Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain and care for indoor plants.
It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to maintain indoor plants | 1.1 Clarify work activity instructions with supervisor 1.2 Identify any work health and safety hazards and tell supervisor 1.3 Select and use appropriate tools and equipment 1.4 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2. Maintain the growing environment | 2.1 Access plants as directed 2.2 Transport tools, equipment and materials safely to comply with access requirements 2.3 Maintain watering system and adjust where necessary 2.4 Take light meter readings to ensure specified parameters are maintained 2.5 Check condition of media 2.6 Clean containers and growing site to ensure the aesthetic and hygiene standards of indoor plants are maintained |
3. Maintain indoor plants | 3.1 Recognise common problems in indoor plants and rectify and report to the supervisor 3.2 Select and apply treatments to optimise plant health and appearance 3.3 Apply water in the quantity and method specified by the supervisor 3.4 Replace plants when no longer at optimum health and appearance |
4. Complete indoor plant maintenance operation | 4.1 Remove rubbish, litter and decaying material from plants, pots and surrounds and perform cleaning procedures 4.2 Collect and dispose of or recycle waste to minimise damage to the environment 4.3 Clean and store tools and equipment 4.4 Record workplace information in the appropriate format |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
Prepare for indoor plant maintenance activities according to instructions
inspect plant quality
measure quantities and calculate application rates
operate, adjust and maintain watering system
use a light meter
monitor and maintain health of indoor plants
maintain indoor plant environment
record workplace information
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practices of indoor plant maintenance
acclimatisation techniques for indoor plants
botany and physiology of indoor plants
common problems that may occur with indoor plants and their treatment
growth requirements of indoor plants
identification and characteristics of common indoor plants and their culture
light and moisture tolerance and intolerance for common indoor plant species
methods of disposing of waste to minimise damage to the environment
operations and maintenance of a range of irrigation and subirrigation systems used for watering indoor plants and displays
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Nursery (NSY)