How to Care For Houseplants
The trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants isn't going away regardless of whether the craze for houseplants has ended. Learn how to care for these plants with ease!
The plant's discontent is evident by dried-out leaves and drooping stalks. Don't just throw away the trowel just yet!
Light Requirements
One of the most important aspects in growing a houseplant successfully is determining how much light it requires. All plants require light for photosynthesis, which is the process which converts sunlight and water into energy that aids the growth, blooming and seed production. If a plant doesn't get sufficient light, it will not produce the energy needed for these processes and begin to decline.
The requirements for light in a houseplant are an important factor to consider when choosing the best location for it in your home or office. The label on your plant or a bit of research will tell you if it thrives in bright direct sunlight, indirect, bright sunlight medium light or low light. It is possible that you will need to use an instrument to measure light to determine the intensity of sunlight. A specialized horticultural light or grow lamp can be used to supplement available light.
Direct sunlight is when sunlight shines directly onto a plant. This usually happens on the window sill. low maintenance house plants is blocked by curtains, shade or trees that are outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as unfiltered, bright sunlight.
You can determine the amount of light your plant receives by having it put it in front of a window and look at the shadows it produces. A shadow with clear, distinct outlines suggests direct sunlight that is bright, whereas shadows with edges that are dappled suggests an area of moderate light.
Rooms that get little sunlight, or windows facing north or west, are likely to have low-light conditions. Plants that thrive in low-light conditions have pale or straggly foliage. They may be leaning toward the light or look "leggy."
A plant can be aided in low-light situations by using artificial lighting sources. It is important to consider the type of artificial lighting you choose to use and the location it will be put. For instance fluorescent lights are the best choice because it offers the spectrum of light required for plants. It emits red and blue light, which plants use to create chlorophyll in order to photosynthesis, and it also emits a tiny amount of green light. In contrast the incandescent light bulb produces just green and does not provide many of the other colors required for the growth of plants.
Watering
Houseplants provide an attractive green accent to your home and office. They are often used to soften lines and block out harsh light, and they can also improve the quality of indoor air. But the best way to take care of your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant gets can have a major impact on its health. The most common mistake is to overwater, which can cause root rot and other serious issues. Make sure you water your plants in a slow manner to ensure that the liquid seeps into the soil and does not run off the surface. It's helpful to weigh a potted plant after it's been watered to get a sense of how moist the soil is.
Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Cold or hot water can cause shock to the roots. If you can, collect rainwater and use it for your plants. It's completely free of salts and minerals, and it helps to restore the balance of the soil. If you do use tap water, be sure that it's not softer or treated with chlorine, because these substances can accumulate in the soil over time.
It may take some trial and error to determine how much water a houseplant requires. Many houseplants originate from tropical regions and have large, glossy leaves that need plenty of water to appear their best. They require more water than desert dwellers like succulents or cacti. They do better when soil dries between waterings.
Generally, a plant will require more water during the spring and summer months as well as less in the fall and winter. It's important to water a plant in accordance with its seasonal needs, rather than sticking to a fixed schedule. This can lead to plants being overwatered during one time of year, and under-watered at another.
good house plants is essential to feed your houseplant and monitor it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will help to replace the nutrients sucked out of the soil through frequent watering. It is also an excellent idea to spray the leaves of plants with fungicide or insecticidal soap to prevent infestations by insects or mites.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are frequently fed incorrectly or not enough. This can lead to stunted or even dead growth. Indoor plants do not have the same access to nutrients as outdoor plants.
The most important aspect of feeding your houseplants correctly is to know the most effective fertilizer to use and when. Many houseplants require a lot of nitrogen in order to promote flower and foliage growth however, they also require the mineral phosphorus to develop roots. A good fertilizer for houseplants blends these two essential macronutrients and should be made up of organic and inorganic sources. While low maintenance house plants and compost are great natural sources of these nutrients but they're not as efficient as a houseplant-specific liquid or granular fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizers are the most popular, since they are easy to use and extremely portable. However, good house plants to study the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. Certain liquids can be used as often as once a week while others should only be used less frequently. Consider slow-release or granular fertilisers as a more sustainable alternative. These kinds of products contain nutrients that are encapsulated in an outer coating that releases them slowly to the plant over time.
During the growing season, it is recommended to feed your houseplants on a regular basis with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. As the weather gets cooler and the days shorten then it's time to change to a lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. If your plant is new or recently re-potted, wait until the plant begins to show signs of settling into its dormant phase before feeding.
Remember that the health of a houseplant can be affected by external factors that are that are beyond its control. These include lighting, environmental conditions and habits of watering. Overwatering your houseplant could cause root rot. Insufficient watering can cause the plant wilt and eventually die. Follow these simple tips to ensure your houseplant is flourishing!
Repotting
Repotting is one of the most important things you could do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to grow and to keep the soil loose and healthy. Repotting helps stimulate new growth, which is another vital aspect of a healthy homeplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once a year, but the exact timing can vary. Most likely, younger plants will need to be repotted more frequently than older, established ones.
When you are ready to pot your plant, make sure the soil is draining properly and that the pot is clean. Begin by watering your plant thoroughly prior to repotting it so that the soil is humid. This will help in leaching out any salts that may have accumulated in the soil. After the soil is prepared, choose your new pot and prepare your potting mix.
You'll need to gently remove your plant from the old container, making sure not to break any roots. Once the roots have been removed put the plant into the new pot and fill it to the base. Fill in the remaining gaps by gently pressing down on the soil. Gently teasing the roots is a good idea to stop them from becoming densely packed and circling the rootball.
You should water your plant once you have put in the potting mix. Then, rub the soil lightly to help the potting mix adhere to the roots. Avoid overwatering your plants or you will end up with a sloppy mess which will slow down their growth and recovery.
Repotting your plant in spring is ideal. It is during this time the majority of plants begin to grow, which can help them adapt to their new environment faster.
Make sure to only increase one or two sizes when repotting plants. Most houseplants do not thrive when they are moved more than two sizes. They will become top heavy and the potting mix becomes compacted.