Lawn & Garden
 Indoor plants are an excellent addition to any home. Browse more pictures of indoor plants. |
You don’t have to limit the beauty of a garden to the outdoors. You can bring the color, freshness, and vitality of plants inside with indoor plants.
This article will cover the various aspects of caring for indoor plants, including lighting, watering, humidity, temperature, fertilization, potting, grooming, propagation, decoration, pest and disease prevention, and vacation care for indoor plants.
Studies have shown that people are calmer, more efficient, and more satisfied with their lives when they have living plants around them. Taking care of plants is known to have therapeutic benefits, with positive effects on both our physical and mental well-being. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that green plants filter common pollutants from the air around us.
Millions of indoor plants are sold in the country every year. Interior designers feature them in all rooms of the house, and home decor magazines never showcase a finished design without them. Indoor plants are readily available in nurseries, plant stores, supermarkets, and department stores.
The good news is that growing indoor plants is not difficult. In fact, it can be surprisingly easy. Anyone can succeed in growing indoor plants armed with basic knowledge of certain techniques. The next section will explain how to use light for indoor plants.
Want to learn about indoor plants by type? 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
Lighting for Indoor Plants
Indoor plants rely on light in the same way that animals rely on food: they absorb it and convert its energy into the sugars and starches they need to grow and survive. Without sufficient light, no plant can thrive.
Fortunately, indoor plants indicate when they are not receiving enough light. Their growth will be pale, and they will stretch towards the nearest light source. Flowering will be weak or non-existent. It becomes impossible to water them properly: without enough light, they can’t use the water we provide, and eventually, they will rot.
 Southern exposures receive full sun from late morning to mid-afternoon. |
The light requirements of different indoor plants vary. What may appear to be a dark corner for a flowering plant may be perfectly suitable for a foliage plant. Regardless of your conditions, as long as there is enough light to read by, some indoor plants will thrive there.
Seasonal Variations
The intensity of light changes throughout the seasons. While a south-facing window may be too harsh for many house plants in the summer, it’s the ideal spot during the winter months. In the summer, it’s best to move plants away from hot south or west-facing windows or use a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight. On the other hand, a north-facing window may not provide enough light for flowering house plants in winter, but it’s perfect for most house plants during the summer. Don’t hesitate to move house plants around depending on the season.
Enhancing Natural Light
If your house plants show signs of insufficient light, you can increase their exposure by removing any obstructions that block the light, such as curtains, blinds, or outdoor foliage. Regular window cleaning can also help. Another way to improve light is to paint the surrounding walls and furniture in light colors that reflect the light instead of absorbing it.
Artificial Light
House plants can thrive under artificial light. However, incandescent lamps, even those marketed for plants, emit poor-quality light that leads to weak and unhealthy growth. They are only suitable for house plants that receive some natural light. In contrast, fluorescent and halogen lamps produce light that’s similar in quality to sunlight, making them ideal for house plants. For best results, use artificial light on timers set for 12-14 hours per day, and ensure that the lamp is far enough from the plants to prevent overheating.
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Window Specifics The amount of light that each window in your home receives varies.
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Next, we’ll discuss watering your house plants.
Interested in learning about house plants by type? Check these out:
The list consists of different categories of house plants such as hanging basket house plants, climbing or trailing house plants, and floor plant house plants. Additionally, there are house plants with colorful foliage, fragrant house plants, and flowering house plants. You can also find house plants that need filtered light, full sun, light shade, or bright light. Moreover, there are very easy, easy, demanding, and even temporary house plants. Lastly, the list includes terrarium plant house plants and table plant house plants.
When watering house plants, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist, neither soaking wet nor bone dry. However, some plants prefer that their soil dries out entirely between waterings. Always water thoroughly and wait until the plant needs more water before watering it again. You can use tepid water straight from the tap or let water stand overnight. If water is very hard or artificially softened, rainwater is the best choice for watering house plants.
It is best not to wait until your plant collapses before watering it since most plants never recover from severe wilting. You can check your house plant’s needs every two or three days. There are a few ways to tell if a house plant needs water, such as soil color, touching the soil, using a moisture meter, or lifting the pot. Choose whichever method best suits your needs and stick with it.
Most people prefer to water their house plants from above, but if the plant has dried out entirely, it is best to set the pot in water until it soaks up all it can hold. You can also water from below by filling the saucer with water and waiting about 20 minutes. Pour out any excess water if there is still water in the saucer after 20 minutes.
If you have house plants that need to be kept consistently moist, wicking is a possible solution. All you need is a water reservoir, like an old margarine container, and a piece of yarn. Insert one end of the yarn into the potting mix, pushing it down into a drainage hole using a knitting needle. Punch a hole in the lid of the reservoir and insert the other end of the yarn into it. Water the plant once from the top to allow the water to soak through the wick. After that, the plant will absorb the water it needs through the wick. Just keep the reservoir filled with water or a water and fertilizer solution at all times. This method is great if you’re away often because wick-watered plants can go for weeks without watering.
