How to Care For HouseplantsThe trend of filling your home with lush indoor plants isn't going away regardless of whether the houseplant mania has passed. Learn how to take care of these easy-care favorites!The plant's unhappy state is apparent by the drooping leaves and dried-out stalks. But don't throw in the trowel right away!Light RequirementsThe amount of light that a plant needs is among the most important aspects in the success of its growth. All plants need light for photosynthesis, the process that transforms water and sunlight into energy that supports blooming, growth and the production of seeds. If a plant does not receive enough light, it will not produce the energy required to support these processes.A houseplant's requirements for light are an important factor to take into consideration when choosing the right place for it in your home or office. The label on the plant or a bit of research will tell you what it prefers: bright direct sunlight, bright, indirect sunlight; medium light or low light. You may need an instrument to measure the intensity of sunlight. A special horticultural light or a grow lamp can be used to enhance the available light.Direct sunlight is when sunlight shines directly on plants. This usually happens on a window sill. Direct sunlight is filtered through curtains or trees, or even shade outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as unfiltered, bright sunlight.You can determine the amount of light that your plant receives by having it hold it up to an open window and examine the shadows it casts. A shadow with clear, distinct outlines suggests direct sunlight that is bright, whereas shadows with edges that appear to be dappled indicates an area of moderate light.Rooms that are not getting much sunlight, or windows that are facing either west or north are likely to be in low-light conditions. The plants that thrive in these conditions usually have straggly or pale leaves. They could be leaning towards the sun or appear "leggy."A plant can be helped in low-light situations by using artificial light sources. It is important to consider the type of artificial light you use and where it will be placed. A fluorescent light, for instance is a great choice because it emits the spectrum of light needed by plants. It emits green light and some blue light. Plants use the red and blue light to make chlorophyll in photosynthesis. In contrast an incandescent light bulb produces just green light, and does not supply many of the other colors necessary to promote plant growth.WateringHouseplants can be a stunning green accent to your home and office. They can soften the harsh lines and bright light and can even 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 receives can have a major impact on its health. A common mistake is overwatering, which can cause root rot and other serious ailments. Water your plants slowly so that the liquid seeps into the soil and not runs off the surface. It can be useful to weigh a potted plant after it's been watered to get an idea of how wet the soil is.It is recommended to use water that is room temperature for your houseplants as hot or cold water can cause shock to the roots. If possible, try to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. It's free of salts and minerals and helps restore the balance of the soil. However, if you use tap water, be sure that it's not softer or treated with chlorine, because these substances can accumulate in the soil over time.It may take some trial and error before you can determine the amount of water a houseplant requires. Many houseplants are from tropical regions, and have large leaves that require a lot of water to appear at their best. house plants online require more water than desert inhabitants such as cacti or succulents. They are more successful when the soil is dry between waterings.In general, plants require more water in the summer and spring and less in winter and fall. It is essential to water plants according to their seasonal needs instead of following a strict schedule. This can cause a plant to be overwatered during one time of the year, and submerged another.In addition to watering, it is essential to feed your houseplant on a regular basis and keep an eye on it for diseases and pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help to replace the nutrients that are absorbed from the soil through frequent watering. It's also recommended to spray the leaves of a plant with fungicide or insecticidal soap to avoid infestations caused by insects or mites.FertilizingHouseplants are often fed in a way that is not correct or even properly, which can lead to slow growth, poor blooming, and even death. As opposed to outdoor gardens that benefit from natural rain that nourishes the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants are not given access to the nutrients in their potting mix and need additional feedings.The most important aspect of feeding your houseplants correctly is to know the most effective fertilizer to use and when. Many houseplants need high levels of nitrogen to encourage the development of flowers and foliage however, they also require phosphorus to grow roots. A good fertilizer for your houseplants must combine these two macronutrients, and include organic as well as non-organic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are good sources of these nutrients but they are not as effective as liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.Liquid fertilizers, which can be easy to use and carry around, are the most popular. To avoid over-fertilization, is important to be aware of the label and follow instructions. Certain liquids are intended to be used as often as every week, while others are intended to be used less often. Consider granular or slower-release houseplant fertilisers for a more eco-friendly option. These products are infused with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.During the growing season, it's best to feed houseplants every other week with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. When the weather becomes cooler and the days get shorter, it's time to switch to a lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. If your plant is brand new or newly potted, wait until it shows signs of settling into its dormant state before feeding.It's also important to remember that the health of your houseplant is affected by other factors outside its control, including lighting, environmental conditions and the habits of watering. In the event that your houseplant gets too wet, ("overwatering") could lead to root rot, while keeping it consistently dry ("under-watering") can strain the plant and cause wilting and eventual death. Follow these easy tips and your houseplant will flourish!Repotting tall houseplants is one of the most important things you could do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to expand and keep the soil loose and healthy. Repotting helps stimulate new growth, which is another vital aspect of a healthy homeplant. It's generally a good idea to repot your plants at least once a year, however the exact timing will vary. Plants that are young need to be repotted more often than older ones.When you are ready repot your plant, make sure the soil is well-draining and that the pot is clean. It is important to water your plant regularly prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is damp. This will help to leach out the salts that have built up in the soil. After the soil is made, select the new pot and mix it up with your potting mix.Remove your plant gently from the old pot. Be careful not to damage 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 is also helpful to gently pull out the roots to prevent them from becoming wrapped around the rootball. house plants online should water your plant once you have put in the potting mix. Then, pat down the soil lightly to allow the potting mix to stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater your plants otherwise you'll end up with a sloppy mess which will slow down their growth and recovery.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 will help them to adjust to their new surroundings faster.Try to only go up one or two sizes when you are repotting plants. The majority of houseplants won't thrive if they are moved more than two sizes. They become top-heavy, and the potting mix gets compacted.