HRT 222 - Houseplants and Interiorscapes

Course Code: HRT 222

Credits: 2

Course Description

This course will cover the concepts and practices of greenhouse houseplant production and the maintenance and management of interiorscapes. Students will explore many categories of houseplants, including: ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes, succulents, cacti, foliage plants, and orchids. Interiorscape management is a niche, but growing field of horticulture involving the design, installation, and maintenance of houseplants in residential and commercial settings. Students will learn about the challenges specific to interiorscape management, as well as explore the many business models used by interiorscape companies.

Course Objectives

Understand the history of houseplants and their economic importance in horticulture.
Understand the impact of environmental variables (light, temperature, water, and nutrients) on plant growth, and apply this to the scheduling, production, and management of houseplants.
Identify common pests and diseases and implement appropriate pest treatment plans.
Compare and contrast interiorscape company business models and develop a personalized business plan.
Understand the variety of houseplant producers and retailers, and the unique business and production challenges of each.

Major Topics

History, Benefits, and Economics of Houseplants
Plant Classification
Anatomy and Lifecycles of Houseplants
Pests and Diseases
Water, Nutrition, Media, Plant Growth Regulators
Light and Temperature
Propagation
Plant Profiles, including examples from most of the main plant families
Interiorscaping, including: challenges, maintenance, business models, expense and fee calculation