How to Care For Live House Plants
The plants release moisture through their leaves, which increases the humidity of a room. They also improve the indoor air quality because they remove pollutants.
Jade plants are easy to maintain. It thrives in indirect sunlight and requires only a half-cup of water every week.
Snake plant (Dracaena - also known as Sansevieria), is another houseplant that has simple needs. It prefers bright, indirect light and frequent watering to avoid overwatering, which leads to root decay.
Light
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants absorb light energy to produce sugars that they need to grow. It is important to ensure they get sufficient sunlight. Bright light is the best for most plants, however the amount of bright light is contingent by location in your home and time of the year. It's also important to understand how to measure light in order 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. Plants that require bright light should be positioned close to, or within a few inches of, the windows that face south or southwest. The pattern of growth of a plant in bright light is typically more dense and healthy looking than if it is in low or medium light.
Indirect light, which comprises the bright light conditions mentioned above, in addition to the types 2a and 2b is the type of light most commonly found in homes. Indirect light is a combination of indirect and direct sun, with certain areas shining brighter than others because of the location of window treatments or outdoor foliage.
The conditions of light for a plant in bright indirect light can be softened by shades from window treatments or mottled by foliage from the outside. It's not as bright as direct sunlight, however it should still be more bright than the brightest portion of the room.
Dim indirect light or "faint" is what's commonly referred to as low-level light that's not sufficient in brightness to be considered. Snake plants, pothos and some philodendrons are able to endure this level of light. However, it is important to recognize the signs that signal the moment when light levels get too low.
Over time, most plant parents develop a feel for what type of light is best for their houseplants. However, if you're looking to take your understanding of lighting your houseplants to the next level, consider using the light meter. These handy devices allow you to determine exact levels of light by measuring the brightness of an area of one square foot from an interval of one foot. They come with a helpful chart that lists common houseplants and their best light intensity.
Temperature
The plants are adapted to their environment, therefore changing the conditions in their lives is not always easy. To ensure that houseplants thrive, they need the right temperature. Temperature aids in the process of photosynthesis, breaking down the starches and sugars produced by plants into energy. This energy can be utilized by plants to expand or maintain existing tissues.
Temperatures that are suitable for respiration are also important. Plants break down stored sugars to fuel the process of cellular respiration, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Temperatures that exceed 30°C boost the rate of respiration when temperatures below 30°C slow it down. This is to avoid the waste of energy.
As a rule, most houseplants require warmer temperatures during daylight hours, and cooler temperatures during nights. Certain cacti prefer cooler temperatures during the day. However, other plants like ferns and philodendrons need to be relocated inside before temperatures drop.
Most plants benefit from being placed near windows that are exposed to direct sunlight during summertime. However, in winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, and the light levels decrease. To ensure your plants are healthy and happy, keep them away from windows by a few inches to ensure that their foliage doesn't touch cold glass. It is important to keep in mind that sudden and significant temperature changes can be an extreme shock to your plants. house plants names for most indoor plants is between 58 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smart thermostats and AC controllers can assist you in maintaining the perfect temperature for your houseplants. These devices automatically 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 the weather and adjust to protect your plants. Using these tools will give your plants the most favorable chance of survival even through the harsh winter months. Your plants will flourish throughout the year round if you follow the above tips. Just be sure to place them in a location that doesn't get draughty because this could cause the loss of leaves and wiping.
Water
Many people believe that they need to water their houseplants on regular basis. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, this can be counterproductive. Your plants may even die. Instead, learn to water your plant only when it needs it. Generally, this means when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch or when your plant has wilting leaves. The RHS suggests that if you're really concerned about overwatering, you can buy an automatic irrigation system to keep track of your plants' moisture levels.
Different houseplants have different requirements for watering dependent on their growth habits and their natural habitats. Ferns and tropical foliage, like peace lilies and calathea thrive best when the soil dry out between waterings. Cacti, on the contrary tend to do better with less frequent, but deeper, waterings.
The kind of water you use is also important. The majority of tap water is safe for most plants, but softened or distilled water is not. These are laden with salts that accumulate in the soil over time and could damage your plants. Rainwater is another great option because it gradually reduce the pH of your soil, bringing it to an acidic level that's ideal for the majority of houseplants.
If you decide to give your plants a drink make sure the water's temperature is the room temperature. house plants online or warm water could harm the roots of your plant and make it more susceptible to diseases. It's recommended to water your plant from the bottom instead of from the top. This prevents overwatering since excess water will have nowhere to go, and could cause root rot.
Certain houseplants like the spider plant and strawberry begonia reproduce by releasing runners with new plants at the ends. They're easy to plant in pots of their own when they're ready, which makes them perfect for beginners who would like to add greenery their home or office. However, you must wait until the roots of the plant have fully developed before attempting this. This usually takes a couple of days.
Feeding
House plants have distinct requirements than outdoor garden plants and their care requires a thorough understanding of how to grow them successfully. Moisture, light, soil mixture temperature, ventilation fertilizers, and humidity are all important aspects to take into consideration.
Although garden plants can receive the nutrients they require from the natural world through rain and a fertile soil, loamy soil, houseplants must be fed if they will flourish. There are many household plant fertilizers that are easy to use in liquid and powder form. A regular feeding schedule for 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 regular watering. However, it's important to avoid overwatering because this could cause root rot. Avoid overwatering your plant by letting it dry out between waterings, and then inserting a finger into soil about an inch deep to determine the level of moisture. You can also make use of an atomizer to spray the surface of the soil with water to increase the humidity.
A common misconception about houseplants is that they require an enormous amount of water in order to grow. In house plants names , they can be grown with just regular waterings. It is essential to keep pots of houseplants ventilated, as this will aid in to let in air and moisture. This is especially important for smaller pots which can become too tight.
The most difficult aspect of caring for houseplants is determining how much light they need to flourish. There are many species which thrive with less light than those that require the sun.
For example, 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 can thrive in most homes.
In addition to enhancing indoor aesthetics, houseplants can be beneficial to your mental and emotional well-being. The use of houseplants has been shown to reduce stress symptoms. In fact, a 2007 study found that the act of taking care of plants can boost moods and even improve overall physical health.