Lawn & Garden
 House plants are a wonderful way to add color and life to your home. Check out pictures of house plants to see more. |
Why limit the beauty of plants to just outside? You can bring the freshness, color, and vitality of plants indoors with house plants.
This article discusses various aspects of caring for house plants, including lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, fertilizing, potting, grooming, propagating, decorating, preventing pests and diseases, and caring for them while on vacation.
Scientific research has shown that living plants have a calming effect, improve efficiency, and increase satisfaction in people’s lives. Taking care of plants is known to have therapeutic effects that benefit both physical and mental health. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that green plants purify common air pollutants.
Millions of house plants are sold every year across the country. They are featured in all rooms of the house by interior decorators, and no home decorating magazine is complete without them. Nurseries, plant shops, supermarkets, and department stores all offer indoor plants.
Growing house plants indoors is not difficult. With some basic knowledge, anyone can successfully grow them. The next section will cover how to use light for house plants.
Want to learn about specific types of house plants? Check out:
- House Plants
- Full Sun House Plants
- Bright Light House Plants
- Filtered Light House Plants
- Light Shade House Plants
- Hanging Basket House Plants
- Floor Plant House Plants
- Table Plant House Plants
- Terrarium Plant House Plants
- Very Easy House Plants
- Easy House Plants
- Demanding House Plants
- Temporary House Plants
- Flowering House Plants
- Climbing or Trailing House Plants
- House Plants with Colorful Foliage
- Fragrant House Plants
- Gardening
Using Light for House Plants
Plants rely on light just like animals rely on food. They absorb light and convert its energy to grow and survive. Without adequate light, no plant can thrive.
Thankfully, house plants indicate when they are not receiving enough light. They will have pale growth and will stretch towards the closest light source. Flowering will be weak or nonexistent. Watering becomes difficult because without sufficient light, plants cannot use the water provided, and eventually, they will rot.
 Southern exposures receive full sun from late morning to mid-afternoon. |
The light requirements for different house plants vary. What may seem like a dark corner to a flowering plant may be perfectly suitable for a foliage plant. Regardless of the conditions, as long as there is enough light to read by, certain house plants will thrive there.
How Seasons Affect Light Intensity
The intensity of light that house plants receive can vary depending on the season. During winter months, a south-facing window, which may be too intense in the summer, is ideal for most house plants. In the summer, it’s best to move plants away from hot south or west windows or use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight. A north-facing window may not provide enough light for flowering plants during winter, but it’s perfect for almost every house plant during the summer. It’s essential to move house plants according to the season they’re in.
Enhancing Natural Light
If your indoor plants don’t receive enough light, you can enhance the intensity by removing any obstacles that obstruct the light’s path, such as curtains, blinds, or outdoor foliage. Regularly cleaning the windows can also help. Another simple way to improve light exposure is to paint the walls and furniture in light shades that reflect light instead of absorbing it.
Artificial Light
House plants can thrive under artificial light. However, incandescent lamps, even those tailored for plants, produce poor-quality light that leads to weak and unhealthy growth. They are only suitable for house plants that receive some natural light. On the other hand, fluorescent and halogen lamps produce light that closely resembles sunlight, and house plants thrive under them. For best results, use artificial light on timers set at 12 to 14 hours per day, and keep the lamp away from the plants to prevent overheating.
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Window by Window The amount of light exposure varies among the windows in your home.
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The next section will discuss watering indoor plants.
Learn more about different types of indoor plants:
The list consists of different types of house plants such as hanging basket plants, floor plants, table plants, terrarium plants, etc. These plants can be categorized based on their needs for sunlight and shade, ease of care, flowering, colorful foliage, and fragrance.
When it comes to watering house plants, it is important to keep the soil moist but not soaked or dry. It is recommended to water thoroughly and wait until the plant needs more water before watering again. Tap water can be used or you can let it stand overnight. In areas with hard or artificially softened water, rainwater is a good option.
Plants may collapse when they need water, but it’s best not to wait that long. Checking the plant every two or three days is a good practice to judge their water needs. Soil color may not be a reliable factor as the top layer may be dry while the middle is moist. Sticking a finger into the soil or using moisture meters can help determine when to water.
Watering can be done from above or below. When watering from above, it’s important to water thoroughly until excess moisture runs out of the pot. If the soil is extremely dry, watering from below may be necessary. Fill the saucer with water and wait for about 20 minutes, then pour out any excess water.
