Guide to Taking Care of Indoor Plants

Lawn & Garden

Indoor plants can add a touch of freshness to any home. For more images of indoor plants, check out our gallery.

Who says gardens are only meant for the outdoors? Bring the beauty and liveliness of plants inside your home with indoor plants. In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of taking care of indoor plants such as lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, fertilizing, potting, grooming, propagating, decorating, and pest prevention.

Studies show that living plants can make people feel calmer, more efficient, and more satisfied with their lives. Taking care of plants is also considered therapeutic, with positive effects on both physical and mental health. Furthermore, indoor plants are known to filter common pollutants from the air.

Millions of indoor plants are sold every year, and they are a popular feature in home decor magazines and interior design. They are available in nurseries, plant stores, supermarkets, and department stores.

Taking care of indoor plants is not difficult, and armed with basic knowledge of plant care, anyone can succeed in growing them. Learn about indoor plant lighting in the next section.

Want to learn about specific types of indoor plants? Check these out:

• Indoor Plants
• Full Sun Indoor Plants
• Bright Light Indoor Plants
• Filtered Light Indoor Plants
• Light Shade Indoor Plants
• Hanging Basket Indoor Plants
• Floor Plant Indoor Plants
• Table Plant Indoor Plants
• Terrarium Plant Indoor Plants
• Very Easy Indoor Plants
• Easy Indoor Plants
• Demanding Indoor Plants
• Temporary Indoor Plants
• Flowering Indoor Plants
• Climbing or Trailing Indoor Plants
• Indoor Plants with Colorful Foliage
• Fragrant Indoor Plants
• Gardening

Indoor Plant Lighting

Indoor plants rely on light for energy just as animals rely on food. They absorb light and convert its energy into sugars and starches to grow and survive. Without adequate light, no plant can thrive.

Fortunately, indoor plants give us clues when they are not getting enough light. They may have pale growth and stretch towards the nearest light source. Flowering may be weak or non-existent, and they may not be able to use the water we supply, leading to rot.

Southern exposures get full sun from late morning to mid-afternoon.

The light requirements of different indoor plants vary. A dark corner may be acceptable for some foliage plants, while a flowering plant may require more light. As long as there is enough light to read by, certain indoor plants can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Seasonal Variations

The intensity of light varies according to the season. A south-facing window, which may be too intense for many indoor plants during the summer, is the best location for most house plants during the winter months. During summer, plants should be moved away from hot south or west windows or covered with a sheer curtain to protect them from the sun’s glare. On the other hand, a north-facing window may not receive enough light for flowering house plants during the winter, but almost all house plants will thrive in its cool brightness during the summer. It is recommended to move house plants from one location to another according to the season.

Enhancing Natural Light

If your indoor plants show signs of lacking light, you can increase the intensity they receive by removing any obstructions that obstruct the path of light, such as curtains, blinds, and outdoor foliage. Regular window cleaning can also help. Another simple way to enhance light is to paint nearby walls and furniture in pale shades that reflect light instead of absorbing it.

Artificial Light

Indoor plants adapt perfectly well to artificial light. However, incandescent lamps, even those designed for plants, produce light of poor quality that promotes weak and unhealthy growth. They are only suitable for house plants that receive some natural light. Fluorescent and halogen lamps, on the other hand, produce light that is very close in quality to sunlight, which allows house plants to thrive under them. For best results, use artificial light on timers set at 12- to 14-hour days and make sure the lamp is far enough from the plants to prevent overheating.

Window by Window The amount of light exposure varies among the windows in your home. South Window: This is the sunniest exposure, getting full sun from late morning to mid-afternoon and bright light the rest of the day. Such locations will especially suit flowering house plants and those from arid climates, like cacti and succulents. Plants can usually be placed quite a distance back from a south window and still get very good light. East Window: This location is often considered the best for growing house plants. It receives full sun for a short period in the morning and bright light the rest of the day. Cooler than a west window, it allows house plants to get the bright light they need without danger of overheating. Both foliage and flowering plants thrive here. West Window: Like an east window, the west window receives full sun for part of the day and bright light for the rest. Its main disadvantage is that many house plants find such a spot a bit hot for their tastes. Both foliage and flowering plants thrive here. North Window: House plants in north windows receive no direct sun, but, depending on the season, can receive bright light for much of the day. Generally speaking, only foliage plants will thrive here, and even then, they must be grown close to the glass.

In the following section, we will discuss watering indoor plants.

