Well, things didn’t go so well for the first inhabitants of the greenhouse. In fact, the 12-hour visit to the lush and very humid oasis resulted in the death of five seasoned plants. Total destruction, with no chance for recovery.
Two days ago, with Autumn breezes churning the air, I took all my houseplants out to the greenhouse for a little rejuvenation. Rest and relaxation. A change of scenery. My thoughts were that I could do fall cleaning in preparation for the wedding while the plants enjoyed some sunshine.
Everything was fine in the beginning. With many trips from one house to the other, the plants seemed to be loving it when they were all in place. Using the nearest hose, I gave them all a good shot of Miracle Grow as I watered the pea-gravel floor again. After they were all settled I shut the door and went back inside. It was late afternoon, with the greenhouse receiving three more hours of full sun.
I never gave the plants another thought until yesterday around 11. I thought the sun was high enough in the sky to create some humidity creating water droplets on the walls and leaves. Expecting happy plants on a day with cool mid-day temps, I opened the door to be overcome with horror and disbelief.
The inside temperature in the greenhouse was 100+. Even with gallons of water applied to the floor, there was zero humidity.
The plants were either in a state of true stress OR worse. D-E-A-D. I think I could’ve suffered a major sunburn myself. Springing to action, I removed those plants that hadn’t yet burned.
The pathos plants that’ve lived with me for over 10 years were burned to death. Their lifeless little leaves were now blackened. MM had just commented on how well they were doing in rooms with very little light. Well, no more.
The Dracaena’s all died, frying where I’d placed them. Each pot was so hot, it was hard to carry them to the trash were they received last rights.
Surprisingly, the Ficus bejamina tree, which I thought would’ve been the most fragile, survived.
The Sanseveria were on their way out, but luckily, I arrived in time. Another hour, and there would’ve been more reportable deaths.
Thank goodness, the new African Violets didn’t make the trip. Even I know they are just too fragile to survive such a change. There would’ve been nine deaths to report. As it is, they are growing well with new blooms to open soon.
Fifteen healthy plants went on vacation. Only ten came home. They are resting, still traumatized by their trip to the other house.
Today is a new day, with plans to order the greenhouse shade cloth. Before guests arrive at Winterpast, replacement plants will grace my windowsills.
“Oh, what lovely plants you have! What a green thumb! I wish my plants would grow this well! What’s your secret? The greenhouse?”
Welllll……..
Actually……..
Yes.
That, and a really good nursery at which to buy replacements. Let’s keep that one our little secret. Okay?
Whatever you do today, if it involves the unknown, start small while checking for unknown results. If you move a plant to a new location, check on it every few hours for the first few days. You might save yourself some grief. Happy Gardening!!!
More tomorrow.