How to Care For Live House Plants
Plants release water through their leaves, increasing the humidity of a space. They also improve the indoor air quality because they eliminate pollutants.
A fav succulent, a jade plant is easy to maintain. It thrives under indirect light, and only requires one cup of water per week.
The snake plant (Dracaena previously Sansevieria) is a hardy houseplant with simple needs. It prefers bright indirect light and must be watered frequently to avoid root decay.
Light
Photosynthesis is the process by plants absorb light energy to create sugars they require to grow. This is why it's important to position them where they can get enough sunlight. Bright light is best for the majority of plants. However, the amount of light you get will vary depending the location you live in and the time of year. It is important to know how to measure the light to ensure that you are providing enough light for your houseplants.
Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on an area of one square meter during an overcast day. The ideal location for a plant that requires bright light is directly in front of or within just a few feet of a south- or southwest-facing window with no shady obstructions. The growth pattern of a plant grown in bright light is typically more dense and healthy looking than if it is placed in low or medium light.
The most common type of lighting in homes is indirect light that includes bright lighting conditions such as those mentioned above and 2a and 2b. Indirect light is a combination of indirect and direct sun, with certain areas shining brighter than others because of the location of window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.
The lighting conditions of a plant that is in direct sunlight can be softened or masked by window treatments or by foliage outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it will still be brighter than the brightest part of a room.
Light that is too dim to be considered to be bright is typically described as dim indirect or "faint light." Pothos, snake plants and some philodendrons can take this kind of light. However it is crucial to know the signs that indicate the moment when light levels get too low.
As time passes, plant owners begin to recognize the type of light that is suitable for houseplants. However, if you want to take your knowledge of lighting your houseplants to the next level, think about using a light meter. These handy devices permit you to determine exact lighting levels by measuring the brightness of a single square foot over the distance of one foot. The devices come with a handy chart that lists the ideal lighting intensity for common houseplants.
Temperature
Plants are adapted for their environment, therefore changing the conditions that they live in lives isn't always easy. Houseplants require the right temperature to thrive. Temperature aids in the process of photosynthesis, which breaks down starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can make use of this energy to grow or for maintenance of existing tissues.
Temperatures that are comfortable are also vital for respiration. Plants make use of stored sugars to fuel cellular respiration. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Warm temperatures increase the speed of respiration, while cool temperatures slow it down to prevent wasting the plants' energy.
As a rule most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. tall house plants prefer cooler temperatures during the day. However, other plants such as the philodendrons and ferns must be relocated inside before temperatures drop.
The majority of plants benefit from being located close to windows that receive direct sunlight in summertime. In winter, however, the sun's position is lower in the sky, and the light levels decrease. To ensure that your plants are healthy and happy, remove them from the windows a few inches to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. It is important to keep in mind that sudden and drastic temperature fluctuations can be very stressful for your plants. The ideal temperature for indoor houseplants is 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smart thermostats and AC controllers can assist you in maintaining the perfect temperature for your plants. These devices control the cooling and heating in your home, ensuring that your plants aren't exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts from vents. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to ensure your plants' health. These tools provide your plants with a greater chance of survival during the harsh winter. If you adhere to the suggestions mentioned above the plants will thrive all year long. Put them in a location that is not humid. This will help prevent leaf loss and wiping.
Water
Many people are under the impression that they need to water their plants at the same schedule. This can be detrimental and actually cause your plants die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Be sure to water your plant when it is in need of. Generally, this means when the soil's top layer is dry to the touch or when your plant is wilting. The RHS suggests that if you're worried about overwatering, purchase an automatic watering system that can monitor the moisture levels of your plants.
Different houseplants require different watering requirements according to their growth habits and their natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage plants, like calatheas, peace lilies and philodendron, grow best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings. Cacti, in contrast tend to do better with smaller, but less frequent, waterings.
The type of water that you choose to use is also vital. The majority of tap water is safe for most plants, however softened or distilled water is not recommended. These water sources contain salts which can build up in soil and harm your plants. Rainwater is another great option, as it will gradually lower the pH of your soil, bringing it to an acidic level that's ideal for most houseplants.
If you decide to give your plants water make sure the water's temperature is room temperature. Warm or hot water could damage your plant's roots and leave it vulnerable to diseases. It's recommended to water your plant from the bottom, instead of from the top. This helps prevent overwatering, as excess water will have nowhere to go, and could cause root rot.
Some houseplants, like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by sending runners with baby plants on the ends. They are simple to root into pots when they're mature. This makes them perfect for those who are just beginning to want to incorporate greenery into their home or office. But, you should wait until the roots of the plant have fully developed before you can attempt this. This usually takes a few days 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, temperature and humidity, ventilation and fertilizers all play a crucial role in the success of your home plants.
While garden plants are able to obtain the nutrients they require from nature through rain and a rich soil that is loamy, house plants need to be fed if will thrive. There are many household plant fertilizers that are easy to use in powder and liquid forms. A regular feeding schedule for your houseplant is important for the well-being of the plant as well as the appearance of its leaves, stems, and flowers.
Many tropical houseplants need to be watered weekly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, therefore it's important not to do this. You can prevent overwatering your plant by letting it dry out between waterings and then placing a finger in the soil around an inch deep to measure the moisture level. You can also spray water onto the soil surface using an atomizer.
A common misconception is that houseplants require a lot water to thrive. Most houseplants do well with weekly waterings. It is crucial to keep pots of houseplants ventilated as this will help to let in air and moisture. This is especially true for smaller pots which can get too tight.
The most difficult part of caring for your houseplants comes from determining how much sunlight they require to thrive. There are a variety of plants which thrive with less sunlight than those that require 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. Similarly, a large number of the species of ficus can be adapted and can thrive in almost all homes.
Houseplants aren't just beautiful however, they can also beneficial to your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that working with houseplants can significantly reduce the symptoms of stress. In fact, a study from 2007 found that taking care of plants can boost moods and improve overall physical health.