10 Unexpected Houseplant Tips

How to Care For Houseplants

No matter if the houseplant mania of 2020 is over, the trend toward filling your home with lush indoor plants will continue. Learn how to care for these simple-care favorites!

Your plant's unhappiness is evident by dried-out leaves and drooping stalks. common houseplant throw away the trowel yet!

Light Requirements

One of the most important aspects in the success of a houseplant is determining the amount of light it requires. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process which transforms water and sunlight into energy that aids growth, blooming and the production of seeds. If a plant doesn't receive enough light, it will fail to generate the energy needed to support these processes.

A houseplant's light requirements are a crucial factor to take into consideration when choosing a place for it in your office or home. The label on the plant or a little research will inform you if it thrives in bright direct sun; bright, indirect sunlight moderate light or low light. You may require an instrument to measure light to determine the intensity of sunlight. You could also use a horticultural or grow lamp to enhance the available light.





Direct sunlight is sunlight shining directly on plants. It usually occurs on the window sill. Indirect sunlight is blocked by curtains, trees or shade outside the window. Neither type provides the same amount of energy as bright sunlight.

You may be able to determine the amount of light your plant receives by putting it in front of the window and then observing the shadow it casts onto a piece of paper. A shadow with clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight. a shadow that has edges that are dappled suggests a moderate light location.

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

You can aid the plant in poor lighting conditions by providing it with an artificial light source. The kind of artificial light you choose and how it is placed can make huge differences. A fluorescent light, for instance is a great choice because it emits the spectrum of light required by plants. It provides blue and red light, which plants use to create chlorophyll in order to photosynthesis, and it also emits a small amount green light. An incandescent bulb however, produces only green light, and doesn't offer many of the other colors required for the growth of plants.

Watering

Houseplants can be a stunning green accent to your office and home. They can soften harsh lines and bright lighting and can even improve indoor air quality. The best way to enjoy houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. Numerous factors can affect the health of your plants as well as the amount of water it receives. A common mistake is overwatering, which could cause root rot or other serious ailments. Make sure to water your plants slowly to ensure that the liquid seeps down into the soil and doesn't run off the surface. You can weigh a potted plants after watering to get an idea how moist the soil is.

Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Hot or cold water could shock the roots. Try to collect rainwater for your plants. It is free of the majority of minerals and salts, and helps to restore the soil's natural balance. However, if you do use tap water, make sure that it's not softened or treated with chlorine, since these can cause a build-up in the soil over time.

It can take some trial and error to figure out how much water a houseplant requires. Many houseplants come from tropical regions, and have large leaves that require lots of water to appear at their best. These plants require more water than desert dwellers like succulents or cacti. They thrive when soil dries between waterings.

In general, plants need more water in the summer and spring, and less in fall and winter. It is essential to water plants according to their seasons rather than following a fixed schedule. This could cause a plant to be overwatered at one time of year and submerged another.

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

Fertilizing

Houseplants are frequently fed incorrectly, or not even fed. This can lead to reduced, or even dead, growth. In contrast to outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that nourishes the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants have less access to the nutrients found in their potting mix, and require regular feedings.

Knowing when and what common house plant of fertilizer to apply is crucial to feeding your houseplants properly. Many houseplants require high levels of nitrogen to promote the development of flowers and foliage but also phosphorus to develop roots. A good fertilizer for houseplants combines these two essential macronutrients and should contain both organic and inorganic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are excellent sources of these nutrients naturally but they are not as effective as liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.

Liquid fertilizers are the most popular because they are easy to use and very portable. To avoid over-fertilization, is essential to be aware of the label and follow instructions. Some liquids are designed to be used as often as every week and others are designed to be used less frequently. Consider granular or slower-release houseplant fertilisers for a more eco-friendly alternative. These kinds of products contain nutrients encapsulated in an outer coating that releases them slowly to the plant over time.

In the growing season, it is recommended to feed your houseplants on a regular basis with a high-nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. As the temperature cools and the days get shorter, it's time to switch over to a fertilizer that has lower nitrogen content (10-20-10). If your plant is brand new or newly potted, wait until it shows signs of settling into its dormant stage before feeding.

It's also important to remember that the health of a houseplant is influenced by other factors outside its control, including environmental conditions, lighting, and watering habits. Overwatering your houseplant can cause root rot. Insufficient watering could cause the plant to shrink and eventually die. Follow these easy tips and your houseplant will flourish!

Repotting

Repotting your houseplants is essential. It is crucial to allow your plant to grow and keep the soil loose and healthy. Repotting can also help to stimulate new growth and is a crucial aspect of a healthy houseplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once a year, however the exact timing of repotted plants can differ. common houseplant that are young need to be repotted more frequently than older ones.

When you're ready to repot, ensure that the soil drains well and that the pots are clean. It is important to water your plant regularly just before repotting to ensure that the soil is well-hydrated. This will help in leaching out the salts that have been accumulating in the soil. Once the soil has been prepared, choose your new pot and mix it up with your mixing mix for potting.

You'll need to gently remove your plant from the old pot, taking care not to break any roots. Once the roots have been removed then place the plant in the new pot and fill it to the base. Fill in the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. Teasing the roots gently can be helpful as well to prevent them from becoming too densely packed and circling the rootball.

Once the potting mix is in, water the plant to settle it. Then, gently pat the soil to help the potting mix stick to the roots. Do not overwater your plants, or you'll end up with a sloppy mess which will slow down their growth and recovery.

Repotting your plant in the spring is ideal. This is when plants begin to put on new growth, which will help them become more comfortable in their new environment much quicker.

When repotting your plants, make sure to only increase by a size or two. Most houseplants will not thrive when they are moved more than two sizes. They become top-heavy and the potting mix becomes compacted.