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15 Unexpected Facts About Live House Plants The Words You've Never Learned
How to Care For Live House Plants

The plants release moisture through their leaves, which increases the humidity of a space. They also improve indoor air quality by eliminating pollutants.

A fav succulent, jade is easy to care for. It thrives under indirect light and only requires just a half cup of water every week.

Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria) is a second houseplant with a simple need. It is a fan of indirect, bright light and infrequent watering to avoid excessive watering, which causes root rot.

Light

Plants absorb light energy for photosynthesis, which produces the sugars they require to grow and flourish. It is crucial to ensure they get enough sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants, however the amount of bright light available varies by location in your home and season of the year. You should also be aware of the measurement of light to ensure that you are providing enough light to your houseplants.

Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on a square meter at noon on the daytime sun. The ideal spot for a plant needing bright light is directly in the front of or within a few feet of a southwest or south-facing window with no shady obstructions. The growth pattern of a plant in bright light is usually more dense and healthy looking than if it is placed in low or medium light.

Indirect light, which comprises the bright light conditions mentioned above, as well as the types 2a and 2b is the type of light most commonly found in homes. Indirect light is a combination of indirect and direct sun, with some areas shining brighter than others because of the position of window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.

The lighting conditions of a plant that is in bright indirect sunlight can be softened or blocked by window treatments or by the foliage outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, but it will still be brighter than the brightest area of a room.

Light that is too low to be considered bright is often described as dim indirect or "faint light." Pothos, snake plants, and a few philodendrons are tolerant of this kind of light, but it's important to be aware of when the light is beginning to drop, which is usually characterized by a lack of new growth or by slowing down in general.

In time, the majority of homeowners develop a feeling about what kind of light is ideal for their houseplants. However, if you're looking to take your understanding of houseplant lighting to the next level, consider using the light meter. These handy devices allow you to establish precise light levels by measuring the brightness of an area of one square foot over a distance of one foot. The devices come with a handy graph that lists the ideal lighting intensity for common houseplants.

Temperature

Plants are adapted to the climate in which they reside and therefore, changing their living conditions isn't always straightforward. To thrive in small house plants require the proper temperature. Temperature aids in the process of photosynthesis, which breaks down starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can use this energy for growth or maintaining existing tissues.

Desirable temperatures are also essential for respiration. Plants use sugars stored in their cells as fuel for cellular respiration. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures speed up the rate of respiration, while cool temperatures slow it down, preventing burning up the energy of plants.

As a general rule, most houseplants need warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. However, some cacti as well as succulents prefer lower daytime temperatures while tropical plants such as philodendrons, ferns, pothos and spider plants, have to be relocated before the temperature drops too much.

In summer, the majority of plants benefit from being placed near sunny windows. However, in winter the sun sits lower in the sky, and the light levels drop. To help keep your plants healthy, you should move them back a few inches from the windows to ensure their foliage isn't in contact with the glass's cold surfaces. It is important to keep in mind that sudden and significant temperature changes can be a big shock for your plants. The ideal temperature range for indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smart thermostats and AC controllers can aid in maintaining the ideal temperature for your plants. These devices control the heating and cooling of your home, ensuring your plants aren't subjected to sudden temperature changes or cold drafts from vents. These devices also monitor weather and adjust to ensure your plants are protected. These tools will increase your plants' chance of survival during the harsh winter. If you follow the tips mentioned above the plants will thrive all year long. Place them in a place that is not draughty. This will stop the loss of leaf and the plants from wilting.

Water

Many people believe that they need to water their houseplants on regular schedule. This can be counterproductive and actually cause your plants to die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Instead, learn to water your plant only when it needs it. This is usually when the soil's top inch is dry to the touch or your plant is showing signs of wilting leaves. The RHS recommends that if you're concerned about overwatering, you can purchase an automated irrigation system to keep track of your plants' moisture levels.

Different houseplants require different amounts of water, based on the species and the habitat they are in. Ferns and tropical foliage plants like calatheas, peace lilies and philodendron, thrive best when the soil is left to dry between waterings. Cacti and succulents however thrive by receiving less frequent but more substantial waterings.

The kind of water you use is also important. The majority of tap water is safe for most plants, but softened or distilled water is not recommended. These water sources contain salts which can build up in soil and cause damage to your plants. Rainwater is a great alternative, as it will gradually reduce the pH of your soil to a more acidic level, which is perfect for most houseplants.

If you decide to give your plants water make sure that the water temperature is at room temperature. Hot or warm water could damage the roots of your plant and make it more susceptible to diseases. Water your plant from the bottom instead of the top. This will prevent overwatering, because excess water won't have a place to go and can cause root rot.

Some houseplants, like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by sending runners that have new plants at the ends. They are easy to root in their own pots when they're ready, making them ideal for novices who would like to add greenery their office or home. However, house plants common must wait until the plant's roots are fully developed before trying this. It usually takes a few days for this to take place.

Feeding

House plants have distinct needs from outdoor garden plants and their care requires a thorough understanding of how to cultivate them successfully. The elements of light, moisture, soil mixtures as well as temperature, ventilation, humidities, and fertilizers all play an important part in the success of your home plants.


Houseplants require food to flourish. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and rich loamy earth houseplants require an additional feed. There are many fertilizers for houseplants in powder and liquid form that are simple to use. A regular feeding schedule for your houseplant is essential for the well-being of the plant as well as the appearance of its leaves, stems and flowers.

Many tropical houseplants should be watered every week. Overwatering can cause root rot, therefore it is important to avoid this. A great method to avoid overwatering is to allow the plant to dry out between waterings, and then placing your finger about one inch into the soil to determine how wet it is. You can also make use of an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase humidity.

The most common misconception is that houseplants require a lot of water to flourish. In reality, most do very well with just weekly waterings. It is a good idea to keep the pots of houseplants ventilated because this can help in regulating the flow of air and moisture, especially in smaller pots that could easily get too tight.

The biggest challenge in taking care of houseplants is determining how much sunlight they require to thrive. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of plants that thrive with less natural light than those that thrive in the sun.

For example, the epiphytic plant (Pteris semperflorens-commonly known as the pothos) and the weeping fig (Ficus elastica) both thrive in low-light environments. Also, a majority of the species of ficus are extremely adaptable and will do well in most homes.

In addition to improving indoor aesthetics houseplants can also help your mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that working with houseplants can significantly reduce the symptoms of stress. In fact, a study from 2007 discovered that caring for plants can actually boost moods and improve overall physical health.

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