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How to Care For Houseplants

Whether or not houseplant mania in 2020 has passed the trend to fill your home with lush indoor plants is not going away. Learn how to take care of these exotic house plants that are easy to care for!

Dried-out leaves and drooping stems can be clear indications that your plant isn't happy. But don't put down the trowel yet!

Light Requirements

The amount of light that a plant needs is among the most important factors in ensuring its growth. All plants require light for photosynthesis, the process that transforms water and sunlight into energy that supports blooming, growth and seed production. If a plant does not receive enough sunlight, it won't generate the energy needed for these processes.

A houseplant's light requirements are a vital aspect to consider when selecting the right spot for it in your office or home. You can determine the name of the plant, or through some research to determine if it thrives under bright direct sunlight, bright indirect sunlight, medium light or low lighting. You may require a light meter in order to determine the intensity of sunlight. You could also use a horticultural or grow lamp to supplement the available light.

Direct sunlight is light that shines directly onto a plant, usually on a windowsill. Direct sunlight is blocked by shade, curtains or trees outside the window. The shade or shade types do not offer the same energy as bright sunlight.

You can determine the amount of light that your plant receives by having it stand it in front of an open window and examine the shadows it produces. A shadow that has clear, distinct lines indicates direct sunlight. a shadow that has edges that appear to be dappled indicates a moderately light spot.

Low-light conditions are common in rooms that get only a little light or windows facing west or north. The Plants for Front of house plants with flowers (readymap.co.za) that are able to thrive in these conditions often have straggly or pale leaves. They could be leaning towards the light or appear "leggy."

A plant can be assisted in low-light conditions by using artificial lighting sources. It is essential to consider the type of artificial light you select and where it will be placed. For instance the fluorescent light is the best choice because it offers the spectrum of light that plants require. It emits green light and a small amount blue light. Plants use the blue and red light to produce chlorophyll in photosynthesis. In contrast an incandescent light bulb emits only green light, and does not supply many of the other colors necessary to promote plant growth.

Watering

Houseplants are a great option to add beauty and greenery to your office or home. They can soften harsh lines and bright lighting, and even improve indoor air. The best way to enjoy your houseplants is to keep them healthy and happy. Many aspects can affect a plant's health, including the amount of water it is receiving. One of the most common mistakes is to overwater, which can cause root rot and other serious conditions. It's also important to water your plants slowly to ensure that the liquid seeps into the soil instead of running off the surface. You can weigh a potted plant after watering to get an idea how wet the soil really is.

It's a good idea to use room temperature water for your houseplants, as hot or cold water can cause shock to the roots. Try collecting rainwater for your plants. It is completely free of minerals and salts and helps restore the soil's natural balance. However, if you do use tap water, be sure it's not softened or treated with chlorine since these can cause a build-up in the soil over time.

It can take some trial and error before you can determine how much water a houseplant requires. A lot of houseplants come from tropical regions and have huge glossy leaves that require a lot of moisture to appear their best. They must be watered more frequently than desert inhabitants like cacti and succulents, which flourish when the soil is dry between waterings.

Generally, a plant will require more water in spring and plants for front Of house summer, and less in the fall and winter. It's important to water a plant according to its needs during the seasons, instead of sticking to a set schedule. This could result in the plant being overwatered at one time of year, and then under-watered in another.

It is important to feed your houseplant and check it for diseases or pests. Regular feeding with an appropriate fertilizer will aid in replenishing the nutrients leached from the soil by frequent watering. It's also a good idea to spray the leaves of the plant with fungicides or insecticidal soap, to stop the spread of insects or mites.

Fertilizing

Houseplants are frequently fed incorrectly, or perhaps not even fed. This can result in slow or even dead growth. Indoor plants do not have the same access to nutrients as outdoor plants.

The most important aspect of feeding your houseplants correctly is to know the most effective fertilizer to use and when. Many houseplants need high levels of nitrogen to promote growth of flowers and foliage, but also phosphorus to develop roots. A good house plants fertilizer for houseplants should include both macronutrients and contain both organic and non-organic sources. While kitchen scraps and compost can be 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're easy to use and are very portable. However, it's important to be aware of the label and follow the directions to avoid over-fertilization. Certain liquids are designed to be used as often as once a week and others are designed to be used less often. To be a greener alternative, you can opt for granular or slow-release houseplant fertilizer. These kinds of fertilizers contain nutrients encapsulated within a coating, which releases them slowly to the plant over time.

During the growing season it's best to feed houseplants once a week with a high nitrogen (24-8-16) fertilizer. As the weather cools and the days are shorter, it's time to switch to a fertilizer with lower nitrogen content (10-20-10). If your plant is new or re-potted, wait until it shows signs of settling into its dormant phase before feeding.

Remember that the health of your houseplant is also affected by conditions outside its control. These include environmental conditions, lighting and the way you water it. If your houseplant is too moist ("overwatering") can lead to root rot, and keeping it dry ("under-watering") can stress the plant and cause wilting and eventual death. Follow these easy tips and your houseplant will thrive!

Repotting

Repotting is one of the most crucial things you can do for your houseplant. It is essential to allow your plant to flourish and keep the soil healthy and loose. Repotting can also encourage new growth, which is essential for the health of your houseplant. It is generally recommended to repotted your plants at least once a year, but the exact timing can vary. Most likely younger plants will need to be repotted more often than older, established ones.

When you're ready to repot, ensure that the soil drains properly and that your pots are clean. It is important to water your plant regularly prior to repotting, making sure that the soil is moist. This will help to remove the salts that have accumulated in the soil over time. Once the soil is ready, choose your new pot and prepare the mixing mix for the potting.

Remove your plant gently from the old pot. Be careful not to scratch any roots. Once the roots are completely free, place your plant into the new container and fill it up to the base of the stem. Press down on the top of the soil lightly and fill the remaining gaps with potting mix. It may also be beneficial to gently pull the roots out to stop them from becoming densely wrapped around the rootball.

Once the potting mix is in, water the plant to settle it. Then, lightly press the soil in order to help the potting mix stick to the roots. Be careful not to overwater, or you may end up with an unsanitary mess that will slow the plant's recovery and growth.

The best time of year to repot your plant is in the spring. It is during this time most plants will begin to grow, which will help them to adapt to their new environment more quickly.

When you are repotting your plants try to only go up one or two sizes. Most houseplants will not thrive if they are moved more than two sizes. They will become top heavy and the potting mix becomes compacted.