How to Care For Live House Plants
Plants release water from their leaves, which boosts the humidity in a room. They also improve the indoor air quality since they take out pollutants.
Jade plants are easy to care for. It thrives under indirect sunlight, and only requires one cup of water each week.
The snake plant (Dracaena also known as Sansevieria) is a hardy houseplant with simple needs. It likes bright indirect light, and it needs to be watered regularly to prevent root rot.
Light
Plants absorb light energy to photosynthesis, which produces the sugars they need to grow and thrive. It is important to make sure they get sufficient sunlight. Bright light is the best for the majority of plants. However, the amount of light you get will vary depending on the area you live in and the time of year. It is also crucial to know how to measure light to provide the right amount for your houseplants.
Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot-candles (fc) per square meter of surface area at noon on a sunny day. The ideal location for plants that require bright light is right in front of or within a few feet of an east- or southwest-facing window that is free of shady obstructions. tall house plants of growth of a plant grown in bright light is usually more dense and healthy looking than when it is 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 kind of light that is most often found in homes. best houseplants is generally an amalgamation of direct and indirect sunlight with certain areas being brighter than others due to the location of windows, window treatments, or even the outdoor foliage.
The lighting conditions for plants in bright indirect light can be softened by shade from window treatments or masked by the foliage of the outdoors. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it should still be brighter than the brightest area of the room.
Dim indirect light or "faint" is the term used to describe low-level light that is not sufficient in brightness to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons can take this kind of light. However it is essential to know the signs that tell you when light levels become too low.
Over time, plant parents begin to recognize what kind of light is ideal for houseplants. However, if you're looking to take your understanding of lighting for your houseplants to the next level, you should consider using a light meter. These handy devices allow you to determine the exact levels of light. They do this by measuring brightness over an area of 1 square foot at a distance of 1 foot. The devices come with a handy chart which lists the ideal light intensity for common houseplants.
Temperature
Plants adapt to the conditions in which they reside and therefore, changing their living conditions isn't always simple. To ensure that houseplants thrive, they need the right temperature. Temperature aids in the photosynthesis process, which breaks down starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can use this energy to grow or for maintenance of existing tissues.
Desirable temperatures are also essential for respiration. Plants make use of stored sugars to fuel respiration within cells. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Temperatures above 30°C increase the rate at which respiration occurs, and temperatures below 30°C slow it down. This is to prevent burning energy.
As a general rule the majority of houseplants require warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Certain cacti prefer cooler temperatures during the day. However, other plants, such as philodendrons and ferns should be moved indoors before the temperature drops.
In summer, the majority of plants benefit from being located close to windows with sunshine. In winter the sun is lower in the sky. The amount of light is reduced. To help keep your plants healthy, move them back a few inches from the windows to ensure their foliage isn't touching the glass's cold panes. Be aware that sudden temperature fluctuations can be a shock to your plants. The ideal temperature for indoor houseplants is between 58 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
A smart thermostat and smart AC controller will help you maintain the ideal temperature for your houseplants. good house plants regulate your home's heating and cooling, ensuring your plants aren't exposed to cold drafts from the vents or sudden temperature fluctuations. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to protect your plants and their health. These tools increase your plants' chance of survival through the harsh winter. If you follow the tips that were mentioned earlier your plants will thrive throughout the year. Just be sure to place them in a place which isn't draughty, as this will lead to leaf loss and the plants' wilting.
Water
Many people are under the assumption that they need to water their plants in accordance with a set timetable. This can be detrimental and actually cause your plants to die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Learn to only water your plant when it is in need. This is usually when the soil's top inch feels dry to the touch or if your plant is wilting. If you're worried about overwatering your plants in general, the RHS suggests purchasing an automatic watering device to monitor the level of moisture in your plants.
Different houseplants have different watering requirements, depending on their growing habits and natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, like peace lilies and calathea thrive best when the soil dry out between waterings. Cacti and succulents however, thrive by receiving less frequent but more substantial waterings.
Additionally, potted house plants of water you choose to use is also important. Most tap water is fine for most plants, but distilled or softened water is not recommended. They contain salts that accumulate in the soil over time and can cause damage to your plants. Rainwater is another great option since it's a gradual process that will lower the pH of your soil, bringing it to an acidic level that is ideal for most houseplants.
If you decide to give your plant a drink, be sure that the water is at a room temperature. Warm or hot water can damage the roots of your plant and make it vulnerable to disease. Water your plant from the bottom, not the top. This will help prevent overwatering as excess water will not have a place to go.
Some houseplants, like spider plant and strawberry begonia, reproduce by sending runners with baby plants at the end. They are simple to root into pots when they're mature, which makes them ideal for beginners who wish to add greenery in their office or home. You must wait until all the roots are established before you attempt this. This usually takes a couple of days.
Feeding
The requirements of indoor plants are distinct from outdoor garden plants. To ensure that they grow successfully you must be aware of their care. The soil's moisture, light, mixture, temperature, ventilation, fertilizers, and humidity are all important aspects to take into consideration.
Although garden plants are able to obtain the nutrients they require from the natural world through rain and a rich soil, loamy soil, houseplants must be fed if they are going to thrive. There are a variety of liquid and powder houseplant fertilizers that are easy to use. 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 must be watered every week. However, it's important to avoid overwatering because this can lead to root rot. A great method to avoid watering too much is by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings and then inserting your finger about one inch into the soil to check how the soil is moist. You can also spray water onto the soil's surface with an atomizer.
The most common misconception is that houseplants require a lot water to flourish. In reality, they do very well with just weekly waterings. It's a good idea to keep pots for houseplants in a well-ventilated area to help with the flow of air and moisture, especially in smaller pots which can easily become too tight.
The most difficult aspect of taking care of houseplants is determining how much light they need to thrive. There is good news, there is many varieties of plants that thrive with less natural light than those that thrive in the sunlight.
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 ficus species can adapt to all kinds of conditions and thrive in them.
Houseplants are not only beautiful but they can be good for your physical and mental well-being. The use of houseplants has been proven to decrease stress symptoms. In fact, a study from 2007 found that the act of taking care of plants can boost moods and improve overall physical health.