How to Care For Live House Plants
Plants release moisture through their leaves, which increases the humidity of a space. They also improve indoor air quality as they eliminate pollutants.
Jade plants are easy to maintain. It thrives in indirect light and requires just a half cup of water every week.
Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria) is a different houseplant that has a few requirements. It likes bright indirect light and must be watered infrequently to avoid root rot.
Light
Photosynthesis is a process in which plants absorb light energy and produce sugars that they need to grow. This is why it's so important to position them where they can get enough sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants, but the amount of bright light varies according to the location of your home and the time of the year. It is important to be aware of the measurement of light to ensure that you have enough for your houseplants.
Bright light is defined as having more than 1,000 foot-candles (fc) per square meter of surface area at noon on a sunny day. The ideal location for a plant that requires bright light is directly in front of or within the distance of a few feet from a south- or southwest-facing window that is free of shady obstructions. The growth pattern of a plant that is in bright light is often more robust and healthy than if it is placed in low or medium light.
The most popular type of lighting in homes is indirect light, which includes bright lighting conditions such as the ones mentioned above, as well as 2a and 2b. Indirect light is generally a mix of indirect and direct sunlight, with some areas being more bright than others due to the position of windows, window treatments, or even the outdoor foliage.
The light conditions for a plant in bright indirect light may be softened by shades from window treatments or mottled by foliage from the outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it's still brighter than the brightest part of an area.
Dim indirect light or "faint" is the term used to describe low-level light that's not bright enough to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons can take this kind of light. However, it is important to know the signs that indicate the time when light levels are too low.
In time, the majority of plant parents develop a feel for what type of light is suitable for their houseplants. If you're looking to expand your knowledge about lighting for houseplants, a light meter is an excellent tool. These handy devices permit you to pinpoint exact light levels by measuring the brightness of an area of one square foot over the distance of one foot. They include a helpful chart that lists common houseplants and their best light intensity.
Temperature
Plants are adapted to the environment where they are native, so changing their environment isn't always simple. For houseplants to thrive, they need the right temperature. Temperature is a key element in the process of photosynthesis, breaking down starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. This energy can be used by plants to increase their size or to maintain the tissues they already have.
Temperatures that are ideal for respiration are also essential. Plants utilize sugars stored in their cells as fuel for the process of respiration in cells. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures accelerate the rate of respiration while cool temperatures slow it down to avoid the plant from wasting energy.
As a general rule, most houseplants need warmer temperatures during the day, and cooler temperatures at night. However, certain cacti and succulents prefer lower daytime temperatures, while tropical plants, like philodendrons, ferns, pothos and spider plants, need to be brought inside before temperatures drop too much.
The majority of plants benefit from being placed near windows that receive direct sunlight in the summertime. However, in winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, and light levels fall. To ensure that your plants are healthy and happy, move them away from the windows just a few inches to make sure their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. Remember that sudden temperature changes can be a shock to your plants. The ideal temperature for indoor houseplants is 58-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
A smart thermostat and smart AC controller can help you maintain an ideal temperature for your houseplants. These devices automatically regulate the cooling and heating in your home, ensuring your plants aren't subjected to sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts from vents. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to ensure your plants their health. These tools will give your plants a better chance of survival through the harsh winter. If you adhere to the suggestions mentioned above, your plants will flourish throughout the year. Put them in a location that is not draughty. This will prevent the loss of leaves and the plants from wilting.
Water
Many people believe that they should water their houseplants on regular basis. According to tall house plants , this could be detrimental. Your plants may even end up dying. Instead, learn to water your plant only when it is in need of it. Generally, this means when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch or your plant has wilting leaves. If you're worried about overwatering your plants in general, the RHS recommends purchasing an automated watering device to keep track of their moisture levels.
Different houseplants have different watering requirements according to their growth habits and their natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, like peace lilies and calathea thrive best when the soil is dry out between waterings. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand, thrive with less frequent but deeper waterings.
The type of water that you choose to use is also vital. Water that has been softened or distilled is not suitable for all plants. These water sources are contaminated with salts that can accumulate in the soil and damage your plants. Rainwater is another great option because it gradually lower the pH of your soil to an acidic level, which is perfect for the majority of houseplants.
If you do decide to give your plant a drink, make sure that the water is at a room temperature. Hot or warm water can damage the roots of your plant, making it more susceptible to disease. It is recommended to water your plant from the bottom instead of the top. This will prevent overwatering as excess water won't have a place to go.
Some houseplants, like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by sending out runners with new baby plants at the ends. They are easy to root in their own pots when they're ready, which makes them perfect for beginners who would like to add greenery their home or office. You should wait until all the roots are fully developed before you can attempt this. It typically takes a few days for this to take place.
Feeding
House plants have very different requirements than outdoor garden plants and their care requires a thorough understanding of how to grow them successfully. Moisture, light and soil mixtures as well as temperature and humidity, ventilation and fertilizers all play an important role in the growth of your house plants.
While garden plants can obtain the nutrients they require from the natural world through rain and a fertile, loamy soil, houseplants must be fed if they are going to flourish. There are a variety of household plant fertilizers that are easy to use in liquid and powder form. It is crucial to keep an appropriate schedule of feeding your houseplants for the health and appearance of the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers.
Many tropical houseplants require weekly watering. However, it is important to avoid overwatering because this can lead to root rot. You can avoid overwatering your plant by letting it dry between waterings and then inserting a finger into the soil approximately one inch deep to determine the level of moisture. You can also use an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase humidity.
A common misconception is that houseplants require a lot water to grow. In reality, they thrive with only weekly waterings. It is important to keep pots of houseplants ventilated as this will help moisture and airflow. This is especially true for smaller pots that can get too tight.
The biggest challenge with caring for houseplants is determining the amount of light they require to flourish. There is good news, there is many varieties of plants that will thrive in less sunlight than those that do best 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. Many species of ficus adapt to all kinds of environments and thrive in them.
In addition to improving the look of your home Houseplants can also help your emotional and mental health. Research has shown that working with plants in the house can dramatically reduce the effects of stress. In fact, a study conducted in 2007 found that taking care of plants can boost moods and improve physical health overall.