How to Care for Atrium Plants

Atriums are generally found inside of malls, office buildings and government offices. They are a way of bringing the natural elements indoors to add life and color into foyers. Often there are large sky lights located above planters to help support plant life. Make sure that you know all of the light, soil and pH range requirements of the plants you wish in your atrium planters Keep up a consistent maintenance routine to promote optimal health of plants and the aesthetics of your atrium.

Planter
Perlite
Sphagnum moss
Potting soil
Water source

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a diagram of your atrium. Indicate the prospective places you wish to place planters. Determine how much light each planter receives. Low light conditions is characterized by 50 to 100 foot candles emanating from bright fluorescent fixtures. Medium light comes from windows two to four feet away from planters. Sunlight streaming from windows onto planters is considered high light.
- 2
  Consider how far away your atrium's planters are from your doorways when you are Deciding which plants to grow. Cold blasts of air during winter months can kill a variety of plants including tropical flowers.
- 3
  Choose planters that can accommodate the size of a plant's root ball. Ground plants need at least 12 inches of depth, while larger trees need at least 48-inch deep planters. Make sure that the planter has draining holes to prevent water logged soil.
- 4
  Use one part of each perlite, sphagnum moss and potting soil in all of your planters.
- 5
  Water your plants when the top soil begins to feel dry. Use water with a temperature of 70 F. Do not use cold water, because it can stunt the plant's growth or root systems.

Tools Used to Cultivate

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