If you have house plants that require constantly moist soil, wicking may be a solution for you. This method involves a water reservoir, like an old margarine container, placed next to the plant, and a piece of yarn. Insert one end of the yarn into the soil, pushing it down through a drainage hole with a knitting needle. Make a hole in the lid of the reservoir and insert the other end of the yarn. Water the soil from the top to allow water to soak through the wick and thereafter, the plant will absorb water through the yarn. Just keep the reservoir filled with water or a water-fertilizer mixture constantly. This method is perfect if you are frequently away because wick-watered house plants can go for weeks between waterings.
Another method is using a capillary mat. This can be a commercially available one or a homemade mat made from old acrylic blankets or pieces of indoor/outdoor carpeting. Cut the mat to fit the saucer or a large tray for a collection of house plants, and set the plants directly on the matting. Water the soil from the top the first time, then keep the mat moist. The plants will absorb water from the matting when they need it.
Most plants require humid air to thrive as the pores through which they breathe lose moisture when the surrounding air is dry. Symptoms of dry air include curled leaves, dry leaf tips, and a frequent need for watering. Flower buds are also susceptible to dry air and may turn brown or fall off if humidity is too low. Spraying house plants with water is a good way to increase humidity. The average home has a humidity level below 30 percent, yet most house plants require at least 40 percent, and some require 60 percent or more. A relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent is ideal for both house plants and people. Regional and seasonal variations can affect humidity levels.
Dry air can be a chronic issue in some parts of the country, especially in the arid Southwest. Air conditioning has a drying effect on the air during periods of extreme heat, making the use of a humidifier necessary all year round. In areas with cold winters, indoor humidity levels drop during the heating season as the relative humidity of cold outdoor air decreases when warmed up. Certain heating systems, like electric heat, worsen the situation by further depleting humidity from the air. In such cases, it may be necessary to have a system to compensate for low humidity during the winter months.
Air circulation helps in ventilating waste gases, removing excess heat, and preventing diseases that can develop in closed spaces. Many plants indoors need a certain amount of air movement, just like outdoor plants. Large windows may provide sufficient air circulation because of temperature differences between day and night, but it is wise to run a small fan to keep the air in constant movement, especially under plant lights. The fan should not be directed towards the plants but should be kept in the same room to provide the required circulation.
Spraying houseplants with warm water is a well-known method of increasing air humidity. However, the humidity dissipates rapidly, making it less efficient. Repeating the spraying process several times a day can efficiently raise humidity. A room humidifier is an excellent option to increase air humidity. Modern homes may have built-in humidifiers that can be adjusted to the desired level. A plant humidifier can be easily built by filling a waterproof tray with stones, gravel, or perlite and pouring water over them. Set the plants on the tray, and they will benefit from the added humidity given off as the water evaporates. Grouping houseplants together during the heating season can create good humidity in the surrounding air since each plant gives off humidity through transpiration.
For delicate, thin-leaved house plants that need a humidity level of over 70 percent, which is hard to maintain in a large room, a terrarium can be the best solution. A terrarium, easily made from an old aquarium, creates a microclimate that increases humidity levels to almost 100 percent when fitted with a glass lid. If water droplets form, open it slightly for ventilation.
In the next section, we’ll delve into temperature for house plants. If you want to learn about house plants by type, try the following options.
The article discusses different types of house plants, including those that thrive in full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging baskets, floor and table plants, as well as terrarium and flowering plants. It also covers easy-to-care-for plants, demanding plants, climbing or trailing plants, fragrant plants, and those with colorful foliage.
The article then focuses on the ideal temperature range for house plants, which is between 65°F and 75°F during the day, with occasional summer highs of up to 90°F. The temperature range indoors that humans find comfortable is also suitable for most house plants. However, cooler night temperatures are beneficial for house plants, and you can achieve this by turning down the thermostat or placing plants near windows. Extreme heat can harm house plants, so ventilation and air conditioning are recommended. Some subtropical plants are less tolerant of warm temperatures and should be placed near a cool window or in a slightly heated room.
The article ends with a list of different types of house plants for readers to explore.
Feeding House Plants with Fertilizer
Feeding plants with fertilizers is not the same as providing them with food. Light is what plants use for energy, not fertilizers. If a plant is not growing well and receiving sufficient light, fertilizers can do more harm than good. It is best to give newly purchased or repotted house plants a few months without fertilizer, so they can use up the nutrients present in their soil.
 Fertilizing is crucial for plants growing in soilless potting mixes. |
Plants require three primary nutrients for healthy growth: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These ratios are always listed on fertilizer labels, such as 6-12-4, which means 6 percent nitrogen, 12 percent phosphorus, and 4 percent potassium. Most fertilizers also contain minor nutrients like magnesium, boron, and iron, which plants also need for growth.
