What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in maintaining indoor plants requires evidence that the feeding watering cleaning pruning and treatment needs of indoor pot plants and displays can be met

The skills and knowledge required to maintain indoor plants must be transferable to a different work environment For example if plants can be maintained in an atrium with high intensity natural light it must also be evident that plant maintenance can be undertaken in an office with low light intensity

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below identification and characteristics of common indoor plants and their culture growth requirements of indoor plants light and moisture toleranceintolerance for common indoor plant species acclimatisation techniques for indoor plants common problems that may occur with indoor plants and their treatment operations and maintenance of a range of irrigationsubirrigation systems used for watering indoor plantsdisplays methods of disposing of waste to minimise damage to the environment

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
1. identification and characteristics of common indoor plants and their culture
2. growth requirements of indoor plants
3. light and moisture tolerance/intolerance for common indoor plant species
4. acclimatisation techniques for indoor plants
5. common problems that may occur with indoor plants and their treatment
6. operations and maintenance of a range of irrigation/subirrigation systems used for watering indoor plants/displays
7. methods of disposing of waste to minimise damage to the environment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to participate in teams and contribute to team objectives interpret enterprise work procedures communicate with clients team members and supervisor measure quantities and calculate application rates

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
8. participate in teams and contribute to team objectives
9. interpret enterprise work procedures
10. communicate with clients, team members and supervisor
11. measure quantities and calculate application rates.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Ideas and information relating to indoor plant maintenance activities and problems encountered should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Enterprise work procedures such as watering plan or nutrition schedule should be consulted interpreted and applied to coordinate indoor plant maintenance activities with further clarification sought from the supervisor where necessary

How are activities planned and organised

Work activities for indoor plant maintenance routines may need to be organised around client requirements and there may be some responsibility for coordinating work activities with other members of the work team

How can team work be applied

Indoor plant maintenance activities may involve working with other members of a team to complete operations within the daily work routine

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Calibrating spray equipment and determining quantities and application rates for treatment of indoor plants will require mathematical application

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to maintenance of the growing environment the plants treatments watering tools and equipment workplace safety and other team members may arise during the maintenance of indoor plants

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be applied in the preparation use and maintenance of horticultural and test equipment

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What workplace information may be relevant when undertaking indoor plant maintenance activities?

What tools, equipment and materials are likely to be used to maintain indoor plants?

What OHS hazards may be associated with maintaining indoor plants?

What access factors may influence client requirements?

What adjustments and maintenance may be required on watering systems?

What specified parameters might apply to light meter readings?

How might media condition be assessed?

What common problems associated with indoor plants may be encountered during plant maintenance activities?

What treatments are likely to be selected and applied to indoor plants?

What methods may be used to apply water to indoor plants?

What type of waste may be collected?

What workplace information is likely to be recorded?