Potting Tropical Plants

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - When you go to a Flower Show that's all about Hawaii, you might fall in love with a plant that doesn't like our weather. So, when you see a plant you just have to have, just ask if it grows well in a pot. Plenty of plants do - and that way, you can take it inside for the winter. That's how a lot of your neighbors grow bananas and lemons around here.

By asking key questions and planning ahead, you'll have a much better chance of keeping the plant alive for years: find out the right soil mix and pot size; whether to prune it, when to water and fertilize, and how to reacclimate it to the outdoors again each spring.

Remember, that most of what we call 'houseplants' are just tropical plants that would die if we left them out all year. By bringing them into our homes, we help recreate the warmth where most of these fabulous fruiting and flowering tropical plants simply flourish naturally.