Lawn & Garden
 Indoor plants add a touch of freshness and color to your home. Check out more images of indoor plants. |
Who said that gardens are only meant for outdoors? You can have the beauty and vitality of plants inside your home with indoor plants. In this article, we will discuss various aspects of caring for indoor plants, including lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, fertilizing, potting, grooming, propagating, decorating, preventing pests and diseases, and taking care of them while you are on vacation.
Several scientific studies have shown that having living plants around us can have a calming effect, improve efficiency, and enhance overall satisfaction with life. Tending to plants is known to have therapeutic benefits, positively impacting both physical and mental health. Moreover, green plants are known to filter common pollutants from the air, making the indoor air cleaner and healthier.
Millions of indoor plants are sold every year across the country. They are featured in all rooms by interior decorators and are a staple in home decorating magazines. You can easily find indoor plants in nurseries, plant stores, supermarkets, and department stores.
The good news is that growing indoor plants is not a daunting task. In fact, it is surprisingly simple. Armed with some basic knowledge, anyone can grow indoor plants. Keep reading to learn about lighting for indoor plants.
Want to learn more about different types of indoor plants? Check out these categories:
- 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
Lighting for Indoor Plants
Indoor plants, like animals, rely on light for survival. They absorb light and convert its energy into sugars and starches for growth and sustenance. Without adequate light, no plant can thrive.
Fortunately, indoor plants let us know when they are not getting enough light. They will have pale growth and will stretch towards the nearest light source. Flowering will be weak or nonexistent, and it will be difficult to water them properly. Without sufficient light, they cannot use the water supplied to them, leading to rot.
 Southern exposures receive full sun from late morning to mid-afternoon. |
The light requirements of different indoor plants vary. What may seem like a dark corner to a flowering plant may be perfectly fine for a foliage plant. As long as there is enough light to read by, certain indoor plants will thrive in any condition.
Differences in Light Throughout the Seasons
The intensity of light varies depending on the season. During the winter months, a south-facing window, which may be too intense for many foliage house plants during the summer, is the best location 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 sun’s glare. Meanwhile, a north-facing window may not provide enough light for flowering house plants during the winter, but almost every house plant will thrive in its cool brightness during the summer months. It’s important to move house plants from one location to another depending on the season.
Enhancing Natural Light
If your house plants show signs of inadequate light, you can increase the intensity they receive by removing any obstacles that block the light’s path like curtains, blinds, and outdoor foliage. Regularly cleaning the windows will also help. Another easy way to enhance light is to paint nearby walls and furniture in light shades so they reflect light instead of absorbing it.
Artificial Light
House plants grow perfectly well under artificial light. However, incandescent lamps, even those specifically for plants, produce poor quality light that promotes weak and unhealthy growth. They are only appropriate for house plants that receive some natural light. Fluorescent lights and halogen lamps, on the other hand, produce light that is very similar in quality to sunlight, making them ideal for house plants to thrive. For optimal results, set the artificial light on timers for 12- to 14-hour days and ensure that the lamp is far enough from the plants to prevent overheating.
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Window-by-Window Light Exposure Light exposure varies among the windows in your home.
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In the next section, we’ll discuss watering house plants.
Interested in learning about different types of house plants? Check out these resources:
The list comprises different types of house plants, namely 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, and Gardening.
When watering house plants, it is best to keep the soil evenly moist, not too wet or too dry. Some plants prefer their soil to dry out completely between watering. It is always recommended to water the plants thoroughly and wait until they need more water before watering them again. Using tepid water straight from the tap or letting water stand overnight is preferable. In areas where water is hard or artificially softened, rainwater is the best choice.
You can tell if a plant needs water by checking it every two or three days. Some people check soil color, while others stick their finger into the mix or use moisture meters. Lifting the pot is another way of telling if the plant needs water.
Watering from above is the most common method. Water the plant thoroughly until excess moisture runs out of the bottom of the pot. If the plant is severely wilted, watering from above may not be sufficient, and you may need to soak the pot in water. Watering from below is another option. Fill the saucer with water and wait for 20 minutes. Pour out any excess water after that time.
