How to Care For HouseplantsThe trend of filling your home with lush indoor plants will not go off regardless of whether the craze of houseplant s has passed. Learn how to care for these plants with ease!Dry, drooping leaves and drooping stems can be obvious signs that your plant isn't feeling well. Don't just throw away the trowel right away!Light RequirementsThe amount of light a plant requires is one of the most important aspects in the success of its growth. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process which transforms water and sunlight into energy that helps support the growth, blooming and the production of seeds. If plants house isn't getting sufficient light, it won't produce the energy needed to support these processes and begin to decline.The requirements for light in a houseplant are an important factor to consider when choosing a place for it at home or in your office. You can find out the label on your plant, or by doing some research, whether it thrives in bright direct sunlight, bright indirect sunlight, moderate light or low lighting. You may require an instrument to measure the intensity of sunlight. A specialized horticultural light or grow lamp could also be used to supplement available light.Direct sunlight is when sunlight shines directly on plants. It usually occurs on the window sill. Indirect sunlight is filtered by shade, curtains or trees outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as unfiltered, bright sunlight.You may be able to determine the level of light your plant gets by holding it against the window and looking at the shadow it casts on the paper. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight, whereas shadows with edges that appear dappled indicates a location that is receiving moderate light.Rooms that get little sunlight, or windows that are facing north or west are likely to be in low-light conditions. Plants that thrive in low light conditions have pale or straggly foliage. They may be leaning toward the light or appear "leggy."It is possible to help a plant in low-light conditions by providing it with an artificial light source. The kind of artificial light source you select and the way it is placed can make huge differences. For instance the fluorescent light is the best choice because it has the spectrum of light required for plants. It emits green light as well as some blue light. Plants rely on red and blue light to produce chlorophyll during photosynthesis. In contrast an incandescent light bulb produces just green light and doesn't provide many of the other colors needed to promote plant growth.WateringHouseplants are an excellent option to add greenery and beauty to your office or home. They can help soften hard lines and strong light, and can even improve indoor air quality. However, the best method to enjoy your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant gets can have a significant effect on its health. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other serious issues. Water your plants slowly to ensure that the liquid seeps down into the soil and does not run off the surface. It is helpful to weigh the potted plant after it has been watered to get a sense of how wet the soil is.Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Cold or hot water could shock the roots. If possible, try to collect rainwater and use it for your plants. It's completely free of minerals and salts and can help restore the 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.It may take some trial and error before you can determine how much water a houseplant requires. Many houseplants are from tropical areas and have large leaves that require a lot of water to appear their best. These plants need to be watered more frequently than desert inhabitants like cacti and succulents, which do better when the soil dries out between waterings.In general, plants require more water during the summer and spring as well as less in winter and fall. It is important to water a plant in accordance with its seasonal needs, rather than sticking to a set schedule. This can cause a plant to be overwatered during one time of year and submerged another.It is important to feed your houseplant and monitor it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help to replace the nutrients sucked out of the soil through frequent watering. It is also recommended to spray the leaves of the plant with fungicides or insecticidal soap to prevent infestations by insects or mites.FertilizingHouseplants are often fed in a way that is not correct or even properly which can result in stunted growth, poor blooming, and even death. In contrast to outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that nourishes the soil and plants, indoor plants have limited access to the nutrients contained in their potting mix, and require regular feedings.The key to feeding houseplants correctly is to know the most effective fertilizer to use and when. Many houseplant s require high levels of nitrogen to encourage growth of flowers and foliage, but also phosphorus for the growth of roots. A suitable fertilizer for houseplants should combine these two macronutrients that are essential and should be made up of organic and inorganic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are great sources of these nutrients however, they aren't as effective as houseplant-specific liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.Liquid fertilizers are the most popular because they are easy to use and are very transportable. It's crucial to be aware of the label and follow directions to avoid over-fertilization. Some liquids can be used up to once a week, whereas others should only be used less frequently. To be a greener alternative, you can opt for granular or slow-release houseplant fertilizer. These products are infused with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.During the growing season, it is best to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (24-8-16). As the temperature cools and the days are shorter, it's the perfect time to switch over to a fertilizer that has less nitrogen (10-20-10). If your plant is new or newly potted, wait until it shows signs of settling into its dormant phase before feeding.Remember that the health of your houseplant is also affected by external factors that are that are beyond its control. These include environmental conditions, lighting and habits of watering. Keeping your houseplant too wet ("overwatering") can cause root rot while keeping it consistently dry ("under-watering") can strain the plant and result in dying and wilting. Follow these simple tips and your houseplant will thrive!RepottingRepotting your houseplants is essential. It's essential for allowing your plant to flourish and to keep the soil hydrated and loose. Repotting can also stimulate new growth which is vital for an enviable houseplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least every other year, however the exact timing can vary. Younger plants need to be repotted more often than older ones.When you're ready to repot, make sure that the soil drains properly and that the pots are clean. Make sure to water your plant thoroughly prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is moist. This will help leach out the salts that may have accumulated in the soil over time. When the soil is ready pick your new pot and prepare the potting mix.Remove your plant gently from the previous pot. Be careful not to damage any roots. Once the roots have been removed put the plant into the new pot and fill it up to the base. Fill the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. Gently teasing the roots out can also be beneficial to keep them from becoming densely packed and circling the rootball.The plant should be watered after you have placed the potting mixture. Then, lightly pat the soil to help the potting mixture adhere to the roots. Be cautious not to overwater or you could end up with a a soggy mess that will hinder your plant's recovery and growth.Repotting your plant in the spring is a great time. small house plants is when most plants begin to show new growth, which will make them more comfortable with their new surroundings much faster.Make sure to only increase one or two sizes when you are repotting plants. The majority of houseplants don't do well when they are moved up more than two sizes because they become heavy on top and the potting mix becomes unwieldy and compacted.