Tips from The Plant Dr. of Southern California

Bromeliads are easy to grow, and will bloom for a couple months in your home, but be careful not to over water them.

If you see ants on your plants, it’s probably because they’re eating the secretions (called honeydew) left by bugs.

Check prior to watering, if the plant is sitting in water, it’s probably not thirsty.

There are now new varieties of indoor ficus trees that don’t drop leaves as easily. Ask your local nursery if they carry them.

Chinese evergreen has variegated foliage and is an excellent houseplant.

If your plant is getting low light, it will need less water.

Check for aphids which are about 1/16 inch

Look carefully for spider mites, they’re only about 1/50 inch

Each time you water, inspect your plants for pests. Look carefully, especially on the underside of the leaves.

If the water goes rapidly into the saucer, the soil was probably dehydrated to the point it separates from the container. Push down the soil and water again.