To keep house plants that require consistently moist soil healthy, wicking and capillary mats can be useful solutions. Wicking involves placing a water reservoir, like an old margarine container, next to the plant and inserting a piece of yarn into the soil and the reservoir. Once water is poured into the soil from the top, the plant will absorb the water through the yarn. Capillary mats, either store-bought or homemade from materials like old blankets or carpeting, can be cut to fit a saucer or tray and placed under a collection of plants. Water is added to the mat and the plants absorb moisture as needed. Humidity is also important for plant health, with most plants requiring at least 40% humidity, and symptoms of dry air including curled leaves and dry tips, as well as the loss of flower buds. Spraying plants with water can increase humidity levels in the air. Regional and seasonal variations can affect humidity levels, but a relative humidity of 50-60% is ideal for both plants and people.
In certain areas of the country, particularly in the dry Southwest, dry air is a continual issue. Furthermore, air conditioning exacerbates the problem by further dehydrating the air during periods of extreme heat. In such regions, a humidifier may be necessary for year-round use.
In areas with cold winters, indoor humidity levels decrease during the heating season. This is due to the fact that the relative humidity of cold outdoor air decreases as it is warmed up. Certain heating systems, such as electric heat, worsen the situation by removing more humidity from the air. In these cases, some form of system to compensate for low humidity may be necessary during the winter months.
Air Circulation
Plants outdoors are exposed to all sorts of air currents, and many appear to require a certain amount of air movement indoors. Air circulation aids in the removal of waste gases, the elimination of excess heat, and the prevention of diseases that can develop in enclosed spaces. There is often adequate air circulation near large windows due to temperature differences between day and night. However, elsewhere, particularly under plant lights, it is advisable to use a small fan to keep the air in constant motion. Do not aim the fan at the plants. Simply having it in the same room will provide the necessary circulation.
Simple Ways to Increase Humidity
The most well-known method of increasing air humidity is to spray houseplants with warm water. Unfortunately, this is not particularly effective since the humidity provided dissipates quickly. To effectively increase humidity by spraying, repeat the process several times per day.
A room humidifier will work wonders in increasing air humidity. Just be sure to fill it up on a regular basis. Some modern homes have built-in humidifiers that can be adjusted to the desired level.
You can easily make your own plant humidifier. Simply fill a waterproof tray with stones, gravel, or perlite and pour water over them so that the bottom ones are submerged in water while the top ones remain dry. Place the plants on one of these pebble trays. As the water evaporates, they will benefit from the added humidity. By keeping the tray consistently half-filled with water, a nicely humid microclimate will be created.
For house plants with moderate humidity requirements, grouping them together during the heating season is a straightforward solution. Each plant releases humidity through transpiration. Clusters of plants will generate very good humidity in the surrounding air.
Terrariums
Fragile, thin-leaved house plants require a humidity level of over 70%, which is difficult to achieve in a large room. If this level is impossible to maintain, a terrarium, which can be easily constructed from an old aquarium, may be the best solution. With a glass lid, it creates a microclimate in which humidity levels rise to nearly 100%. If water droplets form, simply open it slightly for ventilation.
In the next section, we’ll talk about temperature for house plants.
Want to learn about house plants by type? Try these:
The article provides a list of different types of house plants, including those that thrive in full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging baskets, floors, tables, terrariums, and those that are easy, demanding, temporary, flowering, climbing or trailing, and have colorful foliage or fragrance. The article then discusses the ideal temperature for house plants, which is similar to the tropical and subtropical climates where most house plants originate. A daytime temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) is perfect for healthy growth, and occasional summertime highs up to 90°F (32°C) are tolerable. Nighttime temperatures should be 5-10°F (3-5°C) cooler than daytime temperatures, and ventilation or air conditioning can help regulate extreme heat. Some subtropical plants prefer cooler temperatures and can be placed near cool windows or in slightly heated rooms. The article ends with a list of other types of house plants for readers to explore.
Caring for House Plants with Fertilizers
It is essential to understand that fertilizing and feeding are not the same for plants. While light provides energy to the plants, fertilizers can be harmful if the plant is not growing well and not receiving enough light. New or repotted house plants should rest from feeding for a few months to consume the nutrients available in the growing mix.
