How to Care For Live House PlantsPlants release water from their leaves, which increase the humidity of a room. They also improve indoor air quality by taking out pollutants.Jade plants are simple to maintain. It thrives in indirect light and only requires a half cup of water each week.Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria) is a different houseplant with a simple need. It prefers bright indirect lighting and should be watered infrequently to avoid root decay.LightPhotosynthesis is a process in plants absorb light energy to produce sugars they require to grow. It is crucial to ensure that they receive enough sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants. However, the amount of light you get will differ based on the area you live in and the time of the year. It is important to know how to measure the light to ensure that you are providing enough light to your houseplants.Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on one square meter on the daytime sun. The ideal position for a plant that requires bright light is directly in the front or within the distance of a few feet from a southwest or south-facing window with no shady obstructions. A plant that is exposed to bright light can develop more densely and appear healthier than plants that are exposed to low or moderate light.The most popular kind of light used in homes is indirect light that includes bright lighting conditions such as those mentioned above and 2a and 2b. Indirect light is generally mixed with indirect and direct sunlight, with certain areas being brighter than others due to the placement of windows, window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.The light conditions of a plant which is exposed to direct sunlight can be softened or blocked by window treatments or by the foliage outside. It's not as bright as direct sun but it should be at a minimum at least as bright as the brightest area of the room.Dim indirect light or "faint" is the term used to describe low-level light that is not enough bright to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons can endure this level of light. However it is crucial to be aware of the signs that indicate the moment when light levels get too low.As time passes, plant owners get a sense of the type of light that is suitable for houseplants. If you're looking to increase your knowledge of houseplant lighting using a light meter, it's an excellent tool. These handy devices let you determine the exact levels of light. They do this by measuring brightness in one square foot at a distance of 1 foot. The devices come with a handy chart that lists the ideal lighting intensity for [1] [2] common houseplants .TemperatureThe plants are adapted to their native environment, so changing the conditions of their lives is not always easy. Houseplants require the right temperature for growth. Temperature is a key element in the process of photosynthesis, which breaks down the starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can utilize this energy for growth or maintaining existing tissues.Temperatures that are comfortable are also vital for respiration. Plants make use of sugars stored in their cells as fuel for respiration within cells. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures accelerate the rate of respiration, while cool temperatures slow it down, preventing the plant from wasting energy.As a rule, most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the daylight periods and cooler temperatures during evenings. However, certain cacti and succulents prefer lower daytime temperatures, while tropical plants, such as ferns, philodendrons, pothos and spider plants, require to be moved inside before temperatures drop too much.Most plants will benefit from being located close to windows that receive direct sunlight in summer. In winter the sun is lower in the sky. Light levels are reduced. To ensure that your plants are healthy and happy, remove them from the windows at least a few inches, to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. It is important to keep in mind that sudden and significant temperature fluctuations can be a big shock for your plants. The ideal temperature range for most indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.Smart thermostats and AC controllers can assist you in maintaining the perfect temperature for your plants. These devices automatically regulate the heating and cooling of your home, ensuring your plants aren't exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts from vents. They also monitor the weather and adjust accordingly to protect your plants. These tools will give your plants the best chance to survive, even through the harsh winter months. If you follow the guidelines that were mentioned earlier your plants will thrive all year round. Be sure to put them in a location which isn't draughty, because this can cause leaf loss and wiping.WaterMany people believe that they must water their plants on a regular schedule. This can be detrimental and actually cause your plants to die, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Make sure to water your plant when it is in need of. This is usually when your plant's leaves are turning brown or the top inch of soil appears dry. If you're worried about overwatering your plants in general, the RHS recommends buying an automatic watering device to monitor the level of moisture in your plants.Different houseplants have different watering requirements according to their growth habits and their natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage plants, like calathea, peace lilies and philodendron, thrive best when the soil is left to dry between waterings. Cacti, on the contrary prefer smaller, but less frequent waterings.The type of water that you use is also important. The majority of tap water is suitable for most plants, but distilled or softened water is not. These are laden with salts that build up in the soil over time and can harm your plants. Rainwater is also a great option. It will lower the pH level of your soil which is perfect for all houseplants.If you decide to give your plants a drink make sure the water's temperature is the temperature of room temperature. Using warm or hot water could damage the roots of your plant, making it susceptible to diseases. It's also a good idea to water your plant from the bottom instead of the top. This will help prevent excessive watering since excess water will not have a place to go.Some houseplants, like strawberry begonia and spider plant, reproduce by sending runners with new baby plants on the ends. They are easy to plant into pots once they're mature. This makes them perfect for those who are just beginning to would like to include greenery in their home or office. But, you should wait until the roots of the plant have fully developed before trying this. low light houseplants takes a couple of days.FeedingThe requirements of indoor plants are distinct from outdoor garden plants. To grow them successfully, you need to understand their care. Light, moisture, mixtures as well as temperature and humidity, ventilation and fertilizers all play a part in the success of your house plants.Houseplants need to be fed to thrive. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and the rich, loamy earth houseplants require additional feeding. There are a variety of easy-to-use houseplant fertilizers available in powder and liquid forms. Keeping a houseplant feeding schedule is essential for the health of the plant and the appearance of its leaves, stems, and flowers.Many tropical houseplants must be watered regularly. Overwatering can cause root rot, and it is important to avoid this. A great method to avoid overwatering is by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, then placing your finger about 1 inch deep into the soil to see how wet it is. You can also use an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase the humidity.A common misconception about houseplants is that they require lots of water to thrive. Most houseplants do well with regular waterings. It is important to keep pots of houseplants ventilated, as this will aid in moisture and airflow. This is especially true for smaller pots that can get too tight.The most challenging aspect of caring for your houseplants comes from determining how much natural light they need to grow. There are many species that can thrive with less light than those that need the sun's light.For example, the epiphytic plant (Pteris semperflorens-commonly known as the pothos) and the weeping fig (Ficus elastica) both thrive in low-light environments. Similarly, a large number of species of ficus can be adapted and can be found in most homes.Houseplants are not only beautiful however, they can also be beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. Studies have proven that working with houseplants can significantly reduce the symptoms of stress. A study from 2007 found that caring for plants could actually improve mood and physical health.