How to Care For Houseplants
No matter if the houseplant mania of the year 2020 has ended the trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants is enduring. Learn how to take care of these plants with ease!
The plant's unhappy state is apparent by the dry-out leaves and drooping stalks. But don't throw out the trowel yet!
Light Requirements
One of the most important aspects in growing a houseplant successfully is determining the amount of light it needs. All plants require light to photosynthesis, which is the process which transforms water and sunlight into energy that supports growth, blooming and seed production. If a plant doesn't receive sufficient light, it won't generate the energy required for these processes and will start to decrease.
A houseplant's requirements for light are a crucial factor to consider when deciding on the best place for it in your home or office. You can determine from the label of your plant, or by conducting some research, if it thrives under bright direct sunlight, bright indirect sunlight, low or moderate lighting. It is possible that you will need to use a light meter in order to determine the intensity of sunlight. You can also use a horticultural or grow lamp to enhance the light sources available.
Direct sunlight is sunlight shining directly onto a plant. It usually occurs on the window sill. Direct sunlight is blocked by shades, curtains, or trees outside the window. big house plants or shade types do not offer the same amount of energy as bright sunlight.
You can determine the amount of light your plant receives by putting it in front of the window and looking at the shadow it casts onto a piece of paper. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines indicates bright/direct sunlight, while a shadow that has edges that are dappled suggests a moderate light location.
Low-light conditions are common in rooms that get very little sunlight or windows that face west or north. The plants that thrive in these conditions usually have straggly or pale leaves. houseplants near me may be leaning towards the sun or appear "leggy."
A plant can be helped in low-light situations with artificial lighting sources. It is crucial to think about the type of artificial lighting you use and where it will be placed. For example fluorescent lights are an excellent choice since it has the spectrum of light required for plants. It provides blue and red light, which plants utilize to produce chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Additionally, it emits a tiny amount of green light. In contrast, an incandescent light bulb produces only green and does not provide many of the other colors required for the growth of plants.
Watering
Houseplants are a beautiful green accent to the office and home. They can help soften hard lines and strong light, and they can also improve indoor air quality. The most effective way to enjoy houseplants is by keeping them healthy and happy. Many factors can affect the health of your plants and wellbeing, including the amount of water it gets. One of the most common mistakes is overwatering, which can cause root rot and other serious ailments. Make sure you water your plants in a slow manner so that the liquid seeps down into the soil and does not run off the surface. You can weigh a potted plants after watering to gauge how wet the soil really is.
Use room temperature water to water your houseplants. Hot or cold water may shock the roots. If you can, collect rainwater to use for your plants. It is free of most minerals and salts and helps to restore the soil's natural balance. If you use tap water to water your garden, make sure that it is not diluted or softened, since these chemicals can build up over time in the soil.
It could take a bit of trial and error before you can determine how much water a plant requires. Many houseplants are from tropical regions and have large, glossy leaves that need lots of moisture to look at their best. They must be regularly watered, more often than desert denizens like cacti and succulents, which thrive when the soil is dry between waterings.
In general, a plant needs more water in summer and spring months and less during the winter and autumn when it is in dormancy. It is important to water plants according to their seasonal needs rather than following a fixed schedule. This could result in a plant being overwatered at one time of year, and then under-watered in another.
Besides watering, tall houseplants to feed a houseplant frequently and monitor it for diseases and pests. Regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer will aid in replacing the nutrients that are absorbed from the soil by frequent watering. Spraying the leaves of plants with insecticide or fungicide soap will help to stop mites and insects from infesting them.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are frequently fed incorrectly, or not at all. This can lead to slow or even dead growth. Indoor plants do not have the same access to nutrients as outdoor plants.
The key to feeding houseplants properly is to know the best type of fertilizer to use and the best time to apply it. Many houseplants require a lot of nitrogen to stimulate foliage and flower growth however, they also require the mineral phosphorus to develop roots. A suitable fertilizer for houseplants should combine these two macronutrients essential to the plant and should contain both organic and inorganic sources. While kitchen scraps and compost are excellent natural sources of these nutrients however they're not as effective as a specific liquid for houseplants or granular fertilizer.
Liquid fertilizers are the most popular, as they are easy to use and are very transportable. To avoid fertilization that is too high, it is essential to be aware of the label and follow instructions. Certain liquids can be used up to once per week, while others should only be used less frequently. Think about slow-release or granular houseplant fertilisers as a more sustainable option. houseplants near me are coated with nutrients that slowly release to the plant.
During the growing period, it is best to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (24-8-16). As the weather cools and the days are shorter, it's the perfect time to switch to a fertilizer that has lower nitrogen content (10-20-10). If your plant is brand new or recently re-potted, wait until the plant shows signs of settling into its dormant stage before feeding.
It's also important to remember that the health of a houseplant is influenced by other factors beyond its control, such as lighting, environmental conditions and watering habits. In excess watering, your houseplant may cause root decay. Under-watering can cause the plant to slow down and eventually die. Follow these simple steps to help your houseplant flourish!
Repotting
Repotting your houseplant is important. It is essential to allow your plant to develop properly and to keep the soil in good condition and loose. Repotting helps increase the growth of your plant which is an important aspect of a healthy homeplant. It's generally a good idea to repot your plants at least once a year, however the exact timing may differ. Plants that are young need to be repotted more frequently than older ones.
When you're ready to repot, ensure that the soil drains well and that the pots are clean. Begin by watering your plants thoroughly prior to repotting it so that the soil is damp. This will help to remove any accumulated salts that have accumulated in the soil over time. Once the soil is ready select the pot you want to use and prepare the mixing mix for the potting.
You'll need to gently take your plant from the previous pot, taking care not to damage any roots. Once the roots have been removed then place the plant in the new pot and fill it up to the base. Press down on the top of the soil lightly and fill the remaining gaps with potting mix. Teasing the roots gently can be helpful as well to stop them from becoming densely packed and circling the rootball.
Once the potting mix is in, water your plant to help it settle. Then, you can rub the soil lightly to allow the potting mix to stick to the roots. Be cautious not to overwater or you could end up with a soggy mess that will slow your plant's growth and recovery.
Repotting your plant in the spring is ideal. The plants begin to grow new growth, which can make them more comfortable with their new home much quicker.
When you are repotting your plants ensure that you only move up one or two sizes. The majority of houseplants fail well when they are moved more than two sizes because they become top heavy and the potting mix becomes too compact and difficult to handle.