10 Unexpected Houseplant Tips

How to Care For Houseplants

If the houseplant mania of 2020 has passed, the trend toward filling your home with lush indoor plants is enduring. Learn how to care for these simple-care plants with confidence!

Dry-out leaves and drooping stems can be clear signs that your plant isn't feeling well. Don't throw away the trowel until you're ready!

Light Requirements





The amount of light a plant requires is one of the most crucial factors in successfully growing it. All plants require light to photosynthesis, which is the process which converts sunlight and water into energy that helps support blooming, growth and seed production. If a plant doesn't receive enough light, it will not generate the energy needed for these processes.

The requirements for light in the houseplant is a vital aspect to consider when selecting the right spot for it in your home or office. The label on your plant or a little research will reveal whether it thrives in bright direct sunlight; indirect, bright sunlight moderate light or low light. You may require an instrument to measure light to determine 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 onto the plant. It usually occurs on a window sill. Indirect sunlight is filtered by shades, curtains, or trees outside the window. Neither type provides the same energy as bright sunlight.

You can estimate the amount of light that your plant receives by having it put it in front of a window and look at the shadows it creates. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines suggests direct sunlight that is bright, whereas shadows with edges that appear to be dappled indicates a moderate light location.

Low-light conditions are common in rooms that receive only a little light or windows that face north or west. Plants that thrive in low light conditions have straggly or pale foliage. They could be leaning towards the light or look "leggy."

A plant can be aided in low-light conditions by using artificial light sources. It is important to consider the kind of artificial lighting you select and where it will be placed. For example fluorescent lights are an excellent choice since it has the spectrum of light needed by plants. It gives red and blue light, which plants use to make chlorophyll for photosynthesis. It also emits a small amount of green light. An incandescent bulb however emits only green light and doesn't provide many of the other colors required for plant growth.

Watering

Houseplants provide an attractive green accent to the home and office. They can soften the harsh lines and bright lighting and can even improve indoor air quality. However, the best method to take care of your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant receives can have a significant effect on its health. Overwatering can lead to root rot, among other issues. It's also important to water your plants gradually to ensure that the liquid seeps into the soil instead of flowing off the surface. It can be beneficial to weigh the potted plant after it has been watered to get an idea of how wet the soil is.

It is recommended to use room temperature water for your houseplants, since hot or cold water could cause shock to the roots. If you can, collect rainwater and use it for your plants. It is free of the majority of minerals and salts and can help restore the soil's natural balance. However, if house plants common do use tap water, make sure it's not softened or chlorine-treated, because these substances can accumulate in the soil over time.

Finding out the exact amount of water your houseplant requires can be a bit of an experiment. A lot of houseplants come from tropical regions and have huge, glossy leaves that need a lot of moisture to appear their best. These plants require more water than desert denizens such as succulents or cacti. They thrive when soil is dry between waterings.

In general, plants require more water in summer and spring months and less during the winter and fall when it is in dormancy. It is crucial to water plants according to their seasons instead of following a strict schedule. This could result in the plant being overwatered at the time of the year and under-watered at another.

Besides watering, it's essential to feed a houseplant regularly and keep an eye on the plant for any pests or diseases. Regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer will help to replace the nutrients that are absorbed from the soil through frequent watering. 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.

Fertilizing

Houseplants are often fed in a way that is not correct or even properly, which can lead to reduced growth, a lack of bloom, and even death. Indoor plants don't have the same access to nutrients as outdoor plants.

The most important thing to feed your houseplants correctly is knowing the best type of fertilizer to use, and when to use it. Many houseplants require a lot of nitrogen to encourage flower and foliage growth however, they also require phosphorus to help develop their roots. A good fertilizer for houseplants should include both macronutrients and include organic as well as non-organic sources. Although kitchen scraps and compost are excellent natural sources of these nutrients however they're not as effective as a houseplant-specific liquid or granular fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers are the most popular, as they're simple to use and are very portable. To avoid over-fertilization, is essential to read the labels and follow the instructions. Certain liquids are designed to be used as often as every week and others are designed for use less frequently. Think about slow-release or granular houseplant fertilisers as a more sustainable alternative. These products are infused with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.

In the period of growth when the plant is in bloom, it is recommended to feed your houseplants once every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (24-8-16). As the weather gets cooler and the days shorten and the days get shorter, it's time to switch to lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. Make sure your plant has established itself into a dormant stage before feeding it if it's brand new or recently potted.

It's also important to consider that the health of your houseplant is influenced by other factors beyond its control, such as lighting, environmental conditions, and the habits of watering. In the event that your houseplant gets too wet, ("overwatering") could cause root rot, while keeping it dry ("under-watering") can stress the plant and result in wilting and eventual death. Follow these simple steps to help your houseplant flourish!

Repotting

Repotting is among the most important things you could do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to grow and keep the soil loose and healthy. Repotting helps increase the growth of your plant which is an important aspect of a healthy homeplant. It is generally recommended to repotted your plants at least once a year, but the exact timing may differ. In general younger plants will need to be repotted more often than established, older plants.

When you are ready repot your plant, make sure that the soil drains well and that your pot is clean. Water your plant well prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is moist. This will help in leaching out the salts that have been accumulating in the soil. After the soil is prepared, choose your new pot and prepare your potting mix.

You'll want to gently remove your plant from the previous pot, taking care not to break any roots. Once the roots are completely free put the plant in the new container and fill it up to the point of the stem. Fill in the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. Teasing plants house can be helpful as well to stop them from becoming densely packed and circling around the rootball.

You should water your plant once you have placed the potting mix. Then, gently press the soil in order to help the potting mixture stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater, or you could end up with a the soil becoming soggy and slow your plant's recovery and growth.

The best time of year to repot your plant is in Spring. It is during this time most plants will begin to grow, which can help them adapt to their new home more quickly.

When repotting your plants, ensure that you only move up a size or two. Most houseplants do not thrive when they are moved up more than two sizes. They become top-heavy, and the potting mix gets compacted.