How to Care For Live House PlantsPlants release water through their leaves, thereby increasing the humidity of a space. They also improve the indoor air quality as they take out pollutants.A popular succulent, the jade plant is simple to take care of. It thrives in indirect light, and only requires a half cup of water each week.Snake plant (Dracaena - formerly Sansevieria) is a second houseplant with a simple need. It is a fan of indirect, bright light and infrequent irrigation to avoid overwatering which can cause root decay.LightPlants absorb light energy to photosynthesis, a process that produces the sugars they need to grow and flourish. This is why it's so important to place them in a place where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight. Bright light is ideal for the majority of plants. However, the amount of light you receive will depend on where you live and the time of the year. It's also important to understand how to measure light in order to get the proper amount for your houseplants.Bright light is defined by more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on a square meter at noon during an overcast day. Plants that require bright light should be placed right in front of, or within only a few inches from, windows facing south or southwest. The growth pattern of a plant that is in bright light is usually more dense and healthy looking than if it is placed in moderate or low light.The most commonly used kind of light used in homes is indirect light, which includes bright light conditions such as those mentioned above and 2a and 2b. Indirect light is a mixture of direct and indirect sun, with certain areas being brighter than others due to of the position of window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.The lighting conditions for plants in bright indirect light could be softened by shade from window treatments or masked by foliage from the outside. It's not as intense as direct sun but it should be at a minimum as bright as the brightest area of a room.Light that is too dim to be considered to be bright is typically referred to as dim indirect or "faint light." Snake plants, pothos, and some philodendrons will tolerate this kind of light, but it's vital to be aware of when the light is beginning to become too low, which is usually characterized by a lack of new growth, or slowing down overall.Over time, most homeowners develop a feeling for what kind of light is best for their houseplants. If you're looking to increase your knowledge about lighting for houseplants, a light meter is an excellent tool. These handy devices allow you to determine the exact level of light. They accomplish this by measuring brightness over an area of 1 square foot at an area of one foot. The devices come with a handy graph that lists the ideal lighting intensity for [1] common houseplant s.TemperaturePlants adapt to the conditions where they are native, so changing their environment isn't always straightforward. common house plant require the right temperature to thrive. Temperature assists with the process of photosynthesis, breaking down the sugars and starches produced by plants into energy. Plants can make use of this energy to grow or for maintenance of existing tissues.Temperatures that are comfortable are also vital for respiration. Plants break down stored sugars to fuel the process of cell respiration, and release carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Temperatures above 30°C increase the rate of respiration, when temperatures below 30°C slow it down. This is to prevent wasting energy.Most houseplants require warmer temperatures during daylight hours and cooler temperatures at night. However, some cacti and succulents like cooler temperatures during the day and tropical plants, such as ferns, philodendrons and spider plants, require to be brought inside before temperatures drop too much.The majority of plants benefit from being located close to windows that receive direct sunlight in summer. However, in winter the sun sits lower in the sky and the light levels decrease. To keep your plants healthy, you should move them back a few inches away from the windows to ensure their foliage isn't touching the cold panes of glass. Be aware that sudden temperature fluctuations could be a shock for your plants. The ideal temperature for indoor houseplants is around 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.Smart thermostats and AC controllers can help you maintain the perfect temperature for your houseplants. These devices automatically manage your home's heating as well as cooling, ensuring your plants aren't subjected to cold drafts from the vents or sudden temperature fluctuations. They also monitor and adjust when the weather changes to protect your plants their health. These tools increase your plants' chance of survival during the harsh winter. Your plants will flourish throughout the year long if you adhere to the above guidelines. Make sure you place them in a spot which isn't draughty, because this can cause leaf loss and wiping.WaterMany people are under the assumption that they need to water their plants in accordance with a set timetable. This can be counterproductive and actually cause your plants die, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Learn to only water your plant when it is in need. In general, this means that the soil's top layer feels dry to the touch or if your plant is wilting. If you're concerned about watering too much your plants, the RHS recommends buying an automatic watering device that can monitor the level of moisture in your plants.Different houseplants have different requirements for watering according to their growth habits and natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, such as peace lilies and calathea thrive best when the soil dry out between waterings. Cacti and succulents however, thrive with less frequent but deeper waterings.Additionally, the kind of water you choose to use is also important. The majority of tap water is suitable for most plants, but distilled or softened water is not recommended. These contain salts that accumulate in the soil over time and can harm your plants. Rainwater is a great alternative, as it will gradually reduce the pH of your soil, bringing it to an acidic level that is ideal for the majority of houseplants.If you decide to give your plant a drink, be sure that the water is at room temperature. Warm or hot water may damage the roots of your plant, making it more susceptible to diseases. Water your plant from the bottom, not the top. This prevents overwatering because excess water won't have any place to go and can cause root rot.Some houseplants such as the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by releasing runners with new plants at the end. They are easy to root into pots when they're mature, making them ideal for beginners who would like to include greenery in their office or home. It is important to wait until all the roots are established before you attempt this. It usually takes a few days to take place.FeedingThe requirements for indoor plants are very different than those of outdoor garden plants. To grow them successfully it is important to know the care they require. Light, moisture, mixtures, temperature and humidity, ventilation and fertilizers all play a role in the success of your house plants.Houseplants need to be fed to thrive. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and loamy earth houseplants require an additional feed. There are a variety of household plant fertilizers that are easy to use in liquid and powder form. It is essential to adhere to a houseplant feed schedule for the appearance and health of the plant's stems, leaves, and flowers.Many tropical houseplants need to be watered weekly. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to avoid this. A great way to avoid overwatering is to allow the plant to dry out between waterings and then placing your finger about an inch into the soil to see how wet it is. You can also make use of an atomizer to spray the soil's surface with water to increase the humidity.The most common misconception is that houseplants require a lot water to grow. Most houseplants do well with regular waterings. It's a good idea keep the pots of houseplants ventilated as this will help with moisture and airflow, especially in smaller pots which can easily get too tight.The most challenging aspect of caring for your houseplants comes from determining how much sunlight they require to grow. There is good news, there is numerous varieties of plants that will thrive in less natural light than those that thrive in the sunlight.For example, the epiphytic plant (Pteris semperflorens-commonly known as the pothos) and the weeping fig (Ficus elastica) both thrive in low-light environments. In the same way, a lot of the species of ficus can be adapted and can thrive in a wide range of homes. common houseplants but they can be good for your mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that working with plants in the house can dramatically reduce the effects of stress. In fact, a 2007 study found that caring for plants can actually boost moods and even improve physical health overall.