Fertilizers rich in nitrogen (the first number) promote healthy foliage growth, while those rich in phosphorus (the second number) encourage root development and flowering. Fertilizers rich in potassium (the third number) help plants build up reserves during dormant periods.
A fertilizer labeled 30-20-20 is suitable for leaf development and recommended for foliage house plants, while flowering house plants prefer a fertilizer richer in phosphorus, such as 15-30-15. Most foliage house plants do well with an all-purpose or high-nitrogen fertilizer, while flowering house plants require a high proportion of phosphorus.
Constant Feeding
Most plants today are grown in soilless potting mixes, which are low in nutrients, so regular fertilizing is essential. Using a constant feed method is one way to ensure your house plants receive the necessary nutrients.
Simply take a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer intended for monthly use and reduce its dosage by four. For example, if the label recommends applying one teaspoon per gallon once a month, apply ¼ teaspoon per gallon at every watering. Once a month, take the plant to the sink and flush it carefully with clear water until the excess fertilizer runs off. This helps prevent fertilizer buildup.
Choosing Fertilizers for House Plants
Ready-to-use liquid fertilizers are convenient but costly since you are paying for the water they contain. Water-soluble fertilizers in crystal or powder form are equally effective but more economical because you add your water. Some people prefer slow-release fertilizers for their practicality. These come in granular form to be mixed with soil or in spikes and tablets to be pushed into the potting mix. They only need to be applied every few months, and the fertilizer label suggests the recommended frequency.
Organic versus Chemical
Organic and chemical fertilizers come in various concentrations. Chemical fertilizers applied to house plants do not leach out into the environment, so even organic growers often use chemical fertilizers on indoor plants.
Liquid seaweed is a popular organic fertilizer that is applied as a foliar spray and absorbed by the leaves of the plant. When it comes to caring for house plants, expensive gardening equipment is not necessary. Simple kitchen utensils such as a spoon, scissors, and a knife can be used for repotting, cutting yellowing leaves, and taking cuttings. A good watering can with a long and narrow spout is the most important tool for proper plant care. In the next section, potting house plants will be discussed.
House plants should be repotted at least once a year, preferably in the spring. Fast-growing house plants may require repotting two or more times a year. Signs that a house plant needs repotting include wilting a few days after a thorough watering, threatening to tip over, or when a white or yellowish crust builds up on the stem and pot rim, indicating an excess of mineral salts. When repotting, choose a clean pot no more than one or two sizes larger than the previous one. Pour enough potting mix into the bottom of the new pot to bring the plant up to its original height and center it well. A thorough watering will help the plant adjust to its new home. Top-dressing is recommended for house plants that are difficult or impossible to repot.
To top-dress a plant, scrape off the top inch of potting mix and replace it with new mix. This procedure will help remove any toxic mineral salts that have built up. House plants by type can be learned by trying different categories such as Full Sun House Plants, Bright Light House Plants, Floor Plant House Plants, and many more. It is important to note that pots should have drainage holes so that excess water can drain out.
When you repot your house plants, it’s important to keep them away from direct sunlight for a week or two. Hydroculture is a method of growing plants without soil, using water and an inert medium like clay pellets or pebbles. Nutrients are supplied in slow-release pellets or tablets, and a water level indicator tells you when to add water. Plastic pots are good for plants that like evenly moist soil, while clay pots allow for better water evaporation. Most house plants thrive in ready-made potting mixes, with soilless mixes being ideal for plants like asparagus ferns and Boston ferns. Cacti and succulents prefer soil-based mixes, while plants like cattleya orchids need well-aerated mixes like sphagnum moss. Grooming is also important for house plants, and removing dead leaves can greatly improve their appearance.
Plants have a natural tendency to grow towards light, causing them to become lopsided or even fall over. To prevent this, rotate the plant a quarter turn every time you water it so that it receives light from all sides, resulting in a symmetrical plant.
Cleaning House Plants
Removing dead and yellowing parts of the plant is essential to maintain its appearance and prevent pests and diseases. A pair of scissors can be used to snip off dying leaves and flowers and trim brown leaf tips. Leaves should also be cleaned once or twice a year with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water or left under the shower or warm rain to prevent dust and grease build-up.
Pruning
Unattractive sections of the plant can be pruned without hesitation. For every cut made, two new branches will grow, making the plant look fuller. Soft new growth can be pinched to promote branching without leaving a noticeable stub.
Staking
Proper pruning and regular quarter-turns prevent the need for staking. However, if a stem grows too long and can’t support itself, use an unobtrusive stake like bamboo to prop it up.
Read on to learn how to propagate house plants.
