| dc.description.abstract | Three foliage species, Brassaia arboricola, Brassaia actinophylla, and Dracaena marginata, were evaluated for growth and quality in a simulated interior environment for six weeks. They were planted in each of four growing media: 1) Metro Mix 200, 2) 50% peat moss:50% perlite, 3) Fisons Sunshine Mix, Blend No.1, and 4) 10 parts pine bark: 3 parts peat moss:2 parts sand. Growth parameters measured were plant height, leaf area, root and shoot dry weights, and chlorophyll a and b content. Medium pH and bulk density were also measured. Few significant results were obtained for B. arboricola or B. actinophylla. D. marginata showed a significant increase in height and leaf area in the bark:sand:peat mix. Root dry weight decreased significantly in Fisons and shoot dry weight decreased significantly in Metro Mix 200, peat:perlite, and Fisons. Chlorophyll a content increased significantly in Metro Mix 200 and chlorophyll b content increased significantly in bark:sand:peat. Quality ratings showed that the bark:sand:peat mix produced plants significantly higher in quality than Fisons Sunshine Mix for D. marginata, but no significant differences in quality between media were obtained for the other species. Medium pH showed little change over time, but bulk density increased significantly in Metro Mix 200, peat:perlite, and Fisons. | en |
