Indoor plants help to bring color, shape and life to virtually
any room in the home. Also, most of the indoor plants require minimal
maintenance to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are several points
to consider when growing plants inside the home:
Temperature
Plants in a natural habitat are likely to see a fluctuation in day and night temperature of about 10° Fahrenheit. By replicating the temperature fluctuation in the home, you can give the best possible growth conditions for the plant life. Also, most of the indoor plants need a certain period of rest or dormancy during the year, which is necessary before the plants start to flower.
To increase the chance of stimulating this dormant period, the plants should receive less fertilizer and water throughout the winter period. The resting period can naturally start when the outside light is lowest. But, once spring arrives and light starts to increase, the regularity of watering and fertilizer can increase to promote fresh and healthy growth.
Humidity
Houseplants prefer a humidity level in the region of 45 to 50%, but most can still survive if this starts to drop to about 30%. If the air starts to get any drier, the plants aren't able to absorb sufficient water to keep the root structure and leaves healthy. Air humidity in some homes during the winter can fall to a low 10 to 20%, so it is often necessary to give the plant life some help. A regular misting session can help. But a more effective strategy is to set-up a cool vapor humidifier. Alternatively, use a water and gravel-filled tray to place the plants. Any evaporating water will benefit the plants.
Water
A common reason for plants in the home to die is due to excessive watering. Read the label on the houseplants to determine the regularity of watering. Most plants need a regular watering session when the temperature is warm and sunny, while minimal water is needed when the weather is cloudy and cool. Plants are only likely to need water if the soil is dry to a depth of about 1 to 1.25 inch. When watering, make sure to soak the entire root ball and use water at room temperature to reduce the chance of shocking the roots. Also, try to avoid the use of chemically softened water because this can contain harmful salts. For hard water areas, use an attachment to filter out common elements, such as chlorine and lime.
Temperature
Plants in a natural habitat are likely to see a fluctuation in day and night temperature of about 10° Fahrenheit. By replicating the temperature fluctuation in the home, you can give the best possible growth conditions for the plant life. Also, most of the indoor plants need a certain period of rest or dormancy during the year, which is necessary before the plants start to flower.
To increase the chance of stimulating this dormant period, the plants should receive less fertilizer and water throughout the winter period. The resting period can naturally start when the outside light is lowest. But, once spring arrives and light starts to increase, the regularity of watering and fertilizer can increase to promote fresh and healthy growth.
Humidity
Houseplants prefer a humidity level in the region of 45 to 50%, but most can still survive if this starts to drop to about 30%. If the air starts to get any drier, the plants aren't able to absorb sufficient water to keep the root structure and leaves healthy. Air humidity in some homes during the winter can fall to a low 10 to 20%, so it is often necessary to give the plant life some help. A regular misting session can help. But a more effective strategy is to set-up a cool vapor humidifier. Alternatively, use a water and gravel-filled tray to place the plants. Any evaporating water will benefit the plants.
Water
A common reason for plants in the home to die is due to excessive watering. Read the label on the houseplants to determine the regularity of watering. Most plants need a regular watering session when the temperature is warm and sunny, while minimal water is needed when the weather is cloudy and cool. Plants are only likely to need water if the soil is dry to a depth of about 1 to 1.25 inch. When watering, make sure to soak the entire root ball and use water at room temperature to reduce the chance of shocking the roots. Also, try to avoid the use of chemically softened water because this can contain harmful salts. For hard water areas, use an attachment to filter out common elements, such as chlorine and lime.
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