You can also use a capillary mat. This can be a commercially available one or a homemade one made from an old acrylic blanket or piece of indoor/outdoor carpet. Cut the mat to fit the saucer or use a large tray for a collection of plants, and set the plants directly on the matting. Water thoroughly from the top the first time, then simply keep the mat moist. The plants will be able to absorb water from the matting when they need it.
Most plants need humid air to thrive because the pores through which they breathe lose a lot of moisture when the surrounding air is dry. This is a problem because the plant can’t always replace the lost moisture through its roots. Thin leaves need humidity the most. Thick, leathery, waxy, or hairy leaves are usually more resistant to dry air. Symptoms of dry air include curled leaves, dry leaf tips, and a frequent need for watering. Flower buds are especially 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 humidity level in the average home is often below 30 percent, but most house plants prefer humidity levels of at least 40 percent, with many requiring 60 percent or more. Relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent is probably ideal for both house plants and people. There are regional and seasonal variations to consider as well.
Dry air is a common problem in certain regions, especially in the arid Southwest. Air conditioning during extreme heat exacerbates the issue. To combat this problem, a humidifier may be necessary throughout the year. In areas with cold winters, indoor humidity levels decrease during the heating season due to the low relative humidity of cold outdoor air that is warmed up. Some heating systems, such as electric heat, worsen the situation by removing humidity from the air. In such cases, a system to compensate for low humidity during the winter months may be necessary.
Air circulation is important to maintain a healthy indoor environment for plants. This helps to remove waste gases, excess heat, and prevent diseases that can develop in closed spaces. While there is often adequate air circulation near large windows due to temperature differences between day and night, it is wise to run a small fan elsewhere, especially under plant lights, to keep the air in constant movement.
Various methods can be used to increase humidity levels indoors. Spraying houseplants with warm water is a popular method, but the humidity dissipates quickly. To efficiently raise humidity by spraying, repeat the process several times a day. Using a room humidifier is an effective way to increase air humidity. Built-in humidifiers in modern homes can be adjusted to the desired level. Alternatively, a plant humidifier can be made by filling a waterproof tray with stones, gravel, or perlite and pouring water over them so that the bottom ones rest in water while the upper ones are dry. Houseplants with moderate humidity needs can be grouped together during the heating season to create good indoor humidity.
For delicate, thin-leaved house plants that require a humidity level of over 70 percent, maintaining this level in a large room can be challenging. A terrarium made from an old aquarium with a glass lid can create a microclimate in which humidity levels rise to almost 100 percent.
In the following section, the topic of temperature control for house plants will be discussed.
The article lists various types of house plants, including those that thrive in full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging baskets, floors, tables, and terrariums. It also categorizes plants as very easy, easy, demanding, temporary, flowering, climbing or trailing, with colorful foliage, and fragrant. Additionally, it discusses the optimal temperature range for house plants, which is similar to that found in tropical and subtropical climates. Most plants can tolerate occasional summertime highs of up to 90°F (32°C), and indoor temperatures that humans find comfortable are usually suitable for healthy plant growth. Cooler night temperatures can promote healthier growth, and extreme heat can be harmful. Providing ventilation, air conditioning, and additional humidity can help mitigate the effects of high temperatures. Finally, the article recommends placing subtropical plants near cool windows or in slightly heated rooms in winter for optimal growth.
Feeding Your House Plants with Fertilizers
Feeding and fertilizing are not the same thing. While light is the primary source of energy for plants, fertilizers provide the essential elements necessary for their healthy growth. However, fertilizing without adequate light and proper growth can cause more harm than good. Newly purchased or repotted house plants should not be fertilized for a few months so that they can use up the nutrients present in their growing mix.
 Fertilizing is crucial for plants grown in soilless potting mixes. |
Plants need three major elements for healthy growth: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These elements are always listed on fertilizer labels in the form of ratios such as 6-12-4, which means 6 percent nitrogen, 12 percent phosphorus, and 4 percent potassium. Fertilizers also contain minor elements like magnesium, boron, and iron, which plants 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 improved flowering. Fertilizers rich in potassium (the third number) help build up reserves for plants that have a dormant period.
For foliage house plants, a fertilizer labeled 30-20-20 is recommended, while flowering house plants prefer one richer in phosphorus, such as 15-30-15. Most foliage house plants can thrive with an all-purpose or high-nitrogen fertilizer, while flowering house plants need a higher proportion of phosphorus.
Constant Feeding
Most plants today are grown in soilless potting mixes that provide minimal nutrients, making regular fertilizing essential. A constant feed method involves using a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer designed for monthly application and reducing its dosage by four. For example, if the label suggests a monthly application of one teaspoon per gallon, apply ¼ teaspoon per gallon at every watering. Once a month, take the plant to the sink and leach it carefully by running clear water through its pot until the excess fertilizer runs into the drain to prevent buildup.
Choosing Fertilizers for Your House Plants
Ready-to-use liquid fertilizers are convenient but expensive since you pay for the water they contain. Water-soluble fertilizers available in powder or crystal forms are just as efficient and more economical since you add the water. Slow-release fertilizers in granule form mixed with the soil or in spikes and tablets pushed into the potting mix need only be applied every few months. The label on the fertilizer will suggest the recommended frequency.
