How to Care For Houseplants
No matter if the houseplant mania in 2020 is over the trend of filling your home with lush indoor plants is not going away. Learn how to take care of these simple-care plants with confidence!
Dried-out leaves and drooping stems are clear indications that your plant isn't happy. Don't throw away the trowel yet!
Light Requirements
One of the biggest factors in the success of a houseplant is determining how much light it needs. All plants require light for photosynthesis. This is the process of turning sunlight and water into energy to aid in blooming, growth, and the production of seeds. If a plant doesn't receive sufficient light, it will not produce the energy needed to support these processes and begin to decrease.
The light requirements of houseplants are a crucial factor to consider when choosing the best location for it at home or in your office. You can determine the name of your plant, or by conducting some research to determine if it thrives in bright direct sunlight or bright indirect sunlight. moderate light or low lighting. You may need an instrument to measure the intensity of sunlight. A specially designed horticultural light or grow lamp can also be used to complement the existing light.
Direct sunlight is light that shines directly on plants, usually on a windowsill. Indirect sunlight is filtered through curtains, trees or shade outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as pure, unfiltered sunlight.
You can determine the level of light your plant gets by holding it up to the window and observing the shadow it casts on a piece of paper. A shadow with clear, distinct outlines suggests direct sunlight that is bright, whereas shadows with edges that appear to be dappled indicates a moderately light spot.
tall house plants that get little sunlight, or windows facing to the west or north 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."
It is possible to help a plant in low-light conditions by providing it with an artificial light source. It is essential to consider the kind of artificial lighting you select and where it will be placed. For instance fluorescent lights are a good choice because it provides the light spectrum required for plants. It emits green light and a small amount blue light. Plants use the red and blue light to produce chlorophyll in photosynthesis. An incandescent bulb on the other hand, produces only green light and doesn't supply any of the other colors required for plant growth.
Watering
Houseplants provide an attractive green accent to your office and home. tall house plants can help soften hard lines and strong light, and may even improve the quality of indoor air. The best way to enjoy houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant gets can have a major impact on its health. One of the most common mistakes is overwatering, which could cause root rot or other serious ailments. Water your plants slowly so that the liquid seeps into the soil, and doesn't run off the surface. You can weigh a potted plant after watering to determine how moist the soil is.
It is recommended to use room temperature water for your houseplants, since hot or cold water can shock the roots. If potted house plants , try to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. It's completely free of minerals and salts and can help restore the natural balance of soil. If you use tap water to water your garden, make sure that it is not softened or chlorinated since these chemicals can build up over time in the soil.
The process of determining exactly how much water your houseplant requires can be a a trial and error process. Many houseplants are from tropical regions and have large, glossy leaves that need a lot of moisture to look at their best. These plants require more water than desert dwellers such as succulents or cacti. They do better when soil is dry between waterings.
In general, plants require more water during summer and spring, and less during the fall and winter when it is dormant. It is essential to water a plant in accordance with its seasonal needs, instead of sticking to a fixed schedule. This could cause a plant to be overwatered one time of the year, and underwatered another.
Besides watering, it's essential to feed a houseplant regularly and monitor it for pests and diseases. Regular feeding of an appropriate fertilizer can help replenish nutrients lost from the soil when you water it regularly. Spraying the leaves of plants with insecticidal or fungicide soap can help keep insects and mites away from infesting them.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are often fed incorrectly, or not enough. This can result in slow or even dead growth. In contrast to outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that helps nourish the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants are not given access to the nutrients found in their potting mix and need additional feedings.
Knowing the right time and type of fertilizer you should apply is essential to feeding your houseplants the right way. Many houseplants require a lot of nitrogen in order to promote the growth of flowers and foliage however, they also require the mineral phosphorus to develop roots. good house plants for houseplants should combine these two macronutrients essential to the plant and should include organic and inorganic sources. Although kitchen scraps and compost can be excellent natural sources of these nutrients however they're not as effective as a liquid specifically designed for houseplants or granular fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizers, which can be easy to use and transportable are the most sought-after. It's crucial to be aware of the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. Some liquids can be used up to once per week, while others should be used less often. If you want to go green with your alternative, you can opt for granular or slow-release houseplant fertilizer. These kinds of fertilizers contain nutrients encapsulated in coatings, which release them slowly to the plant over time.
During the growing period, it is best to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (24-8-16). As the weather cools and the days become shorter, it's time to switch over to a fertilizer that has less nitrogen (10-20-10). 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.
It's also important to remember that the health of your houseplant is affected by other elements beyond its control, such as environmental conditions, lighting, and watering habits. Overwatering your houseplant can cause root decay. Insufficient watering can cause the plant to slow down and eventually die. Follow these simple tips and your houseplant will thrive!
Repotting
Repotting is one of the most important things you can do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to develop and keep the soil loose and healthy. Repotting also helps to increase the growth of your plant which is an important aspect of a healthy houseplant. It is generally recommended to repotted your plants at least once per year, but the exact timing can vary. Most likely younger plants will need to be repotted more often than established, older plants.
If you are ready to pot your plant, make sure that the soil drains well and that your pot is clean. Begin by watering your plant thoroughly just prior to repotting so that the soil is humid. This will help to leach out the salts that have built up in the soil. When the soil is prepared, choose your new pot and prepare the soil mix.
Remove your plant gently from the old pot. Be careful not to scratch the roots. Once the roots are free put the plant in the new container and fill it to the point of the stem. Press down on the top of the soil gently and fill the remaining gaps with the potting mix. It can also be helpful to gently pull out the roots to stop them from becoming tightly connected around the rootball.
After the potting mix has been put in, water your plant to settle it. Next, lightly press the soil in order to help the potting mix stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater or you may end up with a soggy mess that will hinder your plant's recovery and growth.
Repotting your plant in spring is the best time to plant. This is when most plants begin to grow new growth, which will make them more comfortable with their new home much quicker.
When you are repotting your plants make sure to only increase a size or two. Most houseplants do not thrive if they are moved more than two sizes. They become top-heavy and the potting mix gets compacted.