How to Care For Houseplants
Whether or not houseplant mania of the year 2020 is over the trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants will continue. Learn how to care for these simple-care plants with confidence!
Dry, drooping leaves and drooping stems are clear indications that your plant isn't content. But don't put down the trowel yet!
Light Requirements
The amount of light a plant needs is one of the most important aspects in successfully growing it. All plants require light for photosynthesis. This is the process of turning sunlight and water into energy to support blooming, growth and seed production. If a plant doesn't receive sufficient light, it won't generate the energy required for these processes and will start to slow down.
The lighting requirements of the houseplant is a vital aspect to take into consideration when choosing the best location for it in your office or home. The label on the plant or a bit of research will tell you what it prefers: bright direct sun; indirect, bright sunlight moderate light or low light. You may need a light meter to assess the intensity of sunlight. A specialized horticultural light or grow lamp could also be used to complement the existing light.
Direct sunlight is sunlight that shines directly onto a plant, usually on the windowsill. Indirect sunlight is blocked by curtains, shade or trees outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as unfiltered, bright sunlight.
You can determine the amount of light your plant receives by putting it in front of the window and observing the shadow it casts on the paper. A shadow with distinct, clear outlines indicates direct sunlight, whereas shadows with edges that are dappled suggests a spot that receives moderate light.
Low-light conditions are common in rooms that receive only a little light or windows that face west or north. The plants that thrive in these conditions typically have pale or straggly leaves. They could be leaning towards the light or appear "leggy."
You can aid the plant in poor lighting conditions by providing it with a synthetic light source. The type of artificial light you select and the way it is placed makes a huge differences. For example fluorescent lights are a good choice because it offers the spectrum of light needed by plants. It emits green light and a small amount blue light. Plants rely on red and blue light to make chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Incandescent bulbs however emits only green light and doesn't supply many of the other colors necessary for the growth of plants.
Watering
Houseplants provide an attractive green accent to your home and office. They are often used to soften lines and block out harsh light, and can even enhance the air quality in your home. But the best way to enjoy your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant gets can have a significant effect on its health. Overwatering can lead to root rot, among other conditions. It is also essential to water your plants gradually so that the liquid soaks into the soil instead of running off the surface. You can weigh a potted plant after watering to determine how wet the soil is.
Use good house plants to water your houseplants. Cold or hot water can cause shock to the roots. If you can, collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. It's completely free of minerals and salts and can help restore the natural balance of the soil. If you do use tap water, make sure that it's not softened or chlorine-treated, since these can cause a build-up in the soil over time.
The process of determining exactly how much water your houseplant requires could be a an experiment. A lot of houseplants originate from tropical areas and have large leaves that require a lot of water to look their best. They need to be regularly watered, more often than desert denizens like cacti or succulents, which do better when the soil becomes dry between waterings.
In general, plants require more water during the spring and summer months and less during its dormant season in fall and winter. It is important to water plants according to their seasons rather than following a fixed schedule. This can cause a plant to be overwatered at one time of year and drowned the next.
It's important to regularly feed your houseplant, and also monitor it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help replenish nutrients lost from the soil when you water it often. It is also an excellent idea to spray the leaves of plants with fungicide or insecticidal soap to avoid infestations caused by insects or mites.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are often fed improperly or not at all which can result in slow growth, a lack of bloom, and even death. As opposed to outdoor gardens that benefit from natural rain that nourishes the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants are not given access to the nutrients in their potting mix and require regular feedings.
The key to feeding houseplants properly is to know the best fertilizer to use, and when to use it. Many houseplants require large amounts of nitrogen to stimulate the growth of flowers and foliage however, they also require phosphorus for root development. A suitable fertilizer for houseplants should combine these two essential macronutrients and should be made up of organic and inorganic sources. While kitchen scraps and organic compost are good sources of these nutrients naturally, they are not as effective as liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.
Liquid fertilizers, which are easy to use and portable, are the most popular. To avoid over-fertilization, it is crucial to study the labels and follow the instructions. Some liquids are designed to be used as often as once a week and others are designed to be used less frequently. For a more environmentally friendly alternative, think about the slow-release or granular houseplant fertilizer. These types of products contain nutrients encapsulated within an outer coating that releases them slowly to the plant over time.
During the growing period, it is best to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (24-8-16). As the temperature cools and the days get shorter, it's the perfect time to switch to a fertilizer that has less nitrogen (10-20-10). If your plant is new or recently re-potted, wait until the plant shows signs of settling into its dormant stage before feeding.
Be aware that the health of a houseplant is also affected by conditions beyond its control. These include lighting, environmental conditions and the way you water it. In excess watering, your houseplant may cause root rot. Under-watering can cause the plant wilt and eventually die. Follow these easy tips and your houseplant will flourish!
Repotting
Repotting is one of the most important things you could do for your houseplant. It's essential for allowing your plant to develop properly and keep the soil hydrated and loose. Repotting helps stimulate new growth, which is another vital aspect of a healthy homeplant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once a year, but the exact timing may differ. Typically younger plants will need to be repotted more frequently than established plants that are older.
When you're ready to repot your plant, ensure that the soil drains well and that your pots are clean. Begin by watering your plant generously just prior to repotting so that the soil is humid. This will help leach out any salts that have built up in the soil over time. Once the soil is ready, choose your new pot and prepare the potting mix.
You'll want to gently remove your plant from its previous pot, being careful not to damage any roots. Once the roots are removed, place the plant in the new pot and fill it up to the base. Fill the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. Teasing the roots gently is a good idea to keep them from becoming densely packed and circling around the rootball.
Water your plant after you have placed the potting mix. Then, gently rub the soil to help the potting mixture stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater, or you may end up with a soggy mess that will slow the plant's recovery and growth.
Repotting your plant in the spring is the best time to plant. It is during this time the majority of plants begin to grow, which can help them to adapt to their new environment faster.
Try to only go up by a couple of sizes when plant pots are being repotted. Most houseplants will not thrive if they are moved more than two sizes. They become top-heavy and the potting mix becomes compacted.