How to Care For HouseplantsThe trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants will not go away, regardless of whether the craze of houseplants has passed. Learn how to care for these easy-care favorites with confidence!Dried-out leaves and stems that are drooping are clear signs that your plant isn't feeling well. But don't throw out the trowel yet!Light RequirementsThe amount of light a plant requires is among the most important aspects in successfully growing it. house plants tall need light for photosynthesis, the process which transforms water and sunlight into energy that supports the growth, blooming and seed production. If a plant doesn't receive sufficient light, it will not generate the energy required for these processes and start to slow down.The requirements for light in the houseplant is a vital aspect to consider when selecting the best location for it in your office or home. You can find out the label on the plant, or by conducting some research to determine if it thrives under bright direct sunlight or bright indirect sunlight. medium light or low lighting. You may need a light meter to assess the intensity of sunlight. A special horticultural light or a grow lamp can also be used to complement the existing light.Direct sunlight is sunlight shining directly on the plant. It usually occurs on the window sill. Indirect sunlight is blocked by curtains, trees or shade outside the window. Neither type of light provides the same amount of energy as bright, unfiltered sunlight.You can assess the amount of light that your plant receives by holding it against the window and looking at the shadow it casts onto a piece of paper. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines suggests direct sunlight that is bright, whereas shadows with edges that are dappled suggests an area of moderate light.Rooms that are not getting much sunlight, or windows that are facing north or west are likely to be in low-light conditions. Plants that thrive in low light conditions have straggly or pale foliage. They could be leaning towards the sun or appear "leggy."A plant can be helped in low-light situations with an artificial light source. The type of artificial light you select and the way it is placed can make a big difference. For instance the fluorescent light is the best choice because it offers the spectrum of light needed by plants. It emits green light as well as an occasional amount of blue light. Plants rely on red and blue light to create chlorophyll in photosynthesis. An incandescent bulb on the other hand, produces only green light and doesn't provide much of the other colors required for plant growth.WateringHouseplants provide an attractive, green addition to the office and home. They can help soften lines and block out harsh light, and they can also improve indoor air quality. However, the best method to enjoy your houseplants is to ensure they are healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant gets can have a major impact on its health. The most common mistake is overwatering, which can cause root rot and other serious conditions. It's also important to water your plants gradually to ensure that the liquid seeps into the soil instead of flowing off the surface. You can weigh potted plant after watering to gauge how moist the soil is.Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Hot or cold water could shock the roots. If possible, try to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. It's completely free of salts and minerals, and it helps to restore the balance of soil. However, if you do use tap water, make sure that it's not softened or treated with chlorine because these substances can accumulate in the soil over time.Finding out the exact amount of water your houseplant needs can be a bit of a trial and error process. Many houseplants are from tropical areas and have large leaves that require a lot of water to appear their best. These plants need to be regularly watered, more often than desert inhabitants like cacti and succulents, which do better when the soil dries out between waterings.Generally, a plant will need more water in the spring and summer months as well as less during its dormant season in fall and winter. It is important to water plants according to their needs during the seasons rather than following a fixed schedule. This can cause a plant to be overwatered one time of the year, and submerged another.It is important to feed your houseplant, and also monitor it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can aid in replenishing the nutrients that are absorbed from the soil through frequent watering. It is also an excellent idea to spray the leaves of a plant with fungicide or insecticidal soap, to prevent infestations by insects or mites.FertilizingHouseplants are often fed incorrectly, or perhaps not enough. This can lead to stunted, or even dead, growth. Unlike outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that helps nourish the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants have less access to the nutrients contained in their potting mix, and require regular feedings.Knowing when and what kind of fertilizer to use is the key to feeding your houseplants properly. Many houseplants require high levels of nitrogen to encourage the development of flowers and foliage however, they also require phosphorus to grow roots. A good fertilizer for houseplants should combine these two macronutrients, and contain both organic and non-organic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are great sources of these nutrients naturally, they are not as effective as houseplant-specific liquid fertilizers or granular fertilizers.Liquid fertilizers are among the most popular because they are easy to use and extremely portable. However, it's essential to read the label and follow directions to avoid over-fertilization. Certain liquids are designed to be used as frequently as every week, while others are intended to be used less often. For a more environmentally friendly option, consider slow-release or granular fertilizers for your houseplants. These kinds of products contain nutrients encapsulated in an outer coating that releases them slowly to the plant over time.In the growing season, it is recommended to feed your houseplants every other week with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, it is 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 is beginning to settle into its dormant phase before feeding.It's also important to remember that the health of your houseplant is affected by other factors beyond its control, such as lighting, environmental conditions and the habits of watering. If house plants tall is too moist ("overwatering") could cause root rot, while keeping it dry ("under-watering") could stress the plant and result in wilting and eventual death. Follow extra large house plants and your houseplant will thrive!RepottingRepotting your houseplant is important. It is vital to allow your plant to grow and keep the soil loos and healthy. Repotting can also stimulate new growth, which is essential for an enviable houseplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once per year, however the exact timing can vary. Plants that are young need to be repotted more frequently than older ones.When you're ready to repot your plant, ensure that the soil drains well and that the pots are clean. Water your plant well prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is well-hydrated. This will aid in letting out the salts that have accumulated in the soil. Once the soil is ready select the pot you want to use and prepare the potting mix.You'll need to gently take your plant from its previous pot, being careful not to break any roots. After the roots have been removed put the plant into the new pot and fill it up to the base. Fill in the remaining gaps by gently pressing down on the soil. It can also be helpful to gently pull out the roots in order to prevent them from becoming connected around the rootball.Once the potting mix is in, water the plant to settle it. Then, you can rub the soil lightly to aid in adhering the potting mix to the roots. Be careful not to overwater your plants or you'll end up with a soggy mess that will slow the growth and recovery of your plants.The best time to repot your plant is in the Spring. It is during this time that the majority of plants begin to grow, which can help them adapt to their new home more quickly.When you repot your plants, try to only go up by a size or two. Most houseplants do not thrive when they are moved up more than two sizes. They will become top heavy and the potting mix gets compacted.