from Making Things Grow (houseplants)

To feed houseplants, put old, steamed bone meal into the bottom of the pot (if on the top it gets moldy)
 Easily water hanging plants by placing ice cubes around the rim- melts and absorbed slowly

To keep houseplant in same size pot, trim roots back so 1" clear of pot sides, also trim leaves off to match root size. Leave heart of root ball undamaged. Keep recovering plant out of direct sun, enclosed in plastic bag tent? Spring is best time for this work

Do not use dirty pots, always wash out before reuse w/mild bleach and air dry. Also, twice a year clean the saucers and trays in same manner, and if in a well of pebbles, clean those in boiling water (kills pests and germs)

Plants drop lower leaves if poor root system or too long pot bound

Don't give plants growing in poor conditions or low light (winter) excess food, and water sparingly
Only fertilize/feed when new growth is showing, or if you want larger plant. If size is right, limit food/water

Poinsettia propogation- after "bloom" at christmastime, cut plant back and let sit dormant. when new shoots emerge, use those for cuttings to grow new plant

Don't put new cuttings into direct sun, give them low light and water only when dried out

To clean dust, debris or insects off plant, several methods- blast of water from hose, or under faucet in sink. Cover pot top w/foil and dunk head of plant upside down, swish in soapy water (treatment for aphids) or put foiled pot into shower to knock off bugs/dust

Midwinter good time to treat for insects, as they attack dormant plants. Early summer good time to give plants cleaning, pruning, repotting- they have long warm summer days to recover before winter