Caring For House Plants Indoors
House plants are an easy way to bring life and color to any space. They also help to filter the air and eliminate harmful chemicals.
The majority of indoor plants are tropical and they like bright indirect light. The most effective windows to use are those facing east or south and can be covered by sheer curtains.
Pothos is an attractive houseplant that is adorned with foliage in various patterns and colors. It is easy to care for.
Light
Plants need light to produce the essential chemical energies they use to reproduce and grow. Plants eventually die if they don't receive enough light.
A lush, green houseplant can make any room more inviting. However, if you haven't mastered the art of caring for your houseplants it's possible to kill your most attractive plants. Select a plant that is able to tolerate less-than-ideal light conditions. Begonias can be grown in a low-light environment however other plants and ferns will also thrive.
Most houseplants have tropical origins and require sunlight that is bright and indirect. The best choice is to put them on an east- or south-facing window, where they can absorb sunlight for most of the day. If your home is dark, you may have to supplement your plant with a specific grow lamp.
Knowing how much light your plant requires will help you determine how often and when you should water it. The amount of light plants get is measured in "foot candles". One foot candle is the amount of sunlight that falls on an area of 1 square foot at noon. You can buy cheap fluorescent bulbs and tubes that screw into sockets that are standard or opt for an electronic light meter that provides more precise readings. Choose potted house plants with full spectrum to ensure they are emitting the correct wavelengths of light.
Once you've grasped the fundamentals and are confident about your knowledge, it's time to explore other plant characteristics. If you're ready to take on a challenge, consider the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus benjamina). This plant requires plenty of sunlight and can be grown into a tree or left in a bush. The leaves of this plant have natural holes known as leaf fenestrations. They give it an attractive appearance.
Other great options include peace lilies, snake plants, rubber plants and spider plants. These plants help purify the air in your home, increase oxygen levels and reduce humidity. They also provide positive effects on your mental health. Research has shown being near greenery can improve your cognitive performance helps you concentrate and calms your mind.
Water
There aren't many places indoors that a little greenery can't help brighten and rejuvenate. Bringing plants into our workplaces and homes does not only make them more appealing to be around, they can also help in purifying the air and regulate humidity. But, if not cared for properly, even the most beautiful houseplants can quickly lose their beauty. good house plants of the most frequent mistakes made is overwatering. Overwatering can result in root rot, and too little water will cause the plant's dehydration. potted house plants is essential to find the balance and adhere to a few general guidelines.
Watering potted house plants vary depending on the environment but the majority of houseplants require a drink about once a week. To check whether the soil needs watering, put your finger in the soil and feel for water. The soil should be damp but not muddy or wet.
The kind of water you use is also vital. Most tap water is fine but some may contain salts that build up in the soil. Rainwater or water that is collected in a container is best. This way the soil will slowly begin to acidify which is perfect for many houseplants.
Some tropical plants thrive in low light conditions and high humidity while others prefer dry conditions. Misting the leaves and compost of houseplants frequently with a fine spray will raise humidity levels and help the plant to thrive. This is especially important in winter when central heating may dry out the air.
Houseplants need to be fed throughout their growing season. However this should be cut down after they become dormant. Certain succulents or cacti can survive for several weeks without water, however it could be hazardous for other species.
The right kind of houseplant is also crucial. Some plants are very delicate and require a specific space in the home. Certain plants, like nerve plants and calatheas need to have their roots properly contained in the pot, while other, such as palms and philodendrons can spread their roots out a bit to allow them more space.
Humidity
Plants in their natural environment are accustomed to humid conditions however, when they are removed from this environment and placed in our homes with dry conditions, they are often affected. The plants aren't able control their own humidity, which leads to wilting of leaves and other signs stress. There are potted house plants to increase the humidity level for houseplants.
Humidity is the level of water vapour in the air. While the ideal humidity for houseplants is between 45 to 65 percent, it's not always easy to achieve in our home environment. There are many factors that can affect the humidity levels in a particular space, including the temperature or if you have air conditioning in your home. Humidity can also be affected by the size and number of doors and windows in your home.
One of the most efficient methods to increase the humidity in your home is to employ the humidifier. These units are designed to help your plants to be provided with the same amount of humidity throughout the daytime. They're available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from big whole-home units to smaller, portable ones.
A terrarium is a different method to increase the humidity. These containers are designed for soil that is moist, which prevents the potting mix from drying out too fast. This is a great idea for low-humidity environments in which succulents and cacti thrive.
Other methods to increase humidity include taking steamy showers or misting your plants with water. It is essential to use rainwater that has been 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 on the stems and leaves which can hinder the growth of the plant.
There are a few plants that excel in taking in humidity, like the bamboo palm or Tillandsia bromeliads. Both require regular watering and medium indirect sunlight. They are ideal for adding a tropical touch to your home.
Temperature
As houseplants grow, they need the right temperature to thrive. The majority of houseplants originate from subtropical and tropical climates, which are more warm than indoor environments. Temperature affects plant growth and the cellular processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. In photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight to food by opening and shutting their stomata. When stomata close due to extreme heat, they stop producing glucose and impede the growth of the plant. Temperature also affects the rate of transpiration. In hot temperatures plants slow down the process in order to save water.
Most indoor spaces are moderately warm, which is ideal for the majority of houseplants. Temperatures that are too cold can limit the flowering and growth of a particular species. Temperatures that are too high can cause the plant to wither and even die.
Ideally, the ideal temperature range for most houseplants is 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime with a slight drop in temperature at night. However, every plant is different and some might require more or less warmth based on the species.
Colder temperatures can harm or kill the majority of indoor houseplants. Houseplants that bloom like bromeliads and begonias are sensitive to temperatures that are cold. They should be brought indoors before the first frost in any room that has an orientation that faces north or is not receiving sufficient sunlight.
Extreme temperatures can also be a concern for many indoor houseplants. This is especially the case when they are kept out in the summer and not brought inside before the first frost or if they are kept in a garage that is drafty during the winter. This type of exposure may cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown.
Most of the heat-loving species of indoor houseplants need to be kept out of 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 of an plant is too high it is possible to improve its condition by placing it in a larger pot or a tray of humidity that is misted frequently.