How to Care For HouseplantsThe trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants will not go away regardless of whether or not the houseplant mania has passed. Learn how to care for these plants that are easy to care for!Dry-out leaves and drooping stems can be obvious signs that your plant isn't happy. But don't toss out the trowel just yet!Light RequirementsOne of the biggest factors in establishing a successful houseplant is determining the amount of light it requires. All plants require light for photosynthesis. This is the process of turning sunlight and water into energy to support blooming, growth and the production of seeds. If a plant doesn't get sufficient light, it won't produce the energy needed to support these processes and start to slow down.A houseplant's light requirements are an important factor to consider when deciding on the best place for it in your home or office. The label on the plant or a little research will tell you whether it thrives in bright direct sunlight; indirect, bright sunlight medium light or low light. You may need an instrument for measuring the intensity of natural sunlight. You could also use a horticultural or grow lamp to supplement the light sources available.Direct sunlight is light that shines directly onto plants, usually on a windowsill. Indirect sunlight is blocked by shade, curtains or trees that are outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as bright, unfiltered sunlight. best houseplants could be able to determine the level of light your plant receives by putting it in front of the window and observing the shadow it casts onto a piece of paper. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines is a sign of direct sunlight, while a shadow with edges that are dappled suggests a spot which receives moderate light.Rooms that get little sunlight, or windows that face to the west or north are likely to have low-light conditions. Plants that live in these conditions usually have straggly or pale leaves. They could be leaning towards the light or appear "leggy."A plant can be assisted in low-light situations by using an artificial light source. It is important to consider the kind of artificial lighting you select and where it will be put. For instance the fluorescent light is a good choice because it has the spectrum of light that plants require. It emits green light and some blue light. Plants utilize red and blue light to make chlorophyll in photosynthesis. In contrast an incandescent light bulb emits only green light, and does not supply many of the other colors needed for the growth of plants.WateringHouseplants are the perfect way to add greenery and beauty to your office or home. They can soften harsh lines and bright light and can even improve indoor air. But the best way to enjoy your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. Many elements can impact the health of your plants, including the amount of water it receives. Overwatering can cause root rot, among other issues. It's also important to water your plants slowly so the liquid seeps into the soil, not flowing off the surface. It is helpful to weigh the potted plant after it's been watered to get an idea of how moist the soil is.Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Hot or cold water could shock the roots. Make sure you collect rainwater for your plants. It's free of minerals and salts and can help restore the balance of soil. If you are using tap water to water your garden, be sure it's not softened or chlorinated because these chemicals could accumulate over time in the soil.The process of determining exactly how much water your houseplant requires can be a bit of a trial and error process. Many houseplants come from tropical areas and have large leaves that require lots of water to look at their best. These plants need to be frequently watered than desert dwellers, such as cacti and succulents, which do better when the soil becomes dry between waterings.In general, a plant requires more water during summer and spring months and less during the winter and fall, when it is dormant. It is important to water plants according to their needs during the seasons instead of following a strict schedule. This can cause a plant to be overwatered during one time of the year and drowned the next.Besides watering, it's essential to feed your houseplant on a regular basis and monitor it for diseases and pests. Regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer can aid in replacing nutrients lost from the soil when you water it often. It's also a good idea to spray the leaves of plants with fungicide or insecticidal soap, to stop the spread of insects or mites.FertilizingHouseplants are often fed in a way that is not correct or even properly, which can lead to reduced growth, poor blooming, and even death. Indoor plants don't have the same access to nutrients as outdoor plants.Knowing the right time and type of fertilizer to use is the key to feeding your houseplants properly. Many houseplants require large amounts of nitrogen in order to promote the growth of flowers and foliage However, they also require phosphorus to help develop their roots. A suitable fertilizer for houseplants should combine these two macronutrients essential to the plant and should contain both organic and inorganic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are excellent sources of these nutrients naturally but they are not as effective as houseplant-specific liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.Liquid fertilizers are the most popular because they're easy to use and very convenient to carry around. It's crucial to study the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. tall house plants can be used up to once per week, while others should be used less often. Think about slow-release or granular houseplant fertilisers to make a greener alternative. These products are infused with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.During the growing season it is recommended to feed your houseplants once a week with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. As the weather gets cooler and the days are shorter, it is time to switch to a fertilizer with less nitrogen (10-20-10). Wait until your plant has established itself into a dormant stage before feeding it, if it's new or newly potted.It's also important to consider that the health of your houseplant is affected by other factors beyond its control, such as environmental conditions, lighting, and the way you water it. Overwatering your houseplant can cause root rot. The inability to water properly could cause the plant to shrink and eventually die. Follow these simple tips to ensure your houseplant is flourishing!RepottingRepotting your houseplant is important. It is essential to allow your plant to grow properly and keep the soil healthy and loose. Repotting can also stimulate new growth which is vital for a healthy houseplant. Repotting potted house plants is generally recommended at least every other year, though the exact timing can vary. Younger plants need to be repotted more frequently than older ones.When you are ready to pot your plant, make sure that the soil drains well and that your pot is clean. Begin by watering your plant generously prior to repotting it so that the soil is moist. This will help to leach out any salts that may have been accumulating in the soil. Once the soil has been prepared, select your new pot and prepare your potting mix.You'll need to gently remove your plant from the old pot, being careful not to break any roots. Once the roots are completely free, place your plant into the new container and fill it to the bottom of the stem. Press down on the top of the soil gently and fill in the remaining gaps with the potting mix. Gently teasing the roots is a good idea to stop them from becoming densely packed and circling around the rootball.You should water your plant once you have placed the potting mixture. Next, lightly press the soil in order to help the potting mix adhere to the roots. Be careful not to overwater your plants otherwise you'll end up with a soggy mess that will slow their growth and recovery.The best time to repot your plant is during spring. It is during this time the majority of plants begin to grow, which will help them adapt to their new environment more quickly.When you are repotting your plants make sure to only increase a size or two. The majority of houseplants don't do well when moved up more than a couple of sizes as they become heavy on top and the potting mix gets compacted and unwieldy.