Types of House Plants
- House Plants
- Full Sun House Plants
- Bright Light House Plants
- Filtered Light House Plants
- Light Shade House Plants
- Hanging Basket House Plants
- Floor Plant House Plants
- Table Plant House Plants
- Terrarium Plant House Plants
- Very Easy House Plants
- Easy House Plants
- Demanding House Plants
- Temporary House Plants
- Flowering House Plants
- Climbing or Trailing House Plants
- House Plants with Colorful Foliage
- Fragrant House Plants
- Gardening
Propagating House Plants
Many house plant enthusiasts enjoy propagating their plants to renew them or give them as gifts. While not every method applies to each type of house plant, all can be propagated in some way.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a widely used method for propagating plants, applicable to all plants with noticeable stems. For this technique, select a healthy section of stem with at least three nodes and cut it cleanly with a sharp knife just below the lowest node. Remove any flowers or leaves growing from the bottom node. Although it is not mandatory, the use of rooting hormone, available in powder, gel, or liquid form, can aid in faster rooting.
To root the cuttings, it is best to use a pasteurized rooting mix like soilless growing media, vermiculite, sand, or perlite. Fill a container with the mix and moisten it lightly. Prepare a hole in the mix with a pencil, then insert the cutting, ensuring that at least one node, but preferably two, is covered with the mix. Firm the mix, and cover the container with clear plastic to maintain high humidity, which is necessary to prevent the young cutting from wilting. Keep the cutting in bright light, but not full sun, and ensure warm temperatures. Once the plant is well rooted and growing independently, remove the plastic and care for it like an adult plant.
The remaining part of the stem can be cut up into sections and rooted, but it is essential not to invert the stem cuttings. They must be right-side up to root correctly. With succulents and cacti, allow the cuttings to heal before potting, which can take a few days to over a month. Do not cover them with plastic as high humidity can cause rotting.
Only a few plants can be propagated by leaf cuttings, but their ease of propagation makes them popular houseplants. Break off a whole leaf, including its stalk, and insert the stalk into the rooting medium, covering the container with clear plastic. New plantlets will soon sprout at the base of the leaf and can be potted when they are well rooted. For florist’s gloxinias, rex begonias, snake plants, and streptocarpus, a small leaf section can even be rooted. Cut a healthy leaf into sections, each with a major vein, and place each section so that its base is barely covered with mix. New plantlets will appear soon.
Layering is another technique for plant propagation.
This article discusses various methods of propagating plants, including stem cuttings, air layering, division, and seed propagation. Stem cuttings are best for plants with trailing stems or those that produce baby plants on stolons. To propagate, simply pin a section of stem down to moist growing mix and wait for it to root before cutting it free from the mother plant. Air layering, on the other hand, is used for trees or shrublike plants with thick or woody stems that are hard to root from stem cuttings. To air layer, make a cut halfway through the main stem, apply rooting compound, cover with moist sphagnum moss, and wrap in plastic until roots have formed. Plants that grow in clumps are best propagated by division, where the rootball is broken up into sections, each with one rooted stem. Finally, almost all house plants can be grown from seed, but it’s easiest to buy them from seed companies. Sprinkle seeds over moist growing medium and wait for plantlets to appear before potting them individually.
The list includes a variety of house plants categorized by their characteristics such as light requirements, ease of care, and decorative features. House plants are valuable for decoration purposes, as they create a cozy atmosphere and make large spaces look intimate. They can be used as movable objects to enhance decor, even in poorly lit areas. Flowering house plants require more light and can be used as decorative items while in bloom, then moved back to a well-lit area to recover. Miniature gardens can be created in small containers using a mix of foliage and flowering plants. Trailing and bushy plants can be used together for a decorative effect, while glass terrariums are ideal for delicate plants. Pests and diseases can be prevented by proper care. Check out the different types of house plants to learn more.
The list includes various categories of house plants, such as full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging basket, floor plant, table plant, terrarium plant, very easy, easy, demanding, temporary, flowering, climbing or trailing, and those with colorful foliage or fragrance. Additionally, there is a section on gardening.
The article also discusses how to prevent pests and diseases in house plants. It explains that plant problems may be caused by cultural practices, such as insufficient light, lack of water, overwatering, lack of fertilizer, and buildup of mineral salts in the soil. The article provides a chart to help identify these symptoms and offers solutions for each problem.
Furthermore, the article suggests using biological pesticides, such as insecticidal soap, to treat pests without harming other inhabitants of the home. It advises reading the label carefully and using appropriate pesticides for the specific problem. Organic pesticides, such as diatomaceous earth, rubbing alcohol, rotenone, and powdered sulfur, are recommended for indoor use. Another chart is provided to help identify and treat plant conditions caused by pests.
