A Beginners Guide to Caring for Houseplants
As the weather cools down outside and we spend more time indoors, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my tips and tricks that I've compiled over the last few years!
What could be better than mastering the art of Indoor Plant Care and adorning your living space with exotic indoor plants to feel closer to nature than ever?
Most plant lovers put their passion for indoor planting aside because they fear losing their plants due to inadequate care. If you fall in the category of such people, then no worries! This blog compiles all the information about plant care. You can also click here to learn about other flowers and plants.
House Plant - Brittony Swalm
What You Need To Know About Indoor Plant Care
Before jumping to the methods of Indoor Plant Care, it is vital to know what essentials are required for an indoor planting setting.
Choice Of Indoor Plant According To The Indoor Environment
Every plant species has its unique qualities and characteristics. Some plants, such as succulents, don't need to be watered often. While others, like peace lilies, are ideal indoor plants for those who like watering their plants daily. Additionally, some plants are suitable for repotting while others don't require it. So you need to do a little research before choosing your indoor plants according to your needs and suitability. The space in your house also plays a great role in choosing plants. You must choose the size and type of plants that can easily inhabit that space.
Choice Of A Perfect Spot In Your Home For Your Plant Baby
Most plant enthusiasts refer to their plants as their babies or children showing affection towards them. If you are one of those people, you will want the most suitable spot for your plant babies. Therefore, thoroughly search for a spot with the light and shade required for your indoor plants to nourish. Most house plants don't like direct sun exposure as they risk burning, while some require adequate sun exposure. You need to know the unique properties of each of your plants so that you can select the most habitable spot in your living room, sunroom, bedroom, kitchen, or anywhere in the house.
The Perfect Pot Will Do The Job
A plant pot is the primary home of a plant and the main container of its nutrients, water, and roots. The plant's health may also depend upon the quality and characteristics of the pot in which it is planted. Some plant pots have holes in the bottom to drain excess water, preventing the roots from rotting.
Many plant pots are available for aesthetic purposes, like table and hanging planters, and small planters for succulents. Some creepers can be planted in used glass bottles in your kitchen, as they only need water and sunlight for nourishment. Painted ceramic pots can also be used for your plants, adding charm to your decor.
Weather Care
You can move your plants around the house for adequate sun exposure in winter and during cloudy days. Supporting the weak stems and shifting the plants from strong winds is also essential to keep your plants healthy and alive.
Plant in windowsill - Brittony Swalm
How Do You Keep Plants Healthy Indoors?
Proper Light Conditions
As mentioned earlier, each indoor plant should be exposed to light according to its needs. For that purpose, you need to look up the light needs of the indoor plants that you own and choose their spot accordingly.
Good Quality Soil And Fertilizer
This might cost you a visit to your nearby plant nursery, but you must be critical in choosing the right soil for planting. Ask the nursery owner for nutrient-rich soil that can hold adequate moisture. You can also add fertilizer from time to time but not too much. Excess of everything is bad, and thus fertilizer should be added in adequate amounts. Moreover, worm castings can be added to the soil, and compost might be mixed with it to retain more moisture.
Repotting And Plant Pruning
After 2 to 3 years, repotting your plants will make them feel alive and nourished. It allows the roots to grow, enabling the plant to absorb more nutrients. As the plant grows, the planter or pot size should be upgraded accordingly.
Pruning (removing dead, damaged, and diseased parts) should also be done regularly to make the plants look and feel fresh.
Humidity Control And Measurement
The water should be spread uniformly over the soil surface for even distribution and humidity. It will nourish the roots better and retain maximum moisture instead of providing water to one area and leaving the rest. It would be great to poke some holes in the soil to aerate and moisturize it better.
To assess the moisture, look for any dry edges, tips, or leaves of the plants. Air humidifiers can be used more often if the humidity is less. A humidity gauge can be used for monitoring and the need for starting a humidifier.
Pest Watch
Aphids, white flies, and spider mites might exist on the underside of the leaves and cause damage to your plants, such as growth stunting and harm to the flowers. Homemade pest treatment solution containing 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon soap solution, and 1 cup water can be sprayed on the plants if the infestation is mild.
How Often Should You Water Your Indoor Plants?
For beginners, the art of watering plants is learned by experience. You must closely watch how much water each plant needs to acquire adequate moisture levels. Overwatering might cause compost deposition, so avoid it by choosing plant pots with drainage holes.
It is unclear how often a plant should be watered until you see the effects of watering frequency yourself.
The following factors would determine the frequency of watering your plants:
Particular Kind Of Plant
The water requirement of plants depends on their type and kind of species. Some would demand more water while others require less.
Soil Moisture Test
The dryness of the soil determines how much water the plant needs. It should be tested manually or digitally with a gauge.
Weighing The Plant Pot
If the soil is dry, the plant pot will weigh less, while a moist and well-watered pot will weigh more.
Telltale Signs
The characteristic signs of dry plants include withering and wilting.
Signs Of A Healthy Plant
Growth Of Foliage
The presence of fresh, bright new growth of leaves indicates good health of the plant. Go for plants with healthy, bright foliage growth. Look for those which have not been pruned because they might have a disease.
Growing foliage - Brittony Swalm
Absence Of Pests
A healthy plant shouldn't have aphids, mites, or mealy bugs on the underside of the leaves.
Healthy Roots
If it's possible, look for healthy roots. The roots shouldn't be coming out of the drainage holes. It signifies a rootbound plant and requires repotting after short intervals.
Signs Of An Unhealthy Plant
Wilting And Dehydration
If a plant is wilting, it indicates dehydration and poor health. Dry pot soil also indicates dehydration, and such a plant would die soon.
Yellowing Of Foliage
If you underwater or overwater your plant, it might turn the leaves yellow. Inadequate exposure to sunlight might also have such results.
Burnt Foliage
The leaves of plants might burn due to direct exposure to sunlight. Indoor plants need indirect exposure to bright light.
Leaves Having Brown Tips
If the tips of the leaves have turned brown, the plant is suffering from root rot.
Learn More About Indoor Houseplants
To become a pro in indoor plant care, you must start by following the instructions mentioned above. You need to know your Indoor plant and its needs. Make sure to keep in mind the ABC of indoor plants to provide the best care and maintain their top health;
Adequate light exposure, humidity, and hydration.
Beware of the pests, yellowing of leaves, and brown tips. Don't under or overwater your plants
Clean the leaves, and Care for the soil by fertilizing it according to the need.
Learn more about other indoor houseplant options, like succulents here – Happy planting!
