How to Care For tall house plants to fill your home with lush indoor plant life is not going away regardless of whether the craze of houseplants has passed. Learn how to care for these easy-care favorites with confidence!
Dry-out leaves and drooping stems can be clear signs that your plant isn't happy. But don't put down the trowel just yet!
Light Requirements
One of the most important factors in establishing a successful houseplant is determining how much light it requires. All plants require light to photosynthesis. This is the process of converting sunlight and water into energy that supports growth, blooming, and seed production. If a plant doesn't receive sufficient light, it won't generate the energy required to support these processes and begin to decrease.
The light requirements of the houseplant is a vital aspect to consider when selecting the best location for it at home or in your office. The label on your plant or a little research will reveal what it prefers: bright direct sunlight, bright, indirect sunlight moderate light or low light. You may require an instrument for measuring the intensity of sunlight. You could also use a horticultural or grow lamp to enhance the light source.
Direct sunlight is sunlight that shines directly at a plant, usually on the windowsill. Indirect sunlight is blocked by curtains or trees or shade outside the window. Both types of light provide the same amount of energy as bright, unfiltered sunlight.
You can determine the amount of light that your plant receives if you put it in front of a window and look at the shadows it produces. A shadow with clear, distinct outlines indicates bright/direct sunlight, while shadows with edges that appear to be dappled indicates a moderate light location.
Low-light conditions are found in rooms that receive only a very little sunlight or windows that face north or west. Plants that thrive in low-light conditions have straggly or pale foliage. They could be leaning towards the light or appear "leggy."
A plant can be helped in low-light situations by using artificial lighting sources. The kind of artificial light source you select and where it is placed can make an enormous difference. For instance, a fluorescent light is a good choice because it provides the light spectrum required for plants. It emits green light as well as a small amount blue light. Plants rely on blue and red light to create chlorophyll during photosynthesis. In contrast an incandescent light bulb produces only green light and doesn't provide many of the other colors necessary to promote plant growth.
Watering
Houseplants provide an attractive green accent to your office and at home. They can soften harsh lines and bright lighting and can even improve indoor air. The best way to enjoy houseplants is by keeping them healthy and happy. The amount of water a plant receives can have a significant effect on its health. Overwatering can cause root rot and other severe ailments. It's also important to water your plants slowly so that the liquid soaks into the soil instead of running off the surface. You can weigh potted plant after watering to gauge how wet the soil really is.
It is recommended to use room temperature water for your houseplants as hot or cold water could cause root shock. Try collecting good house plants for your plants. It is free of most salts and minerals and helps restore the soil's natural balance. If you are using tap water to water your garden, make sure it's not softened or chlorinated since these chemicals can build up over time in the soil.
Figuring out exactly how much water your houseplant requires can be a bit of a trial and error process. Many houseplants come from tropical regions and have large leaves that require lots of water to appear their best. These plants require more water than desert denizens such as cacti or succulents. They do better when soil dries between waterings.
In general, plants require more water during the spring and summer months, and less during its dormant season in winter and fall. It is essential to water plants according to their needs during the seasons instead of following a set schedule. This could result in the plant being overwatered at the time of the year and under-watered at another.
Apart from watering, it's important to feed your houseplant on a regular basis and monitor it for diseases and pests. Regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer will help to replace the nutrients leached from the soil through frequent watering. It is also a good idea to spray the leaves of a plant with fungicide or insecticidal soap, to stop the spread of insects or mites.
Fertilizing
Houseplants are often fed incorrectly, or perhaps not enough. This can lead to slow or even dead growth. Unlike outdoor gardens, which benefit from natural rain that nourishes the soil and plants, indoor plants have limited access to the nutrients found in their potting mix and need regular feedings.
Knowing when and what kind of fertilizer you need to use is the key to feeding your houseplants properly. Many houseplants require high levels of nitrogen to encourage the development of flowers and foliage but also phosphorus for the growth of roots. A good fertilizer for your houseplants must include both macronutrients and should contain organic and non-organic sources. While kitchen scraps and organic compost are great sources of these nutrients naturally, they are not as effective as liquid fertilizers or granular fertilisers.
Liquid fertilizers are the most popular because they are easy to use and extremely convenient to carry around. To avoid over-fertilization, it is essential to read the labels and follow the directions. Certain liquids can be used up to once a week, whereas others should only be used less often. Think about slow-release or granular houseplant fertilisers as a more sustainable option. These kinds of fertilizers contain nutrients encapsulated within an outer coating that releases them slowly to the plant over time.
In the period of growth when the plant is in bloom, it is recommended to feed your houseplants every two weeks with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen (24-8-16). As the weather gets cooler and the days become shorter, it is time to switch to a fertilizer that has a lower nitrogen content (10-20-10). Make sure your plant has settled into its dormant stage before feeding it, if it's brand new or recently potted.
It's also important to consider that a houseplant's health is influenced by other factors that are not its responsibility, including environmental conditions, lighting, and the way you water it. In excess watering, your houseplant may cause root rot. The inability to water properly can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Follow these simple steps to help your houseplant flourish!
Repotting
Repotting is among the most important things you can do for your houseplant. It's essential for allowing your plant to develop properly and to keep the soil healthy and loose. Repotting helps stimulate new growth, which is another vital aspect of a healthy indoor plant. Repotting your plants is recommended at least once per year, though the exact timing may differ. Younger plants need to be repotted more often than older ones.
When you are ready to pot your plant, make sure the soil is well-draining and that the pot is clean. Begin by watering your plants thoroughly just prior to repotting, so that the soil is humid. This will aid in removing the salts that have built up in the soil over time. When the soil is ready pick your new pot and prepare the mixing mix for the potting.
Remove your plant gently from the previous pot. Be careful not to harm any roots. Once the roots are completely free then place the plant in the new container and fill it up to the bottom of the stem. Fill in the remaining gaps by lightly pressing down on the soil. Gently teasing the roots out can be helpful as well to prevent them from becoming densely packed and circling the rootball.
Water your plant after you have placed the potting mix. Then, pat down the soil lightly to aid in adhering the potting mix to the roots. Be tall house plants not to overwater or you could end up with a an unsanitary mess that will hinder your plant's recovery and growth.
The ideal time of year to repot your plant is in the Spring. This is when plants begin to show new growth, which can make them more acclimated to their new environment much quicker.
Try to only go up by a couple of sizes when plant pots are being repotted. Most houseplants do not do well when they are moved more than two sizes because they become heavy on top and the potting mix becomes unwieldy and compacted.