What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Live House Plants

How to Care For Live House Plants

Plants release water from their leaves, which increase the humidity of a room. They also improve indoor air quality by eliminating pollutants.





A fav succulent, a jade plant is simple to take care of. It thrives under indirect light, and only requires just a half cup of water each week.

Snake plant (Dracaena - formerly Sansevieria) is a different houseplant with a simple need. It likes bright indirect light and should be watered frequently to avoid root decay.

Light

Plants absorb light energy to photosynthesis, which produces the sugars they need to grow and flourish. It is important to make sure they get enough sunlight. Bright light is the ideal for most plants, however the amount of bright light varies according to the location of your home and time of the year. It is also crucial to know how to measure light in order to ensure that you have the right amount for your houseplants.

Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot-candles (fc) per square meter of surface area at noon on an unseasonably sunny day. Plants that require bright light should be placed close to, or within just a few inches of a window facing south or southwest. The growth pattern of a plant grown in bright light is usually more robust and healthy than when it is in moderate or low light.

indoor house plants , which comprises the bright light conditions described above, in addition to the types 2a and 2b, is the type of light that is commonly seen in homes. Indirect light is a mixture of indirect and direct sun, with certain areas shining brighter than others because of the position of window treatments or other outdoor foliage.

The light conditions for plants in bright indirect light may be softened by shade from window treatments or mottled by the foliage of the outdoors. It is not as intense as direct sunlight but it should be at a minimum at least as bright as the brightest area of a room.

Dim indirect light or "faint" is what is commonly called low-level light that is not enough bright to be considered. Pothos, snake plants and some philodendrons are able to tolerate this level of lighting. However it is crucial to know the signs that indicate the moment when light levels get too low.

Over time, many plant parents develop a feel for what kind of light is ideal for their houseplants. If you're looking to take your knowledge of houseplant lighting to the next level, you should consider using a light meter. These handy devices permit you to determine exact levels of light by measuring the intensity of a single square foot from a distance of one foot. They include a helpful chart which lists [1] common houseplants and their best light intensity.

Temperature

Plants are adapted to the climate in which they live and so changing their environment isn't always simple. Houseplants require the right temperature to thrive. Temperature is crucial for photosynthesis. It aids in breaking down sugars and starches that plants produce into energy. Plants can make use of this energy to grow or for maintaining existing tissues.

The ideal temperature for respiration are also important. Plants break down stored sugars to fuel the process of cell respiration, and release carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Warm temperatures accelerate the rate of respiration while cool temperatures slow it down to avoid the plant from wasting energy.

Most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the daylight hours, and cooler temperatures during night. Certain cacti prefer cooler temperatures during the day, while other plants such as the philodendrons and ferns must be moved indoors before the temperature drops.

In the summer, most plants benefit from being planted near sunny windows. However, in winter the sun is lower in the sky, and light levels fall. To ensure your plants are healthy and happy, move them away from windows by at least a few inches, to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. It is crucial to keep in mind that sudden and drastic temperature fluctuations can be very stressful for your plants. The ideal temperature range for indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smart thermostats and AC controllers can aid in maintaining the ideal temperature for your plants. These devices regulate your home's heating and cooling, making sure that your plants aren't subjected to cold drafts from the vents or sudden temperature changes. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to ensure your plants and their health. These tools will provide your plants with a greater chance of survival in the harsh winter months. If you follow the tips mentioned above, your plants will flourish all year round. Be sure to put them in a place that isn't humid because this can cause leaf loss and the plants' wilting.

Water

Many people believe that they must water their houseplants on a regular schedule. This is not a good idea and could actually cause your plants to die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Instead, learn to water your plant only when it requires it. This is usually when your plant's leaves are turning brown or the top inch of the soil is feeling dry. The RHS recommends that if you're concerned about overwatering, you can purchase an automatic watering system that can monitor the level of moisture in your plants.

Different houseplants require different watering requirements according to their growth habits and natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, such as calathea and peace lilies, thrive best when the soil dry out between waterings. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, thrive with less frequent, but more deep waterings.

In addition, the type of water you use matters. Most tap water is fine for most plants, however distilled or softened water is not. These contain salts that build up in the soil over time and can cause damage to your plants. Rainwater is a good option. It lowers the pH level of your soil which is perfect for the majority of houseplants.

If you decide to give your plants water make sure the water's temperature is room temperature. Using warm or hot water can harm the roots of your plant and make it susceptible to diseases. It is recommended to water your plant from the bottom instead of from the top. This will prevent excessive watering since excess water won't have anywhere to go.

Certain houseplants, such as the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by releasing runners that have new plants on the ends. They are easy to plant in their own pots when they're ready, which makes them perfect for those who are just beginning to are looking to add some greenery to their office or home. You must wait until all the roots are established before you attempt this. This usually takes a few days to occur.

Feeding

House plants have very different needs from outdoor garden plants and their care requires a thorough understanding of how to cultivate them successfully. The elements of light, moisture, soil mixtures, temperature and humidity, ventilation and fertilizers play a major role in the success of your home plants.

While garden plants are able to get the nutrients they need from the natural world through rain and a fertile soil, loamy soil, houseplants must be fed if they can thrive. There are a variety of fertilizers for houseplants that are liquid and powder that are simple to use. A regular feeding schedule for your houseplant is vital to the well-being of the plant as well as the appearance of its leaves, stems and flowers.

Many tropical houseplants require weekly watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, therefore it is important to avoid this. A good way to avoid overwatering is to allow the plant to dry out between waterings, then inserting your finger about one inch into the soil to see how the soil is moist. You can also make use of an atomizer to spray the soil's surface with water to increase humidity.

The most common misconception is that houseplants require a lot of water to flourish. Most houseplants do well with weekly waterings. It is essential to keep pots of houseplants well ventilated as this will help the airflow and moisture. This is especially true for smaller pots that can become too tight.

The most difficult part of taking care of houseplants is determining how much light they need to thrive. There are many plants that can thrive with less light than those that need the sun's light.

For example, the epiphytic plant (Pteris semperflorens-commonly known as the pothos) and the weeping fig (Ficus elastica) both thrive in low-light environments. Similarly, a large number of species of ficus are extremely adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of homes.

Houseplants aren't just beautiful, but they can also beneficial to your mental and physical health. Studies have proven that working with houseplants can greatly reduce the signs of stress. In fact, a study from 2007 found that the act of caring for plants can actually boost moods and improve physical health overall.