Want to learn about different types of indoor plants? Check these out:

The list includes various types of house plants such as hanging basket, floor plant, table plant, terrarium plant, and climbing or trailing plant. There are also different categories of house plants, which are based on their light requirements and level of care. Some plants need to be watered regularly, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. It is important to water plants thoroughly and to check their watering needs every few days. There are different ways to determine if a plant needs water, such as checking the soil color, feeling the mix with a finger, or using a moisture meter. Watering from above and below are both viable options, but it’s important to ensure that the plant has received enough water. Rainwater is often a good choice for watering house plants, especially in areas with hard water.

If you have house plants that require moist soil, wicking is a great solution. All you need is a water reservoir and a piece of yarn. Simply insert one end of the yarn into the top of the soil, and push it down into a drainage hole with a knitting needle. Then, punch a hole in the lid of your water reservoir and insert the other end of the yarn. Water your plant once from the top to soak the wick, and from then on, the plant will absorb water through the yarn. Make sure to keep the reservoir filled with water or a water-fertilizer solution at all times. This method is especially useful for those who are often away, as wick-watered plants can go for weeks without watering.

You can also use a capillary mat, which can be store-bought or homemade. Cut the mat to fit your saucer or tray, and water your plants thoroughly from the top the first time. Then, simply keep the mat moist, and your plants will absorb water as needed.

Most plants need humid air to thrive, as their pores lose moisture in dry air, which they can’t always replace through root absorption. Thinner leaves need more humidity, while thick, leathery, or waxy leaves are often immune to dry air. Symptoms of dry air include curled leaves, dry leaf tips, and frequent watering needs.

To increase humidity, you can spray your plants with water. Most house plants prefer humidity levels of at least 40%, with many requiring 60% or more. A relative humidity of 50%-60% is ideal for both plants and people.

Dry air is a common issue in some parts of the country, particularly in the arid Southwest. Air conditioning during extreme heat only worsens the problem. In such areas, using a humidifier throughout the year may be necessary. During the winter season in areas with cold weather, indoor humidity levels decrease due to the low relative humidity of cold outdoor air as it is heated indoors. Some heating systems, like electric heat, exacerbate the situation by removing even more 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 is crucial for indoor plants. It helps to remove excess heat, ventilate waste gases, and prevent diseases that can develop in enclosed spaces. While there is often adequate air circulation near large windows due to temperature differences between day and night, it is necessary to have a small fan to keep the air moving in other areas, particularly under plant lights. It is not advisable to direct the fan on the plants; having it in the same room is sufficient for the necessary circulation.

The most well-known way to increase air humidity is by spraying houseplants with warm water. However, this is not very effective as the humidity dissipates quickly. To raise humidity efficiently, repeat the process several times a day. A room humidifier is an excellent way to increase air humidity, but it is crucial to refill it regularly. Some modern homes come with built-in humidifiers that can be adjusted to the desired level. It is also easy to create a plant humidifier by filling a waterproof tray with stones, gravel, or perlite and pouring water over them. Set the plants on the tray so that the bottom ones rest in water while the upper ones are dry. By keeping the tray half-filled with water, a nicely humid microclimate will be created. Grouping house plants with moderate humidity needs together during the heating season is also an easy solution. Each plant releases humidity through transpiration, and clustering them creates good humidity in the surrounding air.

Delicate house plants with thin leaves require a humidity level of over 70 percent, which is challenging to achieve in a large room. If it is impossible to maintain such high humidity levels, a terrarium made from an old aquarium can be the best solution. With a glass lid fitted, it creates a microclimate where humidity levels rise to almost 100 percent. If water droplets form, open it slightly for ventilation.

In the following section, we will discuss temperature requirements for house plants.

This is a list of different types of house plants categorized by their light and care requirements. The categories include house plants for full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging baskets, floor plants, table plants, terrariums, easy care, demanding care, temporary use, flowering, climbing or trailing, colorful foliage, and fragrant plants. Additionally, there is information on the ideal temperature for house plants, which is between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. However, some subtropical plants prefer cooler temperatures, especially those forced into winter bloom. It’s important to avoid exposing house plants to extreme heat or cold drafts and to increase humidity in dry climates. Finally, the article recommends trying out different types of house plants by exploring each category.

