Notes

An All-Inclusive List Of Houseplants Dos And Don'ts
Light and Humidity Requirements for Houseplants

There's no room a houseplant can't brighten, and not only do they make homes and offices appear more inviting, but certain varieties improve air quality. They also absorb or refract noise pollution such as sirens, noisy neighbors, and loud electronics.

To keep your plants healthy, you must recreate their natural environment as best you can. Tropical houseplant s, for instance, thrive in humid, warm conditions. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, are used to dry desert temperatures and require only a tiny amount of water.

Light Requirements

Light is vital for the development of houseplants. Humidity, water, right growing medium, and a range in temperatures are all essential for houseplant s to flourish. But light is perhaps the most important element. Most houseplants thrive in indirect light, not direct sun. Plants that do not get enough light can become damaged and may die. There are a handful of plants that are capable of receiving direct sunlight during the summer months, like desert succulents and Cacti.

You can measure the amount of sunlight an area receives using a light gauge or simply by observing how bright your plants are. Light meters can be costly however they allow you to measure the intensity of sunlight throughout the day.

East or south-facing windows are perfect for plants that require filtered sunlight. These windows offer bright indirect sunlight during most of the day, as well as some hours of direct sunlight in the late morning or early afternoon. The light is more intense than the sunlight from a west-facing window that is not shaded however it may be too excessive for plants that likes partial shade and sun.

Filtered sunlight is sunlight that comes into a room through windows but is softened by blinds, curtains or an awning. This light is not quite as bright as direct sunlight, but it is still sufficient for most plants to be able to photosynthesize. If you live in a northern climate this type of light is often not available.

Table lamps and floor lamps can provide filtered light to many plants. However, they are not suitable for plants that require full sunlight. They emit more heat than light and are therefore not suitable for tropical plants or those that are fond of the sun.

Certain plants that require bright indirect light can be found in a North or East window however, they'll require protection from rain showers and wind that could throw the plants around. They can also be protected by an awning or other structures that block the harshest aspects of North or East sun.

Water Requirements

The requirements for watering of different houseplants are different and so do the conditions in which they live. Tropical plants that thrive in jungle conditions like an environment that is humid and warm with regular rain. Desert plants, like Cacti, prefer dry, drier soil and only periodic watering.


The most important thing to do to get a houseplant to thrive is to be aware of its particular requirements and then water it in accordance with those requirements. Be sure to check the moisture level in the soil, and only water when the top 1" or 2" of the potting medium is dry. This will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged which can cause root rot.

plants house 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 the plant, just poke your finger in the soil around one inch deep. If the soil feels moist then you can rest for a few days before watering again. Pick up an empty pot and observe whether it feels heavy. If it's filled with liquid, it is. You can also purchase devices that indicate, beep or flash to inform you when it's time to water.

Many people choose to bring indoor plants into their homes and offices for aesthetic reasons. They add interest and colors, soften lines and improve air quality by absorption of chemicals such as formaldehyde or trichloroethylene, which are often off-gassed by man-made materials. It is important to realize that houseplants aren't only decorative. They can also be therapeutic and can reduce stress levels.

Most indoor houseplants do better in glazed or ceramic pots rather than terra-cotta ones. The summer and spring months will see them grow more than fall and winter. If you're seeking a container to water your plants make sure you choose one with a spout that is easy to manage. This allows you to direct the water directly to the soil without soaking leaves which can encourage fungus. Rainwater is generally the best option for houseplants. However, in the event that you don't have access to it, tap water is fine if you let it sit for a day or two to let the chlorine evaporate.

Temperature Requirements

A majority of the houseplants that we plant are native to tropical or subtropical climates. For houseplants to thrive they require a warm, humid environment. small house plants of plants thrive in temperatures that range between the 58-86 degree Fahrenheit range. Temperatures that are too cool can hinder growth, and temperatures that are too hot cause wilting and other problems.

In general, tropical and flowering species, such as palms, philodendrons flowering plants, hibiscuses and bromeliads, like warm temperatures during the day that enhance photosynthesis, which creates sugars and starch for plant tissues to grow. These plants need cooler temperatures at night to save energy.

Succulents, such as cacti and the well-known fishhook barrel cactus as well as the string of pearls, need very warm temperatures in order to thrive. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but they won't be thriving when they experience sudden temperature changes.

It is recommended to place your houseplants in a sunny, warm sunny area that is moderately cool during the night and warm during the day. This is especially important during winter when the sun is lower in the sky and light levels drop by up to 50%. You can stop your plants from getting too dark by moving them to a window with more light or adding additional lighting.

In the winter, soil surfaces can dry out faster due to colder temperatures. When it's time to water make sure to make sure to use warm (not cold) water to avoid shocking the roots. It is also recommended to water your plants in the early morning hours, to ensure that the water is absorbed before the air temperatures begin to fall in the evening.

A sudden drop in temperature can be fatal for many types of houseplants, including some of the most popular ones. The species that are tropical and subtropical like philodendrons, and palms, are particularly vulnerable. Even some succulents, like bear paws and agaves can be killed by sudden temperature changes. It is best to bring the plants inside before the outdoor temperatures start to drop. Then, gradually acclimate these plants to indoor conditions so that they can adapt.

Humidity Requirements

Many houseplants require a high level of humidity. They may come from tropical regions where humidity levels are higher, or they may be adapted to the more dry conditions of the desert underbrush or forest and do not adjust well to the typical indoor temperatures and low humidity levels. This is especially true of orchids and aroids, but also of other plants such as haworthias, cacti and succulents.

Humidity is a measurement of the air's capacity to hold water vapour. It is measured from 0% (dry), to 100 percent (saturated as in fog). The average relative humidity for homes is between 30 and 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.

When humidity is too low, plants will be dehydrated because the stomata are closed and they are unable replace the water lost with fresh carbon dioxide, which is vital for photosynthesis. This could result in the plant's death. If the humidity is low, the first indication of this is a dry appearance as the plant begins to dehydrate. Other symptoms include wilting or browning of the leaves.

Set the plant on a tray with water and gravel to increase the humidity. The evaporating water will provide the plant with the extra humidity it requires. It is important to empty your tray frequently to prevent the growth of bacteria in the stagnant water. This could cause damage to the roots of your plant.

Another easy method to raise the humidity of the plant is to cover the plant with a plastic bag. Make sure to place wooden stakes inside the container to keep plastic away from the plants. Also, ensure it's not in direct sunlight since this could burn the plant's leaves. It is essential to open the plastic from time time and observe for excessive condensation, which would indicate that the temperature in the air is too high.

Plant the plant in the bathroom or kitchen in areas where the air is usually more humid than other parts of the home. It is also beneficial to group plants together that require high levels of humidity in the same area as they will benefit from each other's faster transpiration rates, creating a small space of increased humidity surrounding them.

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