Caring For House Plants Indoors
House plants are a simple method to add life and color to any area. They also filter the air and eliminate harmful chemicals.
Most indoor plants are tropical and prefer bright indirect lighting. Windows facing east or south which can be covered with sheer curtains work best.
Pothos is an attractive houseplant with foliage that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It is easy to maintain.
Light
The plants require light to generate the chemical energy they utilize for growth, flowering and the production of seeds. Without sufficient light, plants will deplete their energy reserves and eventually die.
A luscious houseplant makes any space seem more inviting. If you've not learned the art of caring for your houseplants it's possible to kill even your most sought-after plants. Choose a plant that will tolerate less-than-ideal light conditions. Begonias can be grown in low light however Ferns and other species can also thrive.
Most houseplants are tropical, which means they require light that is bright and indirect. Place them on a window facing either south or east, so they can absorb sunlight throughout the day. If your home is dark due to the nature, you might need to consider a grow lamp for plants.
Knowing how much light your plant needs will help you determine the frequency and time to water it. The amount of light a plant receives can be measured in "foot candles". One foot candle is the amount of daylight that falls on an area of one square foot at noon. You can purchase inexpensive fluorescent bulbs and tubes that screw into regular lamp sockets, or you can opt for a more advanced digital light meter for more precise readings. Choose potted house plants with full spectrum to ensure that they are emitting the correct wavelengths of light.
Once you've learned the fundamentals of light, it's time to shift to other plant characteristics. If you're up for a challenge, try a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus benjamina). The plant can be grown as a shrub or a tree. It needs sunlight that is bright and natural. Its leaves have natural holes called leaf fenestrations, which give it an attractive appearance.
Other options include peace lilies, rubber plants, snake plants and spider plants. These plants aid in purifying the air, boost the levels of oxygen and reduce humidity in your home. They also provide mental health benefits: Research has found that being around greenery can improve cognition improve your focus and calm your mind.
Water
There aren't many places indoors where a bit of greenery can't help bring brightness and rejuvenate. Plants are not only beautiful to behold but they also purify the air and regulate humidity. If they aren't properly cared for and maintained, even the most gorgeous of houseplants will lose their luster. Among the most common mistakes made is overwatering. Overwatering could cause root rot, while too little will cause the plant to become dehydrated. It is important to find the balance and adhere to a few general guidelines.
The timing of watering varies based on the environment, but most houseplants need a drink about once a week. To check whether the soil requires irrigation, place your finger in the soil and feel for moisture. The soil should be damp but not muddy or wet.
The kind of water you consume is also crucial. The majority of tap water is fine but some can contain salts that build up in the soil. Using rain water or water collected in a container is the best. This will gradually alter the pH of the soil, which is ideal for most houseplants.
Some tropical plants thrive in conditions of low light and high humidity, while others prefer dry conditions. Misting the leaves and compost of houseplants on a regular basis with a fine spray can raise humidity levels and help the plant flourish. This is particularly important during winter, when central heating can dry the air.
Houseplants need to be fed throughout the growing season. However, potted house plants should be reduced when they are dormant. Certain kinds of succulents and cacti can last for several weeks without drink, however this could be risky for some other species.
Choosing the right type of houseplant is also crucial. Certain plants are delicate and require a particular place in the home. Certain plants, like nerve plants and calatheas need to have their roots tightly confined in the pot, while other, such as palms and philodendrons, can spread their roots out slightly to give them more space.
good house plants
In their natural environment, plants are accustomed to humid environments, but when they're removed from the humid climate and brought into our homes that are dry, they are often affected. They aren't able to control their own humidity, which results in wilting leaves and other signs stress. There are a variety of ways to increase the humidity level for house plants.
Humidity is the term used to describe the amount of water vapor in the air. The ideal humidity for houseplants ranges between 45% and 65%, however it is not always possible to attain this level in our homes. There are many factors that can affect the humidity level in a given room, such as the temperature of the room or whether you have air cooling in your home. Humidity can also be affected by the size and quantity of doors and windows in your home.
One of the most efficient methods to increase the humidity in your home is by using the humidifier. These devices are specifically designed to allow your plants to be provided with an even amount of humidity throughout the day. They're available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from huge whole home units to smaller portable ones.
Terrariums are another method to increase humidity. These containers are designed to trap moisture in the soil, which helps to prevent the potting mix from drying out too fast. This is an especially good idea for low humidity environments where certain plants such as cacti and succulents thrive.
You can also increase the humidity by misting your plants or taking an icy bath. It is important to use rainwater that is filtered or that has been sitting over night to allow the toxins in the municipality water to evaporate. This will also help reduce the amount of dust that settles onto the leaves and stems, which can hinder the growth of the plant.
There are a few plants that are great at absorbing humidity, such as the bamboo palm or Tillandsia bromeliads. Both require regular watering and medium indirect sunlight. They are great to add a tropical flair to your home.
Temperature
As house plants grow, they require the right temperature in order to thrive. The majority of houseplants are from subtropical and tropical climates that are warmer than some indoor environments. Temperature can impact plant growth, cell processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. During photosynthesis plants convert sunlight into food by opening and closing their stomata. When stomata are closed because of extreme heat, they stop producing glucose and this inhibits the growth of plants. Temperature also affects the rate of transpiration. In hot temperatures plants slow down the process to save water.
Most indoor rooms have average to warm temperatures that are ideal for the majority of houseplants. Temperatures that are too cool can hinder the growth and flowering of a certain species. Temperatures that are too high will cause the plant to die and may even cause death.
Ideal temperature for most houseplants in the day is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight decrease in the temperature at night. Every plant is unique, and some may require more or less heat based on the species.
Most indoor houseplants are damaged or killed by cold temperatures. Houseplants that bloom, such as bromeliads and begonias are sensitive to cold temperatures. If you have these kinds of plants in a north-facing room or in any other room that isn't receiving enough natural light, they must be brought inside before the first frost and kept in a warm location during winter.
Extreme temperatures can also be a concern for many indoor houseplants. This is particularly the case when they are kept in the summer sun and not brought inside prior to the first frost, or if they are placed in a garage that is drafty during the winter. This type of exposure could cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown.
Most of the heat-loving species of indoor houseplants must be kept away from direct sunlight and away from heating vents. It's also best to keep them out of bathrooms where humidity is higher than other areas in the home. If the temperature is too high for a certain plant, it's often possible to improve its conditions by placing it in a larger pot or placing it on a tray of humidity that is regularly misted.