Feeding House Plants with Fertilizers

It’s important to understand that fertilizing and feeding are not the same things when it comes to plants. Although fertilizers contain essential elements for growth, plants rely on light as their primary source of energy. Therefore, fertilizing should only be done once the plant is growing well and receiving sufficient light. Newly purchased or repotted house plants require a few months of rest from fertilizing to use up the nutrients already present in the growing mix.

Plants grown in soilless potting mixes require fertilizers to thrive.

Plants need three primary elements for healthy growth: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Fertilizer labels always list these elements in ratios such as 6-12-4, which indicates the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium respectively. Fertilizers also contain minor elements like magnesium, boron, and iron that are essential for plant growth.

Fertilizers with higher nitrogen percentages (first number) promote healthy foliage growth, while those with higher phosphorus percentages (second number) encourage root development and better flowering. Those with higher potassium percentages (third number) build up reserves for dormant plants.

For foliage house plants, fertilizers with a ratio such as 30-20-20 are best for leaf development, while flowering house plants require more phosphorus, such as 15-30-15. All-purpose fertilizers or those with high nitrogen content are suitable for most foliage house plants, while those with higher phosphorus content are better for flowering house plants.

Constant Feeding

Most house plants grow in soilless potting mixes that lack essential nutrients, making regular fertilizing essential. One way to ensure your plants get enough fertilizer is to use a constant feed method.

Mix a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer that is designed for monthly application, and reduce the dosage by four. For example, if the label recommends applying one teaspoon per gallon of water once a month, apply ¼ teaspoon per gallon of water every time you water your plants. Once a month, take the plant to a sink and leach it carefully by running clear water through its pot until excess fertilizer drains. This helps prevent fertilizer buildup.

Choosing Fertilizers for House Plants

Ready-to-use liquid fertilizers are convenient but expensive since they contain a lot of water. Water-soluble fertilizers are just as effective and more economical since you add water yourself. Slow-release fertilizers are also popular as they only need to be applied every few months. They come in granule form or as spikes and tablets that can be added to the potting mix. The label on the fertilizer will suggest the recommended frequency of application.

Organic vs. Chemical Fertilizers

Both organic and chemical fertilizers are available in various concentrations. Although some growers only use organic fertilizers outdoors, they may not hesitate to use chemical fertilizers on their indoor plants since they don’t leach out into the environment.

Liquid seaweed is a widely used organic fertilizer that is applied as a foliar spray and is absorbed by the plant’s leaves. House plants do not require expensive gardening equipment, and simple kitchen utensils such as scissors, a spoon, a sharp knife, and a recycled window spray bottle are enough for their care. A good watering can with a long but narrow spout is the most important tool for proper plant care. The next section talks about potting house plants. House plants should be repotted at least once a year, especially in the spring, while fast-growing plants may require repotting two or more times a year. One sign that a house plant needs repotting is when it wilts only a few days after a thorough watering. Repotting should also be done when plants threaten to tip over or when a white or yellowish crust appears on the plant’s stem and pot rim, indicating an excess of mineral salts. Top-dressing, which involves scraping off the top inch of potting mix and replacing it with new mix, is recommended for plants that are difficult or impossible to repot. To repot a plant, the rootball should be gently teased loose, and dead or damaged roots should be trimmed off. A clean pot no more than one or two sizes larger than the previous one should be chosen for repotting. Enough potting mix should be poured into the bottom of the new pot to bring the plant up to its original height. A thorough watering helps the plant adjust to its new home.

When repotting house plants, it’s important to keep them away from bright sunlight for the first couple of weeks.

Hydroculture

Healthy growth for house plants doesn’t necessarily require soil. As long as the roots receive oxygen and moisture, they can thrive. Hydroculture involves growing plants in water using a non-reactive medium like clay pellets or pebbles to anchor them. A water level indicator is used to determine when to add water, which is typically every few weeks. Nutrients are provided through slow-release pellets or tablets. While it’s possible to transfer rooted plants to hydroculture by thoroughly washing the soil from the roots, it’s often easier to start with cuttings. Hydroculture kits are available for plants of all sizes.

The Right Pot for the Job

Plastic pots and other non-porous containers are ideal for house plants that require even moisture, as they dry out slowly. For plants that prefer drier soil, clay pots are better as they allow water to evaporate, reducing the risk of overwatering. All pots should have drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away. Decorative pots without drainage holes can be used as an outer container.

