Sunroom Plants
A sunroom is a great place to grow plants that would otherwise struggle to flourish in the local environment. The raised temperatures during the summer months and added protection of being indoors during winter allows slightly more exotic plants and flowers to be chosen. There are some things to consider first though before you fill your sunroom with rainforest fauna.
Will my sunroom be too hot?
Varies with the type of plant but the answer is yes, it could be. I have tried growing orange trees in my sunroom, which due to its poor design, ventilation and south facing orientation could reach more than 100F in summer. One day the tree was flourishing the next it was nearly dead. I left the blinds up and the windows shut on a hot day and it burned and dried up all the new foliage growth.
Try to ensure you have some form of ventilation, that is safe and secure, so the temperature doesn't get too excessive. If possible shade the plants from the direct sunlight, or most of it and remember to keep them watered. Ideally some form of timer operated watering system would be great as it will, hopefully, never forget.
Will my sunroom be too cold?
If its unheated during the winter then it could be. Insulation is only good if there is some heat inside the room or a energy source, such as the sun, to provide some heat. During overcast, cold winter days the temperature inside the sunroom could drop below that desired by the plant or flower resulting in some mild frost damage. Try not to let the temperature drop below about 40F and most sub-tropical plants will still be OK, ideally keep it above about 45F for best results, again depending on what you are trying to grow in the sunroom.
Watering sunroom plants
The amount of watering that the plants will need will depend on their type and how big the container is. Large trees such as orange or lemon, in a large container, will need less watering than a small plant on the shelf. Its best to feel the top of the soil or compost in the container to see how dry it feels. If in doubt fill the base that the container stands in and let the plant draw up whatever water it requires. Remember over-watering can be as bad as not enough.
Pruning sunroom plants
Try and prune the plants at the end of the season after any fruit or flowers have finished allowing the plant to recover before the next season.
Too big for its pot?
If you look after your plant well then it is likely it will outgrow its pot or container. Check at the start of the new season right up to Summer by removing the pot and looking for the root bunching up around the edges. If so then re-plant in a slightly larger container with some more soil or compost. remember to water and feed the plant after re-potting.
Feeding
Plants in containers have a limited amount of nutrients they can draw from the soil around them and so need to be fed with a fertilizer on a regular basis for optimal health.
Sunroom Invaders?
Like outdoor varieties, sunroom plants can be infested with insects so regularly check the leaves or flowers for signs of pests and if found use an appropriate insecticide.
Types of plants suitable for sunrooms?
My favorite has to be fragrant green trees like orange and lemon. They can look so healthy and have the added advantage of growing fruit, if you are lucky.