How to Care For Houseplants
The trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants will not go away regardless of whether or not the craze of houseplants has passed. Learn how to take care of these simple-care favorites!
Your plant's unhappiness is evident by the dry-out leaves and drooping stalks. But don't toss out the trowel until you're ready!
Light Requirements
The amount of light a plant needs is among the most important factors in ensuring its growth. All plants need light for photosynthesis, the process that converts sunlight and water into energy that helps support the growth, blooming and seed production. If a plant does not receive enough light, it will not produce the energy required for these processes.
The requirements for light in houseplants are a crucial factor to consider when choosing the right spot for it at home or in your office. The label on the plant or a bit of research will tell you what it prefers: bright direct sun; bright, indirect sunlight moderate light or low light. You may need a light meter to assess the intensity of natural sunlight. A specially designed horticultural light or grow lamp can be used to complement the existing light.
Direct sunlight is light that shines directly on the plant, typically on a windowsill. Direct sunlight is blocked by curtains, shade or trees that are outside the window. The shade or shade types do not offer the same amount of energy as bright sunlight.
You can gauge the amount of light your plant receives if you stand it in front of a window and look at the shadows it casts. A shadow with distinct, clear outlines is a sign of direct sunlight, while shadows with dappled edges indicates a location that receives moderate light.
Low-light conditions are common in rooms that receive very little sunlight or windows facing west or north. The plants that thrive in these conditions typically have straggly or pale leaves. They might be leaning toward the light or appear "leggy."
A plant can be helped in low-light conditions by using artificial light sources. big house plants is important to consider the type of artificial light you use and where it will be put. A fluorescent light, for example, is a good option because it emits the spectrum of light required by plants. It emits red and blue light, which plants use to make chlorophyll for photosynthesis, and it also emits a small amount of green light. In contrast the incandescent light bulb produces just green light and doesn't provide many of the other colors needed for the growth of plants.
Watering
Houseplants are an excellent way to add beauty and greenery to your office or home. They can soften harsh lines and bright light and can even improve indoor air. The most effective way to enjoy houseplants is by keeping them healthy and happy. Many aspects can affect the health of your plants, including the amount of water it is receiving. Overwatering can lead to root rot, among other issues. Make sure to water your plants slowly so that the liquid seeps into the soil and not runs off the surface. It is useful to weigh the potted plant after it's been watered to get a sense of how moist the soil is.
It is recommended to use water that is room temperature for your houseplants as hot or cold water could shock the roots. If possible, try to collect rainwater to use for your plants. It is free of the majority of salts and minerals and helps to restore the soil's natural balance. If you use tap water to water your garden, be sure it's not softened or chlorinated because these chemicals could accumulate over time in the soil.
It can take some trial and error to determine the amount of water a houseplant requires. A lot of houseplants come from tropical regions and have large, glossy leaves that need plenty of water to look their best. They require more water than desert inhabitants such as cacti or succulents. They do better when soil dries between waterings.
In general, plants require more water during the summer and spring, and less during its dormant season in fall and winter. It is essential to water a plant in accordance with its seasons instead of sticking to a predetermined schedule. This can lead to plants being overwatered during one time of year, and under-watered at another.
Besides watering, it's essential to feed your houseplant on a regular basis and monitor the plant for any pests or diseases. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help replenish nutrients taken from the soil when you water it regularly. It is also a good idea to spray the leaves of the plant with fungicides or insecticidal soap, to prevent infestations by insects or mites.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are often fed incorrectly or not at all. This can lead to reduced or even dead growth. In contrast to outdoor gardens, which benefit from rain that naturally provides nutrients to the soil and plants, indoor plants have limited access to the nutrients in their potting mix and need regular feedings.
Knowing the right time and type of fertilizer you should use is the key to feeding your houseplants the right way. Many houseplants require high levels of nitrogen in order to stimulate the development of flowers and foliage but also phosphorus to develop roots. A good fertilizer for houseplants combines these two macronutrients essential to the plant and should be made up of organic and inorganic sources. While kitchen scraps and compost are excellent natural sources of these nutrients, they're not as effective as a specific liquid for houseplants or granular fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizers, which are easy to use and carry around are the most well-known. However, tall houseplants to be aware of the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. Some liquids can be used as often as once per week, while others should be used less often. Think about slow-release or granular houseplant fertilisers as a more sustainable option. These products are coated with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.
During the growing season when the plant is in bloom, it is recommended to feed your houseplants once every two weeks with a fertilizer high in nitrogen (24-8-16). As the weather gets colder and the days are shorter and the days get shorter, it's time to switch to a lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. If your plant is brand new or newly potted, wait until it shows signs of settling into its dormant state before feeding.
It's also important to remember that the health of a houseplant is influenced by other factors that are not its responsibility, including lighting, environmental conditions, and watering habits. Overwatering your houseplant could cause root rot. Under-watering could cause the plant to slow down and eventually die. Follow these easy tips and your houseplant will thrive!
Repotting
Repotting your houseplant is important. It is vital to allow your plant to develop and keep the soil loos and healthy. Repotting can also stimulate the growth of new plants, which is crucial for a healthy houseplant. Repotting your plants is generally recommended at least once per year, but the exact timing may differ. Most likely younger plants will require to be repotted more often than older, established ones.
When you're ready to repot your plant, ensure that the soil drains well and that the pots are clean. Begin by watering your plants thoroughly just prior to repotting, so that the soil is damp. This will aid in letting out any salts that may have been accumulating in the soil. After the soil is made, select the new pot and prepare your mixing mix for potting.
Remove your plant gently from the old pot. Be tall houseplants not to scratch any roots. Once the roots have been removed then place the plant in the new pot and fill it up to the base. Press down on the top of the soil lightly and fill in the remaining gaps with the potting mix. It is also helpful to gently pull the roots out to prevent them from becoming tightly coiled around the rootball.
After the potting mix has been put in, water the plant to help it settle. Then, you can rub the soil lightly to help the potting mix adhere to the roots. Be careful not to overwater, or you could end up with a soggy mess that will hinder your plant's recovery and growth.
Repotting your plant in spring is ideal. This is when plants begin to show new growth, which can make them more acclimated to their new environment much quicker.
Try to only go up by a couple of 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.