Your unwanted house plants may be a problem because they are growing out of control, or they may be a danger to your health and the safety of those around you. But, before you consider taking drastic action, try considering some of these suggestions for what to do with unwanted house plants. Many plants can be successfully removed from homes without damaging the environment, but it is important to be aware that some common household plants and flowers are considered invasive species. The most effective way to determine which plants are invasive is to contact a local extension office, as they will be able to provide you with the best information on which plants are harmful or should be removed, and which should be left alone.
Some common plants that can be problematic to remove include: African Violets, California Poppies, Pot Marigolds, Rock Lobelia, Sedum Autumn Leaves, Spider Plants, Sumac, tulips, variegated woodruff, white-tipped reeds, and lacebugs. There is not one type of plant that is universally considered invasive, but rather a variety of different plant species that can be dangerous if removed. Some plants, such as the African violet, have been known to cause problems in urban areas because of their ability to grow up to twelve inches per year. This rapid growth makes them difficult to control once they grow beyond two feet. However, African violets are an example of a plant that can be removed without damaging the environment.
When considering the possible removal of plants, it is important to consider how each plant will be affected. For example, plant herbs and flowers will often die back in the winter and may not return to the location in which they were found in the spring. But plant leaves will stay green and the plant can survive the long cold winter. So, if you can transplant the plant during the fall and winter, it will not hurt to do so.
What to do with unwanted house plants depends on whether the plant has flowers or berries, has a seed in the middle, or roots. For instance, some species of boxwood, such as anise and cleavers, will not survive being removed unless the roots are removed. Removing the entire plant may result in better distribution of nutrients throughout the soil, but it will also increase chances for other plant species to take its place. Also, removing a seed center or blooming flower can result in a more abundant crop in the next year. But, if all parts of the plant have been removed, there will not be any room for the seed to sprout.
Many plants are not bothered by removal, even if it is performed at a commercial facility. They have been grown in the location for many years and typically spread in small communities. Plants that are grown in a garden are more likely to be disturbed by removal, especially if it is performed on a large scale. If you are considering removal of plants, consider whether or not they will need to be moved afterward, and whether their new home will allow them to grow in the area where you have removed them.
What to do with a plant that has become diseased or that has rotted is dependent on what caused it to deteriorate in the first place. Common causes of death include pests, disease, poor irrigation, and lack of sunlight. If the plant started out healthy, you might want to try re-introducing beneficial insects. Look for disease-resistant plants, or take them to a local nursery. Sometimes, simply removing the diseased plant is enough to solve the problem. If the plant has become diseased or is dying because of a disease, however, you might have to remove it and replace with a different, disease-free plant.
Wherever you decide to remove plants, it is important to keep your yard well-maintained to avoid future problems. Remove dead, decaying, or unwanted plants immediately. Do not return any dead or decaying plants to their original spot until you have removed all of the other living plants in that spot.
What to do with unwanted house plants is not a simple task. The life span of many plants can be shortened significantly when simply picking them up and plucking them from your yard. In addition, certain plants cannot survive in colder climates, especially those that are already mature. Check with a local nursery for advice before plucking any plant. It may save you weeks of labor and trouble in the end!
