How to Care For Live House PlantsPlants release moisture from their leaves, which boosts the humidity in a room. They also improve indoor air quality by eliminating pollutants.A popular succulent, jade is easy to care for. It thrives in indirect light and requires just a half-cup of water each week.The snake plant (Dracaena also known as Sansevieria) is a tough houseplant with a few requirements. It prefers bright indirect light and should be watered infrequently to avoid root decay.LightPhotosynthesis is the process by which plants absorb light energy to produce sugars that they need to grow. This is why it's so important to position them in a place where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants, however the amount of bright light available varies according to the location of your home and the time of the year. It is also essential to know how to measure light in order to get the proper amount for your houseplants.Bright light is defined by more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on one square meter on the daytime sun. The ideal spot for a plant that requires bright light is right in the front or within the distance of a few feet from a southwest or south-facing window with no shady obstructions. The pattern of growth of a plant in bright light is often more robust and healthy than when it is in moderate or low light.Indirect light, which includes the bright light conditions mentioned above, as well as the types 2a and 2b, is the type of light most commonly found in homes. Indirect light is generally a mix of direct and indirect sunlight with some areas shining brighter than others due to the placement of windows, window treatments, or even the outdoor foliage.The lighting conditions of a plant is in bright indirect sunlight can be softened or blocked by window treatments or by foliage outside. It's not as bright as direct sun but it must be at least as bright as the most bright space in a room.Light that is too dim to be considered bright is often referred to as dim indirect or "faint light." Pothos, snake plants and some philodendrons can take this kind of light. However, it is important to be aware of the signs that signal the time when light levels are too low.As time passes, plant owners begin to recognize the type of light that is suitable for houseplants. However, if you're looking to take your understanding of lighting for your houseplants to the next level, you should consider using a light meter. These handy devices allow you to pinpoint exact lighting levels by measuring the intensity of a square foot at an interval of one foot. The devices come with a handy chart that lists the best lighting intensity for common houseplants .TemperaturePlants are adapted for their natural environment, so changing the conditions of their lives is not always easy. To ensure that houseplants thrive, they need the right temperature. Temperature is a key element in the photosynthesis process, which breaks down the starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. This energy can be used by plants to increase their size or maintain existing tissues.Temperatures that are comfortable are also vital for respiration. Plants utilize stored sugars to fuel cellular respiration. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures speed up the rate of respiration, while cool temperatures slow it down, preventing burning up the energy of plants.As a general rule, most houseplants need warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Some cacti prefer cooler temperatures during the day. However, other plants, such as philodendrons and ferns should be relocated inside before temperatures drop.Most plants will benefit from being placed close to windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during summertime. In winter, however, the sun's position is lower in the sky, and the light levels drop. To ensure your plants are healthy and happy, move them away from the windows just a few inches to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch the cold glass. It is important to keep in mind that sudden and drastic temperature fluctuations can be a big shock for your plants. The ideal temperature for most indoor houseplants is between 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.Smart thermostats and AC controllers can assist you in maintaining the perfect temperature for your houseplants. These devices regulate your home's heating and cooling, ensuring your plants aren't subjected to cold drafts from the vents or sudden temperature fluctuations. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to ensure your plants their health. These tools provide your plants with a greater chance of survival during the harsh winter. Your plants will thrive all year if you follow the above guidelines. Make sure you place them in a spot which isn't draughty, because this could cause the loss of leaves and wiping.WaterMany people believe that they should water their plants on a regular basis. This is not a good idea and could can cause your plants to die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Instead, learn to water your plant only when it needs it. This typically means when your plant's leaves are turning brown or the top inch of soil appears dry. If you're concerned about watering too much your plants, the RHS suggests purchasing an automatic watering device that can monitor the moisture levels of your plants.Different houseplants require different amounts of water, based on the kind of habitat in which they grow. Ferns and tropical foliage plants like calatheas, peace lilies and philodendrons, thrive best when the soil is left to dry between waterings. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, thrive with less frequent but deeper waterings.The kind of water you use is also important. Most tap water is fine for most plants, however distilled or softened water is not. These contain salts that accumulate in the soil over time and may cause damage to your plants. Rainwater is another great alternative. It will lower the pH level of your soil, which is ideal for most houseplants.If you decide to give your plants water, ensure that the water's temperature is room temperature. Warm or hot water can harm the roots of your plant, making it vulnerable to disease. It is recommended to water your plant from the bottom, instead of the top. This will prevent overwatering, as excess water won't have any place to go, and could cause root rot.Some houseplants, such as the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by releasing runners that have new plants on the ends. These are a cinch to plant in their own pots when they're mature, making them perfect for those who are just beginning to would like to add greenery their home or office. But, you need to wait until the plant's roots are fully developed before trying this. It typically takes a few days to take place.FeedingHouse plants have different requirements than outdoor garden plants and their care requires a good understanding of how to manage them effectively. Moisture, light, soil mixture temperature, ventilation fertilizers and humidity are all crucial factors to take into account.Houseplants require food to flourish. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and the rich loamy soil, houseplants require supplemental feeding. There are a variety of liquid and powder houseplant fertilizers that are simple to use. It is essential to adhere to an appropriate schedule of feeding your houseplants for the health and appearance of the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers.Many tropical houseplants need to be watered regularly. Overwatering can cause root rot, and it's crucial to avoid this. Avoid overwatering by letting the plant dry out between waterings, and then inserting a finger into the soil approximately one inch deep to determine the moisture level. You can also spray water onto the soil's surface with an atomizer.The most common misconception is that houseplants require lots of water to grow. In reality, they do very well with just weekly waterings. It is a good idea to keep the pots of houseplants well-ventilated to help with moisture and airflow, especially in smaller pots that can easily get too tight.The most challenging aspect of caring for your houseplants comes from determining how much sunlight they require to thrive. There is good news, there is many varieties of plants that do very well with less natural light than those that do best in the sun.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 conditions and thrive in them.In addition to enhancing the look of your home houseplants can also help your mental and emotional well-being. Planting a house has been proven to decrease stress symptoms. A study from 2007 found that caring for plants could actually improve moods and physical health.