About Diana Hamilton Expertise I can answer questions related to flowering and non-flowering house plants, and herbs. I do not know very much about cactus, orchids and bonsai
Experience For 20 years I owned a florist where I sold cut flowers and all types of house plants and accessories and gave advice to my customers.
Publications I have not had any writings published but I have presented gardening programmes on television, showing viewers how to care for their plants, giving them ideas on suitable plants, discussed problems with experts in different fields and given practical demonstrations on growing seeds, planting tubs and hanging baskets, watering, feeding, pruning etc.
Education/Credentials I am completely self-taught
Awards and Honors I have exhibited plants and flower arrangements in many Flower Shows winning many prizes.
House Plants - rubber tree house plant, umbrella tree house plants
Expert: Diana Hamilton - 7/2/2009
Question I am wondering how often I should water the two plants listed above?
Answer Dear Kelly,
It all depends on the temperature where you have these plants situated.
For example if they are in a cool shady place they will not dry out as quickly as if they are in a warm situation.
They like to be in a well lit spot and although the rubber tree will adapt to a couple of hours of early morning sunshine neither of them should be in direct sunlight when the sun is at its fiercest i.e. midday.
My advice to you is when the soil has almost dried out to plunge the pots in a bucket of tepid water - you can add some plant fertiliser - and leave them there to soak for say 15 mins or so or until all the air bubbles have risen to the top of the surface of the water. Remove them from the bucket and leave to drain before you place back on their plates or inside decorative pot covers, whichever you use.
Sponge and mist the leaves frequently especially during the hot months as this will keep the plant and the surrounding air cool, keep them clean and deter any insects which might be around.
Feed them twice every month. In the winter watering should be reduced and feeding will be stopped completely.
If you have any other queries please feel free to contact me again.
