascar. Polka dot plant makes a nice houseplant. Don't
place in direct sunlight. Low light will help prevent spots from
fading. This plant likes humidity, and you can pinch younger stems to
help keep it full and bushy.
When
you get home, put your plant on your windowsill with a saucer
underneath it. Keep soil moist but don't overwater. If you put your
finger in the soil and it feels dry, it's time to water your plant. If
the soil feels damp, your plant needs no water. Don't forget to check
your plant every few days! Enjoy.
Children's Education
So this is where you've been posting the past couple months... I'll need to read the posts to catch up. Hope you are well!
Posted by: Heather | June 01, 2008 at 01:14 AM