How to Care For Live House PlantsPlants release water through their leaves, increasing the humidity of a space. They also improve the indoor air quality because they eliminate pollutants.A popular succulent, jade is easy to maintain. It thrives in indirect sunlight and requires just a half-cup of water each week.Snake plant (Dracaena - formerly Sansevieria) is a different houseplant that has simple needs. It prefers bright indirect lighting, and it needs to be watered frequently to prevent root rot.LightPlants absorb light energy for photosynthesis, which produces the sugars they need to grow and flourish. It is essential to make sure they get sufficient sunlight. Bright light is ideal for most plants. However, the amount of light you get will depend on where you live and the time of the year. It's also important to understand how to measure light to provide the right amount for your houseplants.Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on an area of one square meter on an overcast day. The ideal spot for plants that require bright light is right in front of or within the distance of a few feet from an east- or southwest-facing window, with no shade. The growth pattern of a plant that is in bright light is often more dense and healthy looking than if it is in low or medium light.Indirect light, which includes the bright light conditions described above as well as types 2a and 2b is the type of light that is most often found in homes. Indirect light is usually an amalgamation of indirect and direct sunlight, with some areas being more bright than others due to the placement of windows, window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.The lighting conditions for a plant in bright indirect light can be softened by shades from window treatments or stained by foliage from the outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it will still be brighter than the brightest area of an area.Light that is too dim to be considered bright is often called dim indirect or "faint light." Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons are able to take this kind of light. However, it is important to be aware of the signs that signal when light levels become too low.Over time, many gardeners develop a sense for what type of light is suitable for their houseplants. If you're looking to increase your knowledge of houseplant lighting, a light meter is an excellent tool. These handy devices allow you to establish precise levels of light by measuring the intensity of an area of one square foot over an interval of one foot. They include a helpful chart which lists common houseplants and their best light intensity.TemperaturePlants are adapted to their natural environment, so changing the conditions of their lives isn't always simple. Houseplants require the right temperature for growth. Temperature assists with the photosynthesis process, which breaks down the sugars and starches produced by plants into energy. Plants can use this energy for growth or maintaining the existing tissues.The ideal temperature for respiration are also important. Plants use sugars stored in their cells as fuel for respiration within cells. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures speed up the rate of respiration, while cool temperatures slow it down to prevent the plant from wasting energy.As a rule, most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the daylight hours, and cooler temperatures during night. However, some cacti and succulents prefer lower daytime temperatures and tropical plants, such as philodendrons, ferns and spider plants, have to be brought inside before the temperature drops too much.Most plants will benefit from being planted near windows that get direct sunlight in summer. In winter, the sun is lower in the sky. Light levels decrease. To ensure that your plants are healthy and happy, move them away from the windows a few inches to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. Remember that sudden temperature changes can cause shock to your plants. The ideal temperature range for indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.A smart thermostat and smart AC controller can help you maintain the ideal temperature for your houseplants. These devices automatically control the cooling and heating in your home, making sure that your plants aren't exposed to sudden temperature changes or cold drafts from vents. They also monitor the conditions and adjust to protect your plants. These tools give your plants a better chance of survival during the harsh winter months. If you follow the guidelines mentioned above your plants will thrive all year long. Just be sure to place them in a place that doesn't get draughty because this could cause leaf loss and the plants' wilting.WaterMany people believe that they should water their plants on a regular basis. This can be detrimental and actually cause your plants die, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Be low light houseplants to water your plant when it is in need of. This is usually when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch or your plant has wilting leaves. If you're concerned about watering too much your plants and plants, the RHS recommends purchasing an automated watering device to keep track of their moisture levels.Different houseplants have different watering requirements, depending on their growing habits and their natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, like calathea and peace lilies, thrive best when the soil dries out between waterings. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, thrive with less frequent, but more deep waterings.In addition, the type of water you use also matters. The majority of tap water is safe for most plants, but softened or distilled water is not. These water sources contain salts that can accumulate in the soil and damage your plants. Rainwater is another option since it's a gradual process that will 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 plants water make sure the water is at room temperature. Using warm or hot water can damage your plant's roots and leave it susceptible to diseases. Water your plant from the bottom instead of the top. This helps prevent overwatering, because excess water won't have any place to go and can cause root rot. indoor house plants , like the spider plant and strawberry begonia, reproduce by sending out runners with baby plants on the ends. These are a cinch to root in their own pots when they're mature, making them ideal for novices who would like to add greenery their office or home. However, you must wait until the plant's roots have fully developed before attempting this. It usually takes a few days for this to take place.FeedingHouse plants have very different needs from outdoor garden plants and their care requires a good understanding of how to cultivate them successfully. Moisture, light and soil mixtures, temperature, ventilation, humidities, and fertilizers all play a crucial role in the success of your home plants.Houseplants need to be fed to flourish. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and, loamy earth, houseplants require supplemental feeding. There are a variety of household plant fertilizers that are easy to use in liquid and powder form. Maintaining a regular schedule for feeding your houseplant is important for the well-being of the plant as well as the appearance of its leaves, stems, and flowers.Many tropical houseplants require watering every week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, therefore it's important not to do this. Avoid overwatering by letting the plant dry between waterings and then inserting a finger into soil about an inch deep to check the level of moisture. You can also make use of an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase humidity.The most common misconception is that houseplants require lots of water to thrive. In reality, most do very well with just weekly waterings. It is a good idea to keep pots for houseplants well-ventilated to help with airflow and moisture, particularly in smaller pots which can easily get too tight.The most difficult aspect of taking care of houseplants is knowing how much light they need to thrive. Fortunately, there is numerous varieties of plants that do very well with less sunlight 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. Many species of ficus can adapt to all kinds of environments and thrive in them.Houseplants aren't just beautiful, but they can also be good for your physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that working with houseplants can greatly reduce the signs of stress. A 2007 study found that caring for plants could actually improve mood and physical health.