The article discusses various pests and insects that can infect house plants. The symptoms, causes, and treatments for each type of infestation are detailed in a table. Spider mites can cause leaves to appear dusty and mottled while mealybugs can cause little balls of cotton to appear on stems and leaves. Scale insects can cause shell or scale-like bumps while aphids can cluster together on new growth. Whiteflies can cause tiny dandruff-like insects to rise up while thrips can cause leaves to become streaked and mottled. Cyclamen mites can cause distorted growth while springtails and fungus gnats are relatively harmless. The article concludes with a chart to help identify and treat plant diseases.
The article discusses the various diseases that can affect house plants, their symptoms, causes, and treatments. White and gray molds, leaf spot, and root or stem rot are among the most common diseases that can be avoided by improving air circulation, not moistening foliage when watering, and treating plants with appropriate fungicides. The article also suggests using pasteurized potting mixes and isolating new plants after purchase to prevent insect and disease problems. In the final section, the article provides tips for vacation care for house plants, including using watering systems such as wicks, capillary matting, and hydroculture, and leaving plants at home with last-minute tricks to keep them alive. A list of house plants by type is also provided for readers to explore.
To reduce the amount of water needed for plants, remove any flowers and buds and place them in a shady spot. Although waterlogged soil is not ideal, a one-time flooding can be tolerated by most plants. After this treatment, they can survive without care for at least three weeks. Fragile plants can be covered in plastic to prevent evaporation and last for over a month without watering. Alternatively, ask a knowledgeable neighbor to water the plants once or twice a week. To learn about house plants by type, check out the various categories listed. The author, Larry Hodgson, is an experienced garden writer based in Quebec City who has written multiple books on gardening, including Houseplants for Dummies and Ortho’s Complete Guide to Houseplants.
FAQ
1. What are some basic tips for caring for house plants?
Some basic tips for caring for house plants include providing proper lighting, watering, and fertilizing. Each plant has different needs, so it’s important to research the specific requirements for each one. Additionally, make sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.
2. How often should I water my house plants?
The frequency of watering your house plants depends on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the environmental conditions. In general, most house plants prefer to be kept slightly moist but not overly wet. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid root rot.
3. Can I use tap water to water my house plants?
Tap water can be used to water house plants, but it may contain chemicals and minerals that can be harmful to some plants. If you have hard water, you may want to consider using filtered water or rainwater instead. Additionally, some plants are sensitive to chlorine, so it’s important to let the water sit out for 24 hours before using it.
4. How do I know if my house plant needs more or less light?
Most house plants will show signs of either too much or too little light. If the leaves are yellowing or dropping, it may be a sign of too much light. If the leaves are turning pale or the plant is not growing, it may need more light. It’s important to research the specific lighting requirements for each plant and adjust accordingly.
5. Can I use regular soil for my house plants?
Regular soil is not recommended for house plants because it can become compacted and prevent proper drainage. Instead, it’s recommended to use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for house plants. These mixes typically contain a blend of peat moss, perlite, and other materials to promote healthy growth.
6. How often should I fertilize my house plants?
The frequency of fertilizing your house plants depends on the type of plant and the time of year. In general, most house plants will benefit from fertilizing every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
7. Should I prune my house plants?
Pruning is an important part of caring for house plants. It helps promote healthy growth and can prevent the plant from becoming too large or leggy. It’s recommended to prune your house plants regularly, removing any dead or damaged leaves and trimming back any overgrown stems.
8. How do I prevent pests from infesting my house plants?
The best way to prevent pests from infesting your house plants is to keep them healthy and free from stress. This includes providing proper lighting, watering, and fertilizing. Additionally, it’s important to regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests and treat them promptly if necessary.
9. Can I repot my house plants?
Repotting is an important part of caring for house plants. It helps provide fresh soil and encourages healthy growth. It’s recommended to repot your house plants every 1-2 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current pot.
10. How do I know if my house plant is getting too big for its pot?
If your house plant is getting too big for its pot, you may notice that the roots are growing out of the drainage holes or the plant is becoming top-heavy and unstable. Additionally, the soil may dry out quickly or the plant may require more frequent watering. It’s important to repot your house plant before it becomes too root-bound and stressed.
11. Are there any house plants that are easy to care for?
Yes, there are many house plants that are easy to care for, even for beginners. Some examples include pothos, snake plant, spider plant, and peace lily. These plants are tolerant of a wide range of lighting and watering conditions and can thrive with minimal care.
Brody is a skilled craftsman and gardening expert. From renovating living spaces to cultivating lush gardens, Brody’s knowledge and passion shine through, inspiring readers to embark on their own home improvement and gardening journeys with confidence.
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