 Soilless potting mixes require fertilizers for the healthy growth of plants. |
Plants need three major elements for healthy growth, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Fertilizer labels indicate their ratio in percentage like 6-12-4, where 6% is nitrogen, 12% is phosphorus, and 4% is potassium. Besides, fertilizers also contain minor elements such as magnesium, iron, and boron, necessary for plant growth.
Usually, fertilizers rich in nitrogen (first number) promote healthy foliage growth, while those rich in phosphorus (second number) improve flowering and root development. Potassium (third number) helps to build reserves for dormant plants.
For foliage house plants, fertilizers like 30-20-20 are suitable, while flowering plants prefer those rich in phosphorus, such as 15-30-15. An all-purpose or high-nitrogen fertilizer suits most foliage house plants, while flowering house plants need more phosphorus.
Constant Feeding
Regular fertilizing is necessary for plants grown in soilless potting mixes. One way to ensure they receive the necessary fertilizer is to use the constant feed method.
Take a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer designed for monthly application and reduce its dosage by four. Apply this at every watering, like ¼ teaspoon per gallon, instead of the recommended once a month at one teaspoon per gallon. Once a month, take the plant to the sink and leach it carefully to prevent fertilizer buildup.
Choosing Fertilizers for House Plants
Ready-to-use liquid fertilizers are convenient but expensive. Water-soluble fertilizers in powder or crystal forms are economical since water is added separately. Slow-release fertilizers are also available in granule or spike forms, applied once every few months as per the label’s recommendation.
Organic versus Chemical Fertilizers
Both organic and chemical fertilizers are available, with varying concentrations. Chemical fertilizers applied to house plants do not leach out, making them safe for indoor plants. Even organic growers use chemical fertilizers for their house plants.
Liquid seaweed is a popular organic fertilizer that is absorbed by a plant’s leaves when applied as a foliar spray. House plants can be cared for with simple kitchen utensils such as a spoon for repotting, a pair of scissors for trimming yellowing leaves, and a sharp knife for taking cuttings. A recycled window spray bottle can also be used for applying pesticides. The most important tool for proper plant care is a good watering can with a long but narrow spout. 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 plants may require repotting two or more times a year. Signs that a plant needs repotting include wilting a few days after watering, tipping over, or a buildup of mineral salts on the stem and pot rim. House plants that are difficult to repot, such as tree-sized plants, can be top-dressed annually by scraping off the top inch of potting mix and replacing it with new mix.
To repot a plant, tip it upside down and loosen the rootball with a knife if necessary. Remove up to one third of the original potting mix and trim off any dead or damaged roots. Choose a clean pot no more than one or two sizes larger than the previous one and pour enough potting mix into the bottom to bring the plant up to its original height. Center the plant and fill in the empty space with growing mix before giving it a thorough watering to help it adjust to its new home.
For more information on house plants, there are different types to learn about, such as full sun, bright light, and light shade house plants, as well as those with colorful foliage and fragrant blooms.
After repotting, it is recommended to keep house plants away from direct sunlight for a week or two.
Hydroculture
Plants can be grown in water using an inert medium like clay pellets or pebbles as an anchor, without the need for soil. Nutrients are provided in the form of slow-release pellets or tablets. Hydroculture kits are available for all plant sizes, but it is easier to start plants from cuttings.
The Right Pot for the Job
Plastic pots are ideal for plants that require moist soil, while clay pots are suitable for those that prefer drier soil. All pots must have drainage holes to avoid overwatering.
Potting Mixes for House Plants
Most house plants thrive in all-purpose potting mixes made of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Cacti and succulents grow better in soil-based mixes that drain faster. Orchids and Venus’s fly-traps require well-aerated mixes made of sphagnum moss, bark chips, or epiphyte mixes.
In the next section, we will discuss temperature for house plants.
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
Basic grooming can transform an unattractive house plant into a stunning one. Removing dead leaves is one easy way to improve its appearance.
The Quarter Turn
Turning the plant by a quarter every week ensures that all sides receive equal light and encourages even growth.
