How to Care For Live House Plants
The plants release moisture through their leaves, increasing the humidity in a room. They also improve indoor air quality as they eliminate pollutants.
A fav succulent, jade is easy to maintain. It thrives under indirect light and only requires just a half cup of water each week.
Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria) is a second houseplant that has simple needs. It prefers bright indirect light, and it needs to be watered infrequently to avoid root decay.
Light
Photosynthesis is a process in which plants absorb light energy to create sugars they require to grow. It is important to make sure they get enough sunlight. Bright light is best for most plants. However the amount of light you receive will depend on where you live and the time of year. You should also be aware of the measurement of light to make sure you're providing enough light for your houseplants.
Bright light is defined as more than 1,000 foot candles (fc) on one square meter during the daytime sun. Plants that require bright light should be placed right in front of, or within only a few inches from, a window facing south or southwest. The pattern of growth of a plant that is 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 commonly seen in homes. Indirect light is a mixture of direct and indirect sun, with some areas shining brighter than others because of the position of window treatments or the presence of outdoor foliage.
The lighting conditions for plants in bright indirect light could be softened by shades from window treatments or masked by foliage from the outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it's still brighter than the brightest area of a room.
Dim indirect light or "faint" is what is commonly called low-level light that is not enough bright to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons can endure this level of light. However, it is important to know the signs that indicate when light levels become too low.
As time passes, plant owners learn the type of light that is suitable for houseplants. If you want to improve your knowledge about lighting for houseplants the light meter is a great tool. These handy devices can help you determine the exact light levels. They accomplish this by measuring brightness in the area of 1 square foot from one foot away. They come with a useful chart that lists common houseplants as well as their best light intensity.
Temperature
Plants are adapted for their native environment, so 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 the starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can utilize this energy for growth or maintenance of existing tissues.
Temperatures that are ideal for respiration are also important. Plants make use of sugars stored in their cells as fuel for respiration within cells. They release carbon dioxide and water byproducts. Temperatures above 30°C can increase the rate at which respiration occurs, and temperatures below 30°C reduce it. This is to avoid wasting energy.
As a rule most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the day, and cooler temperatures at night. However, some cacti as well as succulents like cooler temperatures during the day and tropical plants, such as philodendrons, ferns, pothos and spider plants, need to be moved inside before temperatures drop too much.
Most plants will benefit from being placed near windows that receive direct sunlight during summertime. In winter, however, the sun is lower in the sky and the light levels drop. To ensure that your plants remain healthy, move them back a few inches away from the windows to ensure that their foliage isn't in contact with the glass's cold surfaces. Remember that sudden temperature changes can cause shock to your plants. The ideal temperature for most indoor houseplants is around 58-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
potted house plants and AC controllers can aid in maintaining the ideal temperature for your plants. These devices automatically manage your home's heating as well as cooling, making sure that your plants aren't exposed drafts from the vents or sudden temperature changes. They also monitor the weather and adjust accordingly to ensure your plants are protected. These tools will provide your plants with a greater chance of survival during the harsh winter. If you follow the guidelines mentioned above, your plants will flourish all year round. Put them in a location that isn't draughty. This will stop the loss of leaf and the plants from wilting.
Water
Many people believe that they need to water their plants on a regular basis. This can be counterproductive and actually cause your plants to die, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Learn to only water your plant when it is in dire need of. In general, this means that the top inch of soil is dry to the touch or your plant is wilting. The RHS suggests that if you're really concerned about overwatering, purchase an automatic irrigation system to keep track of 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 plants such as calathea, peace Lilies and philodendrons, thrive best when the soil is allowed to dry between waterings. Cacti, on the contrary tend to do better with less frequent, but deeper, waterings.
The kind of water you choose to use is also vital. The majority of tap water is suitable for most plants, but softened or distilled water is not. They contain salts that accumulate in the soil over time and may damage your plants. Rainwater is also a great alternative. It lowers the pH level of your soil which is great for the majority of houseplants.
If you do decide to give your plant a drink, make sure that the water is room temperature. Hot or warm water can cause damage to the roots of your plant, making it more susceptible to disease. Water your plant from the bottom, not the top. This helps prevent overwatering, since excess water will have nowhere to go, and could cause root rot.
best houseplants , like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by releasing runners with new plants at the ends. They're easy to plant in their own pots when they're ready, making them ideal for novices who would like to add greenery their office or home. But, you need to wait until the roots of the plant have fully developed before you can attempt this. This typically takes a couple of days.
Feeding
House plants have different requirements from garden plants that are outdoors and their care requires a thorough understanding of how to cultivate them successfully. Light, moisture, mixtures, temperature, ventilation, humidities, and fertilizers play a major part in the growth of your house plants.
Houseplants need to be fed to thrive. While garden plants can get their nutrients from rain and rich loamy soil houseplants require additional feeding. There are numerous fertilizers for houseplants that are liquid and powder that are easy to use. Maintaining a regular schedule for feeding your houseplant is important for the health of the plant and the appearance of its leaves, stems and flowers.
low maintenance house plants should be watered regularly. However, it's important to avoid overwatering because this can cause root rot. A good method to avoid overwatering is by allowing the plant to dry between waterings, and then inserting your finger around 1 inch deep into the soil to determine how wet it is. You can also spray water onto the soil surface using an atomizer.
The most common misconception is that houseplants require a lot water to thrive. Most houseplants are happy with regular waterings. It's a good idea keep pots for houseplants in a well-ventilated area to help with airflow and moisture, particularly in smaller pots that can easily get too tight.
The most difficult part of taking care of houseplants is determining how much light they need to thrive. There are many plants which thrive with less sunlight than those that require the sun's rays.
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 ficus species are very adaptable and will do well in a wide range of homes.
In addition to improving the look of your home, houseplants can be beneficial to your emotional and mental health. Studies have proven that working with houseplants can significantly reduce the symptoms of stress. A 2007 study found that taking care of plants can actually improve mood and physical health.