Potting Mixes for House Plants

Most house plants thrive in ready-made, all-purpose potting mixes. These days, most mixes are soilless and contain varying proportions of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. They’re light and well-aerated but hold moisture well, making them ideal for plant growth. This potting mix is preferred by plants like asparagus ferns, Boston ferns, caladiums, and many others. Soil-based mixes are heavier and drain more quickly, which makes them perfect for cacti and succulents. Certain indoor plants, such as cattleya orchids and Venus flytraps, usually grow on trees in the wild and require well-aerated mixes. They’re often grown in fast-draining mixes like sphagnum moss, bark chips, or special epiphyte mixes.

The next section will discuss the temperature requirements for house plants.

If you want to learn about house plants by type, try these:

• 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

Grooming House Plants

Simple grooming can make the difference between an unattractive house plant and a stunning one, yet it’s often the most neglected aspect of basic plant care. Here are some tips for turning your ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.

The Quarter Turn

Removing dead leaves improves a house plant’s appearance.

Plants have a natural tendency to grow towards the light, which can lead to them becoming lopsided or even falling over. To prevent this, rotate the plant a quarter turn with each watering so that it receives light from all sides and grows into a symmetrical shape. It’s also important to keep plants clean by removing dead and yellowing parts with scissors, and wiping down leaves with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water to prevent dust and grease buildup. Pruning can help shape the plant and promote growth, while staking can provide support for attractive stems that have grown too long. To propagate house plants, stem cuttings can be taken and grown into new plants.

Plant propagation through stem cuttings is a widely used technique. This method is applicable to all plants that have visible stems. To start, select a healthy stem section with at least three nodes and use a sharp knife to make a clean cut below the lowest node. Remove any flowers or leaves growing from the bottom node. Although rooting hormone is not necessary, it can be applied to the cut section to stimulate faster rooting.

The best way to root cuttings is by using pasteurized rooting mix such as perlite, sand, vermiculite, or soilless growing media. Moisten the mix lightly and prepare a hole for the stem using a pencil. Insert the cutting into the hole, making sure that at least one node is covered with the mix. Cover the container with clear plastic to maintain high humidity, which is essential to prevent wilting. Place the cutting in bright light, but not in direct sunlight, and keep it warm. When the plant is well-rooted and growing on its own, remove the plastic and treat it like an adult plant.

The remaining stem can be cut up into sections and rooted as well. Make sure not to invert the stem cuttings as they must be right-side up to root. Succulent and cacti cuttings should be allowed to heal over before being potted. Avoid covering succulents with plastic as high humidity can cause them to rot.

Leaf cuttings are an easy way to propagate a few plants. Break off a whole leaf, including its stalk, and insert the stalk into the rooting medium. Cover the container with clear plastic, and new plantlets will soon sprout at the leaf’s base. For some plants like florist’s gloxinias, rex begonias, snake plants, and streptocarpus, even a small leaf section can be rooted. Cut a healthy leaf into sections, each with a major vein, and place each section just barely covered with mix.

Lastly, layering is another method of plant propagation.

This article explains various methods of propagating house plants. For plants with trailing stems or those that produce baby plants on stolons, one can simply set a pot filled with moist growing mix under a section of stem, pin it down to the mix with a hairpin or twist tie, and once the section has rooted, cut it free from the mother plant and grow it on its own. Air layering is used for trees or shrublike plants with thick or woody stems that are hard to root from stem cuttings. The method involves making a cut halfway through the main stem, applying rooting compound, covering it with moist sphagnum moss, wrapping it in plastic, and attaching it to the stem with twist ties. Plants that grow in clumps are best propagated by division, where the rootball is broken up into sections, each with at least one rooted stem, and planted in individual pots. Certain plants produce offsets that can be cut free from the mother plant when they have rooted, while almost all house plants can be grown from seed by sprinkling them over a moist growing medium and potting them individually in small pots once they have formed at least four true leaves.

The list includes various types of house plants such as 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, and Gardening.

Decorating with House Plants is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your home. These plants not only create a sense of coziness but also make large spaces look intimate and small spaces look spacious. House plants can be placed in just the right spots to make your decor look complete. Movable House Plants are a great option for areas where plants do not grow well due to lack of light. For every shady spot, you can buy two plants and switch them around weekly to keep them healthy and attractive. Flowering house plants need more light than foliage types to bloom, but they can still be used as decorative items while in bloom. Dish Gardens and Terrariums are easy to make and can include a mixture of trailing and bushy plants for a decorative effect. Glass terrariums can be used for delicate plants and unattractive plants can be replaced without disturbing other plants. Learn more about preventing pests and diseases in house plants and explore different types of house plants.

