How to Care For Live House Plants
The plants release moisture from their leaves, which increase the humidity of a room. They also improve the indoor air quality since they eliminate pollutants.
Jade plants are simple to maintain. It thrives under indirect sunlight and only requires one cup of water each week.
The snake plant (Dracaena, formerly Sansevieria) is another tough houseplant with a few requirements. It is a fan of indirect, bright light and frequent watering to avoid excessive watering, which can cause root rot.
Light
Plants absorb light energy to photosynthesis, which produces the sugars they need to grow and thrive. This is why it's important to position them in a place where they can enjoy plenty of sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants. However, the amount of light you receive will depend the location you live in and the time of year. It's also important to understand how to measure light to get the proper amount 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 position for plants that require bright light is right in the front of or within just a few feet of a south- or southwest-facing window, with no shade. The pattern of growth of a plant in bright light is often more robust and healthy than when it is in moderate or low light.
Indirect light, which includes the bright light conditions described above, as well as the types 2a and 2b, is the type of light that is most often found in homes. Indirect light is typically mixed with indirect and direct sunlight, with some areas shining more bright than others due to the placement of windows, window treatments, or the presence of outdoor foliage.
The light conditions of a plant is exposed to direct sunlight can be softened or masked by window treatments or by the foliage outside. 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 what is commonly called low-level light that isn't enough bright to be considered. Pothos, snake plants and some philodendrons can endure this level of light. However it is crucial to know the signs that tell you the moment when light levels get too low.
In time, the majority of homeowners develop a feeling for what type of light is best for their houseplants. If you're looking to take your knowledge of houseplant lighting to the next level, consider using the light meter. These handy devices allow you to determine the exact level of light. They accomplish this by measuring brightness over the area of 1 square foot, from a distance of 1 foot. They come with a helpful chart which lists common houseplants and their ideal light intensity.
Temperature
Plants are adapted for their environment, therefore changing the conditions of their lives isn't always simple. Houseplants require the right temperature to thrive. Temperature is essential for photosynthesis. It aids in breaking down sugars and starches plants produce into energy. good house plants is used by plants to increase their size or maintain existing tissues.
Temperatures that are suitable for respiration are also important. Plants break down stored sugars to power the process of cellular respiration, and release water and carbon dioxide as byproducts. Warm temperatures increase the speed of respiration, while cooler temperatures slow it down, preventing burning up the energy of plants.
Most houseplants require warmer temperatures during the daylight periods and cooler temperatures during nights. However, certain cacti and succulents like cooler temperatures during the day, while tropical plants, like philodendrons, ferns, pothos and spider plants, have to be relocated before temperatures drop too much.
In summer, the majority of plants benefit from being placed close to windows that are sunny. In winter, however, the sun's position is lower in the sky and the light levels drop. To keep your plants healthy and happy, move them away from the windows a few inches to make sure their foliage doesn't touch the cold glass. Be aware that sudden temperature fluctuations could be a shock for your plants. The ideal temperature for indoor houseplants is 58-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smart thermostats and AC controllers can assist you in maintaining the perfect temperature for your plants. These devices manage your home's heating as well as cooling, making sure that your plants aren't exposed to cold drafts from the vents or sudden temperature changes. They also monitor and adjust as the weather changes to ensure your plants their health. These tools will give your plants the best chance to survive, even in the harsh winter months. If you adhere to the suggestions given above, your plants will flourish all year round. Place them in an area that isn't draughty. This will help prevent the loss of leaf and wiping.
Water
Many people believe that they should water their houseplants on regular schedule. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, this can be detrimental. Your plants may die. Instead, learn to water your plant only when it needs it. In general, this means that the top inch of soil is dry to the touch or when your plant is wilting. The RHS suggests that if you're worried about overwatering, you can buy an automatic irrigation system to keep track of your plants' moisture levels.
Different houseplants require different amounts of water, based on the type and habitat in which they thrive. Ferns and tropical foliage, such as calathea and peace lilies, thrive best when the soil dries out between waterings. Cacti and succulents, on the other hand thrive with less frequent, but more deep waterings.
The kind of water you use is also important. The majority of tap water is safe for most plants, however distilled or softened water is not. best houseplants contain salts which can accumulate in the soil and harm your plants. Rainwater is a great alternative since it's a gradual process that will reduce the pH of your soil to a more acidic level that's ideal for the majority of houseplants.
If you do decide to give your plant a drink, be sure that the water is at room temperature. Hot or warm water can damage the roots of your plant, making it more susceptible to diseases. It is recommended to water your plant from the bottom, instead of the top. This will prevent overwatering as excess water won't have anywhere to go.
Some houseplants, like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by sending runners that have new plants at the ends. They are easy to plant into pots when they're mature. This makes them perfect for those who are just beginning to would like to include greenery in their office or at home. You must wait until all the roots are fully developed before you can attempt this. It typically takes a few days to take place.
Feeding
The needs of indoor plants are distinct from outdoor garden plants. To grow them successfully it is important to know the needs of indoor plants. The soil's moisture, light, mixture, temperature, ventilation, fertilizers and humidity are all important aspects to consider.
Houseplants require food to flourish. While garden plants get their nutrients from rain and the rich loamy earth houseplants require an additional feed. There are many homeplant fertilizers that are easy to use and available in powder and liquid forms. 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 should be watered regularly. Overwatering can cause root rot, and it's crucial to avoid this. One way to avoid overwatering is to allow the plant to dry between waterings, then inserting your finger about an inch into the soil to check how wet it is. You can also use an atomizer to spray the soil's surface with water to increase the humidity.
The most commonly held belief about houseplants is that they require a lot of water to thrive. In reality, most can be grown with just weekly waterings. It's a good idea keep pots for houseplants ventilated as this will help with airflow and moisture, particularly in smaller pots which can easily become too tight.
The most difficult part of taking care of houseplants is determining how much natural light they need to grow. There are many plants that can thrive with less light than those that require the sun's rays.
For best houseplants , the epiphytic plant (Pteris semperflorens-commonly known as the pothos) and the weeping fig (Ficus elastica) both thrive in low-light environments. In the same way, a lot of the ficus species are very adaptable and will do well in almost all homes.
Houseplants aren't just beautiful however, they can also be good for your mental and physical well-being. Planting a house has been proven to reduce stress-related symptoms. A 2007 study found that taking care of plants can actually improve mood and physical health.