Notes

Why Houseplant Is Right For You
How to Care For Houseplants

Whether or not houseplant mania in 2020 is over the trend of filling your home with lush indoor plants is enduring. Learn how to care for these simple-care favorites!

Dry, drooping leaves and drooping stems are obvious signs that your plant isn't content. But don't throw out the trowel until you're ready!

Light Requirements

One of the most important factors in growing a houseplant successfully is determining how much light it needs. All plants require light to photosynthesis. This is the process of turning sunlight and water into energy to support blooming, growth, and the production of seeds. If a plant doesn't get adequate light, it won't produce the energy needed for these processes and will start to decline.

A houseplant's light requirements are a vital aspect to consider when deciding on the best spot for it in your home or office. You can find out the label on the plant, or by doing some research, if it thrives under bright direct sunlight, bright indirect sunlight, moderate light or low lighting. It is possible that you will need to use the light meter to determine the intensity of sunlight. You could also use a horticultural or grow lamp to increase the light source.

Direct sunlight is light that shines directly on a plant, usually on the windowsill. Indirect sunlight is filtered through curtains, trees or shade outside the window. Both types of light do not provide the same energy as bright sunlight.

You could be able to determine the level of light your plant receives by holding it against the window and looking at the shadow it casts on the paper. A shadow with clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight, whereas shadows with edges that are dappled indicates a place which receives moderate light.

Low-light conditions can be found in rooms that get little sunlight or windows that face north or west. The plants that are able to thrive in these conditions often have straggly or pale leaves. They may be leaning towards the light or appear "leggy."

best houseplants can be aided in low-light conditions by using an artificial light source. The kind of artificial light source you choose and how it is placed makes a a big difference. For instance the fluorescent light is the best choice because it has the spectrum of light that plants require. It emits red and blue light that plants use to create chlorophyll in order to photosynthesis, and it also emits a small amount green light. In contrast the incandescent light bulb emits only green and does not provide many of the other colors needed for the growth of plants.

Watering

Houseplants are a great option to add beauty and greenery to your home or office. They often help to soften hard lines and bright light, and can even improve indoor air quality. However, the best method 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 issues. It's also important to water your plants slowly so that the liquid soaks into the soil instead of flowing off the surface. You can weigh potted plants after watering to gauge how moist the soil is.

Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Hot or cold water can cause shock to the roots. If you can, collect rainwater and use it for your plants. It is completely free of salts and minerals and helps to restore the soil's natural balance. If you use tap water to water your garden, be sure it's not softened or chlorinated, because these chemicals could accumulate over time in the soil.

The process of determining exactly how much water your houseplant requires can be a a trial and error process. Many houseplants come from tropical areas and have large leaves that require a lot of water to look their best. They require more water than desert dwellers such as cacti or succulents. They thrive when soil dries between waterings.

In general, plants require more water in the summer and spring as well as less during its dormant season in winter and fall. It is important to water plants according to their seasons rather than following a fixed schedule. This could result in a plant being overwatered at certain times of the year and under-watered at another.

It's important to regularly feed your houseplant and check it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will aid in replenishing the nutrients leached from the soil by frequent watering. It is also an excellent idea to spray the leaves of the plant with fungicides or insecticidal soap to prevent infestations by insects or mites.

Fertilizing

Houseplants are frequently fed incorrectly, or perhaps not at all. This can result in slow or even dead growth. Unlike outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that helps nourish the soil and plants indoors, indoor plants have less access to the nutrients in their potting mix and need regular feedings.

The key to feeding houseplants correctly is to know the most effective fertilizer to use and the best time to apply it. Many houseplants require a lot of nitrogen to stimulate the growth of flowers and foliage however, they also require the mineral phosphorus to develop roots. A good fertilizer for your houseplants must include both macronutrients and contain both organic and non-organic sources. Although kitchen scraps and organic compost are great sources of these nutrients naturally, they are not as effective as specific liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.

Liquid fertilizers are among the most popular because they are easy to use and very transportable. However, it's important to read the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. Certain liquids are designed to be used as often as every week, while others are intended for use less frequently. Consider granular or slower-release houseplant fertilisers for a more eco-friendly option. These products are infused with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.

During the growing season when the plant is in bloom, it is recommended to feed your houseplants once every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (24-8-16). When the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter and the days get shorter, it's time to switch to a lower nitrogen (10-20-10) fertilizer. You should wait until your plant has been able to settle into its dormant state before feeding it, if it is new or newly potted.

It's also important to remember that the health of a houseplant is affected by other factors that are not its responsibility, including lighting, environmental conditions and the way you water it. Overwatering your houseplant could cause root rot. Insufficient watering can cause the plant slow down and eventually die. Follow these easy tips to make your houseplant thrive!

Repotting

Repotting is among the most important things you could do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to develop properly and to keep the soil in good condition and loose. Repotting can also stimulate new growth which is vital for a healthy houseplant. It is generally recommended to repotte your plants at least once a year, however the exact timing may differ. Younger plants should be repotted more often than older ones.

When you're ready to repot your plant, make sure that the soil drains well and that your pots are clean. Water your plant well prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is damp. This will aid in removing the salts that have built up in the soil over time. When the soil is prepared, choose your new pot and prepare the soil mix.

You'll need to gently take your plant from the previous pot, taking care not to damage any roots. Once the roots are removed then place the plant in the new container and fill it to the bottom of the stem. Fill the remaining gaps by gently pressing down on the soil. It can also be helpful to gently pull the roots out to stop them from becoming wrapped around the rootball.


The plant should be watered after you have put in the potting mixture. Then, you can rub the soil lightly to allow the potting mix to stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater, or you could end up with a soggy mess that will hinder your plant's growth and recovery.

The best time to repot your plant is in the spring. The plants begin to grow new growth, which will make them more acclimated to their new surroundings much faster.

When you repot your plants, ensure that you only move up one or two sizes. Most houseplants will not thrive when they are moved more than two sizes. They will become top heavy and the potting mix gets compacted.

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