The list includes various types of house plants, such as hanging basket plants, floor plants, table plants, terrarium plants, and more, divided according to their level of ease of care, sun exposure, and other characteristics. The article also offers advice on how to prevent and treat common issues with house plants, including diseases, pests, and cultural problems. A table is provided to help readers identify and address specific symptoms, while also stressing the importance of using appropriate pesticides and organic alternatives.

The article discusses common pests that can infest house plants. The pests are identified by their symptoms and causes. The treatments for each pest are also provided. The pests discussed in the article include spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, cyclamen mites, springtails, and fungus gnats. The article also mentions that plant conditions can sometimes be caused by diseases and provides a chart to help identify symptoms and treatments.

The article discusses various house plant diseases and their symptoms, causes, and treatments. White or gray mold on leaves and flowers can be treated by improving air circulation, avoiding moistening foliage during watering, and using fungicides. Leaf spots can be caused by various disease organisms and can be treated by improving air circulation and using fungicides. Root or stem rot, usually linked to overwatering, requires starting the plant over from cuttings. Using pasteurized potting mixes and isolating new plants can help avoid insect and disease problems. The article also provides tips for vacation care for house plants, including using watering systems and leaving plants in sealed terrariums. In case of prolonged absence, some last-minute tricks can keep even difficult house plants alive.

To keep your plants healthy while you’re away, first place them in a shady area and remove any flowers or buds to reduce their need for water. Although too much water is usually harmful, your plants can tolerate it occasionally. Place them in a deep tray and saturate them with water. With this treatment, most plants can survive for at least three weeks on their own. For delicate plants, cover them with plastic to prevent water loss through evaporation, allowing them to survive for over a month without attention. Alternatively, entrust your plants to a knowledgeable neighbor who can water them once or twice a week. To learn about different types of house plants, check out the list provided. Larry Hodgson, a full-time garden writer based in Quebec City, has written several books on gardening in both English and French.

FAQ

1. What are some common mistakes people make when caring for house plants?

One of the most common mistakes people make is overwatering their plants. It’s important to only water them when the soil is dry to the touch. Another mistake is not providing enough light or placing the plant in a location with too much direct sunlight. It’s also important to make sure the plant is in the right size pot and to repot it when necessary.

2. How often should I water my house plants?

It depends on the type of plant and the environment it’s in. Generally, it’s best to wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering. Some plants, like succulents, require less frequent watering than others. It’s important to not overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

3. What type of soil should I use for my house plants?

It’s best to use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for indoor plants. This type of soil is formulated to provide the right balance of nutrients and drainage for house plants. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too heavy and may contain pests or diseases.

4. Can I use tap water to water my house plants?

It depends on the quality of your tap water. If your water is high in minerals or chlorine, it may be best to use filtered or distilled water for your plants. You can also let tap water sit out for a day or two to allow any chlorine to dissipate before using it to water your plants.

5. How often should I fertilize my house plants?

Most house plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). It’s generally recommended to fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and not over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.

6. Can I keep my house plants outside during the summer?

It depends on the type of plant and your climate. Some house plants, like tropical plants, may not tolerate outdoor conditions and should be kept indoors. Others, like succulents, may thrive outside during the summer. It’s important to gradually acclimate your plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a shaded area for a few hours a day and gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight.

7. How can I prevent pests from infesting my house plants?

One of the best ways to prevent pests is to regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation. This includes checking the leaves, stems, and soil for any unusual activity. You can also use natural pest control methods, like spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

8. What should I do if my house plant is not growing?

If your plant is not growing, it may be due to a lack of light or nutrients. Make sure the plant is in a location with adequate light and consider fertilizing it. It’s also possible that the plant is root-bound and needs to be repotted into a larger container. If you’re unsure, consult a plant expert or do some research on the specific type of plant you have.

9. Can I use a humidifier to help my house plants thrive?

Yes, using a humidifier can help create a more favorable environment for many house plants, especially tropical plants. It’s important to not over-humidify, as this can lead to fungal growth or other issues. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60%.

10. How can I revive a dying house plant?

If your plant is showing signs of decline, it’s important to take action quickly. First, make sure the plant is receiving adequate light and water. If the soil is dry, water the plant and consider misting the leaves. You may also need to prune away any dead or damaged foliage. If the plant is severely damaged, it may be best to repot it or consult a plant expert for advice.