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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, ensuring it receives light from all sides and grows symmetrically. It’s important to remove dead or yellowing plant parts to prevent the spread of insects and diseases. Cleaning leaves with soapy water or exposing them to a warm rain helps prevent dust buildup and promotes growth. Pruning unattractive sections of the plant can stimulate new growth and make the plant look fuller. If a stem needs support, use an unobtrusive stake like bamboo. Propagating house plants can be a fun challenge and can be done through stem cuttings or other methods.
Stem cuttings are a popular way to propagate plants and can be used for any plant with noticeable stems. To do this, select a healthy section of stem with at least three nodes and cut it cleanly just below the lowest node. Remove any flowers or leaves growing from the bottom node and consider using rooting hormone to encourage faster rooting. Rooting can be done in water, but it is best to use a pasteurized rooting mix such as soilless growing media, vermiculite, sand, or perlite. Place the cutting in a prepared hole in the mix, making sure at least one node is covered, and cover the container with plastic to maintain high humidity. Once the cutting has rooted and is growing on its own, remove the plastic and treat it like an adult plant.
Succulent and cactus cuttings should be allowed to heal over before being potted, and leaf cuttings can be used for only a few plants but are easy to propagate. Break off a whole leaf, including its stalk, and insert the stalk into the rooting medium, covering it with plastic. Some plants can even be rooted using small leaf sections. Layering is another method of propagation.
This guide provides various methods for propagating house plants. For trailing plants or those that produce baby plants on stolons, simply set a pot filled with moist growing mix under a section of stem and pin it down to the mix with a hairpin or twist tie. When the attached section has rooted, cut it free from the mother plant and grow it on its own. This method can be used for plants such as hare’s foot ferns, episcias, pothos, Boston ferns, and strawberry begonias.
For trees or shrub-like plants with thick or woody stems that are hard to root from stem cuttings, the air layering method can be used. Make a cut halfway through the main stem, about one third of the way down from the growing tip. Insert a sliver of wood or a match into the cutting to prevent it from healing over. Apply rooting compound and cover with moist sphagnum moss, then wrap in plastic and attach to the stem with twist ties. When roots have formed, pot the new plant in an individual pot.
For plants that grow in clumps, division is the best method. Remove the plant from its pot and break the rootball up into sections, each with at least one rooted stem, using a knife if necessary. Plant the divisions in individual pots. Plants that produce offsets can be cut free from the mother plant when they reach about one third of their size, and can be treated as newly potted plants.
Almost all house plants can be grown from seed, although it may be easiest to buy them from seed companies. Sprinkle the seeds over a moist growing medium and press lightly. Large seeds should be covered with a thin layer of potting mix. Cover the container with plastic or glass and place in a warm, brightly lit spot. When plantlets have formed at least four true leaves, harden them off and pot them individually. Plants easily propagated by seed include asparagus ferns, begonias, primroses, and parlor palms.
For more information on specific types of house plants, try the related links provided.
The list includes 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, and Gardening. House plants are often used as decorations for the home and can create a cozy atmosphere. They can also make small spaces appear larger and add depth to larger spaces. It is hard to imagine a home decor that doesn’t include house plants. To keep house plants healthy, it is important to consider them as movable objects. For every shady spot in the home, buy two plants and switch them around once a week. Flowering house plants need more light than foliage plants and can be used as decorative items while in bloom. Dish gardens and terrariums are easy to make and can be composed of small foliage and flowering plants. Trailing and bushy plants can be mixed for a decorative effect, and glass terrariums can be used for delicate plants. It is important to prevent pests and diseases in house plants.
The list includes different types of house plants, such as those that thrive in full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging baskets, on the floor or table, and in terrariums. There are also categories for easy and very easy plants, as well as those that are demanding, temporary, flowering, climbing or trailing, with colorful foliage, or fragrant. In addition, the article provides a chart to help identify and treat plant problems caused by cultural practices, such as insufficient light, lack of water, overwatering, lack of fertilizer, and buildup of mineral salts. The article also suggests using organic pesticides, such as insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth, rubbing alcohol, rotenone, pyrethrine, and powdered sulfur, to treat pests in an indoor environment.
