Choosing House Plants
After a brief decline in popularity the house plant has made a huge comeback. They're becoming status symbol and an integral part of interior design, thanks to a swathe research that proves their ability to improve your mental health and air quality.
From lush jungle vibes to the attractive sculptural appeal of succulents as well as cacti, these hardy greenery options are simple to maintain. All you require is a bit of knowledge and a few important factors to create the perfect look.
Space
Many houseplants come from a variety that range from rainforest understory plants to desert-dwelling cacti. Consider the type of environment in which houseplants will thrive to ensure their long-term viability. This includes the particular conditions, such as light, temperature and humidity and the space in your office or home.
For example tropical understory plants like ferns thrive in humid conditions with bright indirect light that is similar to what you would find in a east-facing window. The plants will smolder their leaves if they are placed in windows that face west or south.
When you are arranging your plants, be sure to leave enough space between each plant for air circulation. This will help control the temperature and prevent diseases caused due to lack of air circulation. Also, ensure that your pots have drainage holes to minimize the possibility of over-watering or stagnant water. Porous pots, such as Terra cotta are better at aeration than non-porous plastic or glaze-glazed pots, which may hold more moisture and limit airflow.
It's important to remember that, while many species of plants are fairly inexpensive however, the initial investment and regular maintenance of houseplants can be quite costly. It's worth mentioning that gardening can be a tiring process, particularly for those with a tendency to neglect or overwater their plants.
Light
Plants can bring the beauty and color to your home, but if you don't give them enough light, they might appear dull or start dropping leaves. low maintenance house plants could be because the plant needs more bright light, or it could be an indication that there is a problem in the environment. Using a light meter to measure the type and intensity of light is one way to find out what the issue is.
Different species require different levels of light to grow and bloom. Most plants require bright indirect light. However, this can vary based on the species and how much sunlight they receive outdoors. It is important to study the requirements of your particular plants to ensure that you provide them with the most optimal conditions.
If you have a small amount of space for windows or windows that are blocked, you should consider selecting plants that thrive in less lighting conditions. Aroids, like bromeliads, ferns and some ivy varieties, can thrive in dimly lit areas. Houseplants that flower, such as African Camellias and Violets Geraniums and Gardenias (Pelargonium species), are more demanding but can still thrive in less than ideal conditions.
Try positioning plants that require bright indirect lighting, such as dracaenas or the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia), in the front of a window that faces south throughout the day. Or position them a few inches away from a window that faces west to get the most brightness. If you opt for a full spectrum artificial lighting system and you want to get more intense light, this will also help.
best houseplants provide more intense light than standard bulbs and allow you to grow more plants within the same space because they're designed to mimic natural sunlight, which includes the energy of the red and blue wavelengths that are essential to flowers and plants. A good example is the Aceple Desk Plant Light, which is affordable and produces amazing results on African violets lemon cucumbers, weeping figs.
Another kind of light is called the high-intensity discharge (HID) or metal Halide lamp. These lamps generate a lot of heat and are not recommended for use in many homes. Make sure that the fixture has an automatic shut-off and is properly vented.
Temperature
Plants have a narrow temperature range that they thrive in. Temperature influences transpiration, photosynthesis, and respiration which are all vital for plant growth and function. It's important to know the temperature requirements of your plants and to keep them at their optimal temperature throughout the day.
For example tropical houseplants such as palms, philodendrons, and peace flowering lily plants thrive in hot temperatures during the day and cooler ones at night. The cooler temperatures enable the plants to conserve water and energy collected through photosynthesis. Temperature affects the speed at which the plant grows. High temperatures accelerate the rate of growth while lower temperatures slow it down.
It is also crucial to keep track of the humidity of your home. Plant diseases are often caused by dry air. It is best to put your plants in areas that are ventilated naturally and close to windows. If your home is cold, you might need to move your plants away from doors and open fires. The drafts can cause the plant's stomata close, which decreases its ability to absorb nutrients and water.
Rapid temperature fluctuations and long cold periods are the biggest problems that indoor plants are faced with. Most plants can withstand temperatures that vary up to 10 degrees F between day and night.
If your plants are exposed to extreme temperatures, it's likely that they'll die, lose their leaves, or develop mold. tall house plants can monitor and regulate the temperature of your home. Smart thermostats, smart AC controllers and ductless minisplits will assist you in maintaining the optimal temperature of your green friend while saving time and money. Plus, they're eco-friendly! Visit SmartHome.com for more information.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes in rainforests and deserts in which they are able to grow on branches and trunks of trees, or cling to rocks and other surfaces. These plants can tolerate less sun, dry air and inconsistent watering. They are also more resistant to dry air than plants that have been adapted to more temperate climates. Some of these plants are favored for indoor gardens, such as bromeliads, orchids and ferns.
Water is vital to the growth and health of the plant. The quality of water, the frequency at the frequency at which it changes and even its temperature are all elements that affect a plant's growth.
Rainwater or meltwater is the ideal water to use for houseplants. It is oxygen-rich and doesn't contain fluoride or chlorine. If you don't have rainwater, meltwater, or distilled water, tap is usually good if it has not been boiled or treated using calcium chloride. Chlorine and chloramines are able to harm roots and kill the beneficial microorganisms and bacteria in the soil, which is why it's recommended to allow tap water to remain for 24 hours prior to using it.
Whether you use tap water, rainwater or bottle water, it's an ideal idea to swap out the old water for fresh, clean water at least once a week. Utilizing the same water over several months can cause salt accumulation which can be harmful for certain plants.
It is recommended to water a plant, to use a container for watering that allows you control the amount of the water you use so that you don't overwater or underwater the plant. It is recommended to water plants with indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Direct sunlight heats the water and can encourage algae and other organisms that may be harmful to the plant.
The amount of water a houseplant requires changes depending on the time of year and the individual plant's needs, so it's a good idea keep the track of how much a particular plant grows and then water it in line with. If you aren't sure if your plant is getting enough water, try lifting the pot. A plant that is dying or sagging is probably very thirsty, and a well-watered plant will have a sturdy but wet soil texture.