8 Tips To Increase Your Houseplant Game

How to Care For Houseplants

The trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants is not going off regardless of whether or not the houseplant mania has passed. Learn how to care for these easy-care favorites!

Dried-out leaves and stems that are drooping are clear indications that your plant isn't feeling well. But don't throw in the trowel right away!

Light Requirements

One of the most important aspects in establishing a successful houseplant is determining the amount of light it requires. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process which converts sunlight and water into energy that supports blooming, growth and seed production. If a plant does not receive enough light, it will fail to generate the energy needed for these processes.

A houseplant's requirements for light are a vital aspect to take into consideration when choosing a location for it in your home or office. The label on the plant or a bit of research will reveal if it thrives in bright direct sunlight; direct sunlight that is bright and intense; medium light or low light. It is possible that you will need to use the light meter to determine the intensity of sunlight. A specialized horticultural light or grow lamp could also be used to enhance the available light.

Direct sunlight is sunlight that shines directly onto plants, usually on a windowsill. Direct sunlight is filtered through curtains or trees or shade outside the window. Both types of light do not provide the same energy as bright sunlight.

You can determine the level of light that your plant receives by putting it in front of the window and observing the shadow it casts onto the paper. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight. a shadow that has dappled edges suggests an area of moderate light.

Rooms that are not getting much sunlight, or windows that are facing either 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 helped in low-light situations with an artificial light source. The type of artificial light you select and where it is placed can make a big difference. For example the fluorescent light is the best choice because it has the spectrum of light that plants require. It emits green light as well as an occasional amount of blue light. Plants utilize blue and red light to create chlorophyll during photosynthesis. In contrast, an incandescent light bulb produces only green and does not provide many of the other colors necessary for plant growth.

Watering

indoor house plants are an excellent way to add greenery and beauty to your home or office. They can soften the harsh lines and bright lights and can even improve indoor air quality. The best way to enjoy your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. common houseplants of water a plant receives can have a major impact on its health. One of the most common mistakes is to overwater, which can cause root rot or other serious conditions. Make sure you water your plants in a slow manner to ensure that the liquid seeps into the soil and doesn't run off the surface. It's useful to weigh the potted plant after it has been watered to get a sense of how moist the soil is.

Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Cold or hot water could shock the roots. If you can, collect rainwater and use it for your plants. It's free of most salts and minerals and can help restore the natural balance of the soil. If you do use tap water, be sure that it's not softened or treated with chlorine since these can cause a build-up in the soil over time.

Figuring out exactly how much water your houseplant needs can be a a trial and error process. Many houseplants come from tropical areas and have large leaves that require lots of water to look their best. They require more water than desert inhabitants like succulents or cacti. They are more successful when the soil is dry between waterings.





In general, a plant needs more water during summer and spring, and less in the winter and autumn when it is dormant. It is important to water a plant according to its seasons instead of adhering to a predetermined schedule. This could result in plants being overwatered during one time of year, and under-watered at a different time.

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 will help to replace the nutrients leached from the soil by frequent watering. common house plant 's also an excellent idea to spray the leaves of a plant with fungicide or insecticidal soap, to stop the spread of insects or mites.

Fertilizing

Houseplants are often fed incorrectly, or not enough. This can lead to reduced, or even dead, growth. Indoor plants don't have the same access to nutrients as plants in the outdoors.

Knowing when and what type of fertilizer you need to use is the key to feeding your houseplants the right way. Many houseplants require high levels of nitrogen in order to stimulate the development of flowers and foliage but also phosphorus to develop roots. A good houseplant fertilizer should include both macronutrients and include organic as well as non-organic sources. While kitchen scraps and compost are great natural sources of these nutrients, they're not as effective as a specific liquid for houseplants or granular fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers are among the most popular because they're simple to use and extremely convenient to carry around. To avoid over-fertilization, it is important to be aware of the label and follow the directions. Some liquids can be used as often as once a week while others should be used less frequently. To be a greener option, consider slow-release or granular fertilizers for your houseplants. These products are coated with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.

During the growing season, it's recommended to feed your houseplants once a week with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. When the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter then it's time to change to lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. If your plant is brand new or newly potted, wait until it begins to show signs of settling into its dormant state before feeding.

It's also important to remember that a houseplant's health is influenced by other factors that are not its responsibility, including lighting, environmental conditions and watering habits. In excess watering, your houseplant may cause root rot. The inability to water properly can cause the plant to shrink and eventually die. Follow these easy tips to help your houseplant flourish!

Repotting

Repotting your houseplants is essential. It's essential for allowing your plant to develop properly and to keep the soil in good condition and loose. Repotting helps increase the growth of your plant, which is another vital aspect of a healthy indoor plant. It's generally a good idea to repotte your plants at least once a year, but the exact timing will vary. Typically younger plants will need to be repotted more often than established plants that are older.

When indoor house plants to repot, ensure that the soil drains well and that the pots are clean. Begin by watering your plants thoroughly just prior to repotting, so that the soil is humid. This will help leach out the salts that have accumulated in the soil over time. Once the soil is ready pick your new pot and prepare the soil mix.

You'll need to gently remove your plant from its previous container, making sure not to damage any roots. After the roots have been removed put the plant into the new pot and fill it to the base. Fill the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. It can also be helpful to gently pull out the roots to stop them from becoming tightly connected around the rootball.

Once the potting mix is in, water the plant to settle it. Then, common houseplants can rub the soil lightly to allow the potting mix to stick to the roots. Avoid overwatering your plants or you'll end up with a wet mess, which will slow the growth and recovery of your plants.

Repotting your plant in the spring is a great time. It is at this time that most plants will begin to grow, which can help them adjust to their new surroundings faster.

Try to limit yourself to by a couple of sizes when repotting plants. The majority of houseplants fail well when moved up more than two sizes because they become top heavy and the potting mix becomes unwieldy and compacted.