The article discusses various pests and insects that can harm houseplants and how to treat them. The pests and their symptoms are listed in a table, which includes the cause and treatment for each one. Spider mites cause leaves to appear mottled and dusty, with tiny moving “spiders” seen when shaken over a sheet of white paper. Mealybugs create little balls of “cotton” on stems and leaves, leading to yellowing and covered secretions. Scale insects cause shell- or scale-like bumps on leaves and stems, leading to yellowing and covered secretions. Aphids create clusters of green to black, round-bodied, translucent insects on new growth, leading to yellowing and covered secretions. Whiteflies create tiny, white, dandruff-like insects that rise up when the plant is touched, with small translucent bumps seen underneath the leaves. Thrips create streaks and mottling on leaves and foliage, with hyphen-sized insects scattering about when breathed upon. Cyclamen mites cause new growth to turn brown and dry, eventually stopping altogether, and affects mostly African violets, begonias, and cyclamens. Springtails are tiny insects seen jumping on the soil surface during watering, while fungus gnats and sand flies create tiny black midges hovering around plants and in the house. The article also mentions that plant conditions could also be caused by diseases, and a chart is provided to help identify symptoms and learn how to treat them.
The article discusses common diseases that affect house plants and provides tips for their treatment. A table is included that lists symptoms, causes, and treatments for white mold, gray mold, leaf spot, and root or stem rot. The article also suggests using pasteurized potting mixes and isolating new plants to avoid insect and disease problems. A section on vacation care for house plants is provided, with tips for using watering systems and caring for plants during extended absences. The article concludes by offering links to other resources for learning about different types of house plants.
To keep plants alive while on vacation, place them in a shaded area and remove any flowers or buds to decrease their need for water. Although plants typically do not like waterlogged soil, they can tolerate it for a short period of time, so submerge them in water using a deep tray. After this treatment, most plants can survive for at least three weeks without attention. For delicate plants, cover them with plastic to prevent water evaporation and they can last for over a month without care. Alternatively, entrust your plants to a knowledgeable neighbor who can water them once or twice a week. If you want to learn about different types of house plants, check out the various categories listed. The author of this article is Larry Hodgson, a garden writer from Quebec City who has written numerous books on gardening and won the Perennial Plant Association’s 2006 Garden Media Award.
FAQ
1. What are some common mistakes people make when caring for house plants?
Some common mistakes people make when caring for house plants include overwatering, underwatering, placing plants in areas with insufficient light, not providing enough humidity, and not repotting as needed.
2. How often should I water my house plants?
The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant and its environment. Generally, it’s best to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. This can range from once a week to once a month.
3. What are some signs that my plant needs water?
Some signs that your plant needs water include drooping leaves, dry soil, and a lighter weight when you lift the pot.
4. What is the best type of soil for house plants?
The best type of soil for house plants is a well-draining potting mix. This allows for proper drainage and prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged.
5. How much light do house plants need?
The amount of light needed varies depending on the type of plant. Generally, most house plants prefer bright, indirect light. However, some plants, such as succulents, prefer direct sunlight.
6. How do I increase humidity for my house plants?
You can increase humidity for your house plants by placing a tray of water near the plant, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves with water.
7. How often should I fertilize my house plants?
The frequency of fertilizing depends on the type of plant and its growth rate. Generally, fertilizing every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) is recommended.
8. Can I use tap water to water my house plants?
It’s best to use filtered or distilled water to water your house plants. Tap water can contain minerals and chemicals that can harm your plants over time.
9. How do I repot my house plant?
To repot your house plant, gently remove it from its current pot and shake off any excess soil. Place it in a new pot with fresh potting mix, making sure the roots are covered. Water thoroughly.
10. How do I prune my house plants?
To prune your house plant, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also prune to shape the plant or encourage new growth.
11. How do I propagate my house plants?
To propagate your house plant, you can take stem or leaf cuttings and place them in water or soil. Make sure the cuttings have at least one node (where a leaf meets the stem) and keep them in a bright, humid location until they root.
12. How do I deal with pests on my house plants?
To deal with pests on your house plants, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or wipe the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap. It’s also important to regularly inspect your plants for pests and isolate any infected plants to prevent spread.
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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