The Complete List Of Houseplants Dos And Donts

Light and Humidity Requirements for Houseplants

Houseplants can add a sense of vivacity to any space. They not only make offices and homes more attractive, but certain varieties also improve air quality. They absorb or reflect noise pollution, such as sirens, buzzing neighbours, and loud electronics.

You need to recreate their natural environment to keep your plants as healthy as possible. For example, tropical houseplants thrive in humid, warm conditions, while succulents and cacti can be adapted to extreme desert temperatures and require little water.

Light Requirements

The requirements for light for houseplants are an essential element of their growth. Humidity, water, appropriate growing medium, as well as a range in temperatures are all essential for houseplants to thrive. But light is the most important factor. The majority of houseplants thrive in bright indirect light but not direct sunlight. Plants that don't get enough light can be damaged and eventually die. Only a few plants, like succulents and desert cacti, are adapted to intense direct sunlight during the summertime.

The amount of sunlight a room gets can be measured using the aid of a light meter or simply observing the brightness of your plants. Light meters can be costly however they allow you to observe how the intensity of the sunlight changes throughout the day and throughout the year.

The best place to place an ornamental plant that needs filtering sunlight is in a south or east facing window. These windows offer bright indirect sunlight during most of the day, as well as the occasional hours of direct sunlight in late morning or early afternoon. The light is stronger than light from the west-facing window which is not shaded, but it can still be too much for plants that prefer partial sunlight.

Filtered sunlight comes into a room through windows, but is softened by curtains, blinds or an awning. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it is still enough for most plants. If you live in a northern climate, this type of light is often not available.

Incandescent lighting, like table lamps or floor lamps, can also provide filtered light to most plants however they are not ideal for those that need full sunlight. These lights produce more heat than light, and are therefore not suitable for plants that are tropical or are fond of the sun.

Some plants that require bright indirect lighting will thrive in a North or East Window, but they'll need to protected from rain and wind that can throw the plants around. They can also be protected with an awning or other structure that will block the harshest elements of North or East sun.

Water Requirements

The watering requirements for various houseplants depend on the conditions in which they are growing. Tropical plants that thrive in jungle-like conditions prefer an environment that is humid and warm with regular rainfall. Desert plants, like Cacti, prefer dry, drier soil and only periodic watering.

The key to getting an indoor plant to flourish is to be aware of its particular needs and to water it according to its requirements. A good rule of thumb is to test the moisture level in the soil and only water it if the top 1" to 2" of the medium is dry. This stops the soil from becoming waterlogged, a condition that can cause root rot.





A plant that is thirsty usually manifests itself by yellowing or dropping leaves, or by slowing down the growth of new leaves. To determine the moisture level of a plant, simply poke your finger into the soil about one inch deep. If the soil feels moist it is best to rest for a few days before watering again. Another useful tool is to grab an empty pot. If it is filled with water it will feel hefty for its size. You can also buy devices that blink, beep, or indicate when it's time to drink water.

Many people choose to incorporate indoor plants into their homes and offices for aesthetic reasons. They add interest and color, soften lines and improve air quality by absorbing chemicals like formaldehyde and Trichloroethylene which are usually off-gassed from man-made materials. It is important to realize that houseplants aren't only decorative. They are also therapeutic and can reduce stress levels.

Most indoor houseplants grow better in ceramic or glazed pots rather than terra-cotta ones. They also grow more in summer and spring than they do in winter and fall. If good house plants seeking a container to water your plants, choose one with a spout that's easy to manage. This will allow you to direct the water directly at the soil without soaking the leaves, which can invite fungus. If you're not able to find rainwater tap water, it can be used provided it's left to rest for a few days to let the chlorine evaporate.

Temperature Requirements

Many of the houseplants that we grow are natives to subtropical or tropical climates. To thrive, houseplants they require a warm, humid environment. Temperatures of 58 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit are suitable for the majority of plants. Temperatures that are too cool can slow down growth, while temperatures that are too hot can cause wilting and other problems.

The tropical and flowering plants, including philodendrons (philodendrons), palms (peace lily plants) as well as hibiscuses and bromeliads, enjoy warm temperatures during the day. This boosts photosynthesis and also produces sugars and starch to aid in plant tissues expand. In the evening plants require cooler temperatures to conserve energy.

Succulents, such as cacti and the familiar fishhook barrel cactus, as well as the string of pearls, need extremely warm temperatures to thrive. They can survive temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will not thrive in the event of sudden temperature fluctuations.

The best method to keep your houseplants healthy is to make sure they are in a sunny spot that is warm during the day and moderately cool during the night. This is particularly important during the winter months when the sun is lower and the light levels can decrease by up to 50 percent. To prevent your plants from becoming too dark, you could move them to an area with a brighter view or add additional lighting to the room.

During the winter, surface soil may dry out faster because of lower temperatures. Make sure to use warm water when watering your plants to avoid shocking their roots. It is also a good idea to water your plants early in the morning, so that the water can be absorbed before the air temperature begins to drop in the evening.

Many kinds of houseplants are susceptible to death from sudden temperature changes even the most well-known. It is particularly dangerous for tropical and subtropical species such as philodendrons, banana trees and palms. Even succulents like agaves or bear paws can be killed by sudden changes in temperature. It is recommended to bring these plants inside prior to when the outdoor temperatures begin to decrease and then gradually acclimate them to indoor conditions so that they can adjust to the transition.

Humidity Requirements

Many houseplants need high levels of humidity. They can be native to tropical regions where humidity levels are much higher, or they could be adapted to the drier conditions of the desert underbrush or forest and don't adapt well to the typical indoor temperatures and low levels of humidity. This is particularly true for aroids and orchids, but also of other plants, such as haworthias, succulents, and cacti.

Humidity is the capacity of air to hold water vapor and is measured on an scale ranging from zero (dry) to 100 percent (saturated with moisture, like fog). The average relative humidity of homes is 30-50 percent. Many common houseplants are able to survive in this range, but those that require high humidity are likely to be affected and could drop leaves or buds that they cannot support with the amount of moisture present in the air.

If the humidity is low, plants can be dehydrated because the stomata shrink and they are unable replace the water lost with fresh carbon dioxide which is essential for photosynthesis. This could eventually result in the plant's death. The first indication that the humidity is low is the appearance of the plant as it gets dehydrated. Other signs include wilting and browning of the leaves.

best houseplants to increase the humidity around the plant is to put it on a tray filled with water and gravel. The plant will receive the humidity it requires from the evaporating water. It is essential to empty your tray often to prevent bacteria from growing in the stagnant water. This could cause damage to the roots of your plant.

A plastic bag can be used to boost the humidity of a plant. Make sure you put wooden stakes in the container to keep plastic away from the plants. Also, make sure good house plants 's not in direct sunlight since this could burn the plant's leaves. It is vital to periodically open the plastic and look for excessive condensate which could mean that the temperature is too high.

Plant the plant in the bathroom or kitchen, where the air is usually more humid than in other rooms of the home. Plants that require high humidity in the same place is advantageous since they benefit from each other's speedier transpiration rate and create pockets of more humid air around them.