Dwarf – A plant that has the same characteristics of others in its genus and species, but consistently grows smaller. Many houseplants are dwarf versions of tropical trees.

Dormant – A rest period during which plant growth ceases or slows down. Most (but not all) plants are dormant in winter—from early in December to mid-February.

Direct light – Full sun. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves of most houseplants.

Cutting – A plant leaf, tip or stem that’s been cut off and is capable of developing into a new plant.

Crawlers – Baby insects that move about on plant surfaces.

Capillary action – The tendency of water or any other liquid to seek out the smallest possible space and to work its way up through small openings such as the spaces in a sponge or in soil.

Bud – The portion of a plant from which a shoot, cluster of leaves or a flower develops.

Bright light – The intensity within three feet of a south, west or east-facing window. Bright light should be filtered or indirect, though. Don’t confuse it with full sunshine, which can burn leaves of most houseplants.

Artificial light – Certain wavelengths from fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs can supplement or entirely substitute for natural sunlight. Check grow-lights, natural light.

Air-layering – A propagation technique which lets you reduce the height of a plant that’s grown too tall. Basically, you partially sever the trunk, wrap with damp sphagnum moss until roots form, then remove the upper segment and put it in a new pot. New growth should eventually sprout from the lower or remaining plant […]