How to Care For Live House Plants
The plants release moisture from their leaves which increases the humidity of a room. They also improve the quality of indoor air by eliminating pollutants.
A well-known succulent, a jade plant is easy to care for. It thrives in indirect light and requires just a half cup of water per week.
Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria) is a different houseplant that has simple needs. It prefers bright indirect lighting and must be watered infrequently to prevent root rot.
Light
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants absorb light energy to produce sugars that they need to grow. It is essential to ensure they get sufficient sunlight. Bright light is best for the majority of plants. However the amount of light you get will depend on where you live and the time of year. You should also be aware of the measurement of light to ensure that you have enough light 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. Plants that require bright light should be positioned right in front of, or within just a few inches of windows facing south or southwest. The pattern of growth of a plant that is in bright light is often more robust and healthy than if 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 kind of light that is commonly seen in homes. Indirect light is typically an amalgamation of indirect and direct sunlight, with certain areas being brighter than others because of the location of windows, window treatments, or even the outdoor foliage.
The light conditions for plants in bright indirect light may be softened by shading from window treatments or stained by the foliage of the outdoors. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it's still brighter than the brightest area of the room.
Dim indirect light or "faint" is what's commonly referred to as low-level light that isn't sufficient in brightness to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and a few philodendrons are tolerant of this kind of light, but it's important to be aware of when the light levels begin to get too low and is typically characterized by a lack of new growth, or slowing down generally.
Over time, plant parents learn the type of light that is suitable for houseplants. However, if low maintenance house plants looking to take your understanding of lighting your houseplants to the next level, you should consider using a light meter. These handy devices allow you to establish precise light levels by measuring the intensity of an area of one square foot over the distance of one foot. The devices come with a handy chart which lists the ideal light intensity for common houseplants.
Temperature
Plants are adapted for their environment, therefore changing the conditions that they live in lives is not always easy. Houseplants require the right temperature to thrive. Temperature is a key element in the photosynthesis process, which breaks down starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. Plants can utilize this energy for growth or maintenance of existing tissues.
The ideal temperature for respiration are also crucial. potted house 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 of respiration, while temperatures below 30°C reduce it. This is to avoid burning energy.
As a rule, most houseplants need warmer temperatures during the day, and cooler temperatures at night. Certain cacti prefer cooler temperatures during the day, while other plants like ferns and philodendrons need to be moved indoors before temperatures drop.
In the summer, most plants benefit from being placed close to windows that are sunny. In winter, however, the sun's position is lower in the sky, and light levels fall. To help keep your plants healthy, you should move them back a few inches away from the windows to ensure their foliage isn't touching the glass's cold panes. It is important to remember that sudden and significant temperature fluctuations can be an extreme shock to your plants. The ideal temperature range for indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
A smart thermostat and a smart AC controller can help you maintain an ideal temperature for your houseplants. These devices control the heating and cooling of your home, ensuring your plants are not exposed to sudden temperature changes or cold drafts from vents. They also monitor and adjust in response to weather conditions to ensure your plants' health. Utilizing potted house plants will give your plants the best chance to survive, even during the harsh winter months. If you adhere to the suggestions that were mentioned earlier your plants will thrive all year long. Make sure you place them in a place that doesn't get draughty because this can cause leaf loss and wiping.
Water
Many people are under the assumption that they need to water their plants in accordance with the same timetable. This can be detrimental and actually cause your plants to die according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Instead, learn to water your plant only when it needs it. This usually means when your plant's leaves are wilting or the top inch of the soil appears dry. If you're concerned about overwatering your plants, the RHS recommends buying an automatic watering device to monitor the level of moisture in your plants.
Different houseplants require different watering requirements dependent on their growth habits and natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, like 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 deeper waterings.
In addition, the type of water you choose to use is also important. The majority of tap water is suitable for most plants, however softened or distilled water is not recommended. They contain salts that accumulate in the soil over time and may damage your plants. Rainwater is a great alternative, as it will gradually lower the pH of your soil to an acidic level, which is perfect for the majority of houseplants.
If you decide to give your plants a drink make sure that the water temperature is at the temperature of room temperature. Using warm or hot water can damage the roots of your plant and make it vulnerable to disease. Water your plant from the bottom rather than the top. This prevents 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 releasing runners with new plants at the end. They're easy to root in pots of their own when they're ready, making them perfect for those who are just beginning to are looking to add some greenery to their office or home. It is important to wait until all the roots are established before you can attempt this. This typically takes a couple of days.
Feeding
House plants have different needs from outdoor garden plants and their care requires an understanding of how to cultivate them successfully. Light, moisture, soil mixture temperature, ventilation humidity and fertilizers are all important aspects to take into account.
Houseplants need to be fed to flourish. While garden plants can get their nutrients from rain and rich loamy earth, houseplants require supplemental feeding. There are a variety of homeplant fertilizers that are easy to use and available in powder and liquid forms. Maintaining a regular schedule for feeding your houseplant is vital to the well-being of the plant as well as the appearance of its leaves, stems, and flowers.
Many tropical houseplants require weekly watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, therefore it's important not to do this. You can prevent overwatering by letting the plant dry out between waterings and then inserting a finger into soil around an inch deep to determine the level of moisture. You can also use an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase humidity.
A common misconception about houseplants is that they require lots of water in order to grow. Most houseplants are happy with weekly waterings. It is essential to keep pots of houseplants ventilated to help the airflow and moisture. This is especially true for smaller pots which can get too tight.
The most difficult aspect of caring for houseplants is determining the amount of light they require to thrive. There is good news, there is many varieties of plants that will thrive with less sunlight 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 species of ficus adapt to all kinds of conditions and thrive in them.
Houseplants aren't just beautiful, but they can also beneficial to your physical and mental health. Planting a house has been shown to reduce stress symptoms. In fact, a study from 2007 found that taking care of plants can boost moods and even improve physical health overall.