"CWilde" wrote in message ...
I've had house plants for years, and this year is my first for the fungus
gnats. I avoid chemical controls if I can. By letting my plants dry out more
than normal - I've got rid of the gnats. I used "Miracle-gro" potting soil
for the first time. It seems to retain water more than other potting soils.

Carlotta


My experience (in the very dry air of my home) is that there is more
water loss from the surface of the pot than from the leaves, at least
in winter (in summer the plants are outside). And I prefer that the
water be lost because it helps with air humidity, but if you want to
strongly reduce water loss from the soil all you need is some mulch in
the pot, wood chips or leaves. Some of the pots that are mulched only
take water every 6 weeks or so.