10 Unexpected Houseplant Tips

How to Care For Houseplants

The trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants is not going away, regardless of whether or not the craze of houseplants has passed. Learn how to take care of these simple-care favorites!

Dry, drooping leaves and drooping stems are clear indications that your plant isn't feeling well. But don't throw out the trowel just yet!

Light Requirements

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

indoor house plants of the houseplant is a vital aspect to take into consideration when choosing a place for it in your home or office. The label on your plant or a little research will tell you what it prefers: bright direct sunlight; bright, indirect sunlight moderate light or low light. You may require an instrument to measure light to determine the intensity of sunlight. A special horticultural light or a grow lamp could also be used to enhance the available light.

Direct sunlight is sunlight that shines directly onto the plant, typically on the windowsill. Indirect sunlight is filtered through curtains, trees or shade outside the window. The shade or shade types do not offer the same amount of energy as bright sunlight.

You can determine the amount of light that your plant receives by having it hold it up to the window and observe the shadows it creates. A shadow with clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight, whereas shadows with edges that are dappled indicates a location that is receiving moderate light.

Rooms that receive little sunlight, or windows facing to the west or north are likely to have low-light conditions. Plants that thrive in low light conditions have straggly or pale foliage. They may be leaning toward the light or look "leggy."

A plant can be assisted in low-light conditions by using artificial light sources. The kind of artificial light you select and the way it is placed can make a big difference. For instance fluorescent lights are a good choice because it offers the spectrum of light that plants require. It gives red and blue light, which plants utilize to make chlorophyll for photosynthesis, and it also emits a small amount green light. Incandescent bulbs on the other hand, produces only green light and doesn't provide any of the other colors required to promote plant growth.

Watering

Houseplants can be a stunning green accent to the office and home. They can soften the harsh lines and bright lights and can even improve indoor air. The best way to enjoy your houseplants is by keeping them healthy and happy. Numerous aspects can affect a plant's health as well as the amount of water it receives. A common mistake is overwatering, which could cause root rot and other serious conditions. common houseplants 's also important to water your plants slowly so that the liquid soaks into the soil, not flowing off the surface. You can weigh a potted plants after watering to gauge how moist the soil is.

Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Cold or hot water can cause shock to the roots. Try collecting rainwater for your plants. It's free of most minerals and salts and helps restore the natural balance of the soil. If you use tap water to water your garden, be sure that it is not softened or chlorinated since these chemicals can accumulate over time in the soil.

Figuring out exactly how much water your houseplant needs can be a an experiment. Many houseplants are from tropical regions and have large leaves that require a lot of water to appear at their best. They must be regularly watered, more often than desert dwellers like cacti and succulents, which thrive when the soil dries out between waterings.

In general, a plant needs more water in the summer and spring, and less during the fall and winter, when it is dormant. It's important to water a plant in accordance with its seasonal needs, rather than sticking to a set schedule. indoor house plants can cause a plant to be overwatered one time of the year and underwatered another.

Besides watering, it's essential to feed a houseplant frequently and keep an eye on it for diseases and pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will aid in replenishing the nutrients leached from the soil by frequent watering. Spraying the leaves of plants with insecticide or fungicide soap will help to stop mites and insects from infesting them.





Fertilizing

Houseplants are often fed improperly or not at all which can result in reduced growth, poor blooming and even death. Unlike outdoor gardens, which benefit from rain that naturally nourishes the soil and plants, indoor plants have limited access to the nutrients in their potting mix, and require additional feedings.

The most important thing to feed your houseplants correctly is knowing the best fertilizer to use and the best time to apply it. Many houseplants need high levels of nitrogen in order to stimulate growth of flowers and foliage, but also phosphorus to develop roots. A good fertilizer for your houseplants must include both macronutrients and should contain organic and non-organic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are excellent sources of these nutrients naturally, they are not as effective as houseplant-specific liquid fertilizers or granular fertilizers.

Liquid fertilizers, which are simple to use and carry around are the most sought-after. However, it's important to study the label and follow directions to avoid over-fertilization. Some liquids are designed to be used as frequently as every week while others are designed to be used less frequently. For a more environmentally friendly 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 period when the plant is in bloom, it is recommended to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a fertilizer high in nitrogen (24-8-16). When the weather turns cooler and the days shorten then it's time to change to lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. If your plant is new or recently re-potted, wait until the plant shows signs of settling into its dormant phase before feeding.

Be aware that the health of a houseplant is also affected by conditions that are beyond its control. These include lighting, environmental conditions and watering habits. Overwatering your houseplant could cause root decay. Insufficient watering can cause the plant to slow down and eventually die. Follow these simple steps to make your houseplant thrive!

Repotting

Repotting your houseplant is important. It is essential to allow your plant to grow and keep the soil loos and healthy. Repotting can also encourage new growth which is vital for a healthy houseplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once a year, but the exact timing of repotted plants can differ. In general, younger plants will need to be repotted more often than older, established ones.

When you are ready to repot your plant, make sure the soil is draining properly and that your pot is clean. Make sure to water your plant thoroughly just before repotting to ensure that the soil is well-hydrated. This will aid in removing any accumulated salts that have built up in the soil over time. Once the soil has been prepared, choose your new pot and mix it up with your potting mix.

Remove your plant gently from its old pot. Be careful not to harm the roots. Once the roots are completely free then place the plant in the new container and fill it to the bottom of the stem. Fill in the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. It can also be helpful to gently pull the roots out in order to prevent them from becoming densely coiled around the rootball.

Once the potting mix is in, water your plant to help it settle. Then, you can rub the soil lightly to allow the potting mix to stick to the roots. Be cautious not to overwater or you could end up with the soil becoming soggy and slow the plant's recovery and growth.

The best time of year to repot your plant is during spring. It is during this time the majority of plants begin to grow, which can help them adapt to their new environment faster.

Try to only go up one or two sizes when plant pots are being repotted. Most houseplants do not do well when they are moved up more than two sizes, as they become heavy on top and the potting mix gets too compact and difficult to handle.