Organic vs. Chemical Fertilizers
Organic and chemical fertilizers are available in various concentrations. Since chemical fertilizers applied to house plants do not leach out into the outside environment, even gardeners who use only organic fertilizers outdoors often use chemical ones on their indoor plants.
Liquid seaweed is a popular organic fertilizer that is applied as a foliar spray and absorbed by the plant’s leaves. House plants do not require expensive gardening equipment, and simple kitchen utensils like a spoon, a pair of scissors, a sharp knife, and a recycled window spray bottle can be used for house plant care. A good watering can with a long but narrow spout is essential for proper plant care. Repotting house plants at least once a year, preferably in the spring, is recommended. Fast-growing house plants may require repotting two or more times a year. Signs that a house plant needs repotting include wilting only a few days after a thorough watering, tipping over, and the buildup of a white or yellowish crust on the plant’s stem and pot rim indicating an excess of mineral salts. House plants that are difficult or impossible to repot should be top-dressed annually. To repot a house plant, tip it upside down, remove up to one third of the original potting mixture, trim any dead or damaged roots, and 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, center it well, and fill in the empty space with growing mix. A thorough watering will help the plant adjust to its new home. The article concludes by providing a list of house plants by type for readers who want to learn more.
When repotting house plants, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight for a week or two. Hydroculture is an alternative growing method where plants are grown in water using an inert medium as an anchor and supplied with nutrients in slow-release pellets or tablets. Plastic pots are ideal for plants that prefer moist soil, while clay pots are better for those that require drier soil. All pots should have drainage holes for excess water. Most house plants thrive in ready-made all-purpose potting mixes, but certain plants require specific mixes. Grooming house plants is important for their appearance and simple tasks like removing dead leaves can make a big difference.
Plants have a natural tendency to grow towards light, often causing them to lean to one side or even topple over. To keep your plant symmetrical, give it a quarter turn each time you water it so that all sides receive equal light. It’s also important to remove any dead or yellowing leaves and flowers as they can attract insects and diseases. Use scissors to snip off dying plant parts and keep leaves clean by wiping them with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water or rinsing them off in the shower or during a rainstorm. Pruning your plant can also help it grow fuller, and if a stem becomes too heavy to support itself, use a discreet stake to prop it up.
If you’re interested in propagating your house plants, there are several methods you can try, including stem cuttings. While not all techniques will work for every plant, there’s always a way to propagate and grow new plants for yourself or to give as gifts.
Propagating House Plants
Stem cuttings are a widely used method of plant propagation which can be applied to all plants with noticeable stems. To begin, select a healthy section of stem with at least three nodes, and cut it cleanly with a sharp knife just below the lowest node. You should remove any flowers or leaves growing from the bottom node, but you can apply a rooting hormone to the cut section to stimulate faster rooting, although it is not necessary.
Rooting in water is possible, but it is best to use a pasteurized rooting mix such as soilless growing media, vermiculite, sand, or perlite. Fill a pot or other container with mix and moisten it lightly, then use a pencil to prepare a hole for the stem and insert the cutting so that at least one node, and preferably two, are covered with mix. Firm the mix and cover the container with a clear plastic bag to maintain high humidity, which is necessary to keep the young cutting from wilting.
Place the cutting in bright light, but not full sun, and supply warm temperatures. When the plant is well rooted and growing on its own, remove the plastic and treat it like an adult plant. The rest of the stem can also be cut up into sections and rooted as long as they are right-side up in order to root.
Leaf cuttings can be used to reproduce only a few plants, but it is a popular method for house plants due to its ease. Simply break off a whole leaf, including its stalk, and insert the stalk into the rooting medium, covering the container with clear plastic. One or more new plantlets will soon sprout at the leaf’s base and can be potted individually when they are well rooted.
For some plants such as florist’s gloxinias, rex begonias, snake plants, and streptocarpus, a small leaf section can be rooted by cutting a healthy leaf into sections, each one with a major vein, and placing each section so its base is just barely covered with mix. New plantlets will soon appear.
Layering is another method of plant propagation.
This article discusses various methods of propagating house plants. Trailing plants or those that produce baby plants on stolons, such as hare’s foot ferns, episcias, pothos, Boston ferns, and strawberry begonias, can be propagated by simply setting a pot filled with moist growing mix under a section of stem and pinning it down to the mix with a hairpin or twist tie. After the section has rooted, it can be cut free from the mother plant and grown on its own.
The air layering method is used on 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 and inserting a sliver of wood or a match into the cutting to prevent it from healing over. A small amount of rooting compound is then applied to the cut, followed by a handful of moist sphagnum moss and a sheet of plastic wrapped around the moss. After roots have formed, the new plant can be potted in an individual pot and treated as an adult plant.
Plants that grow in clumps are best propagated by division. The rootball can be broken up into sections, each with at least one rooted stem, and planted in individual pots. Certain plants produce offsets at the base of the mother plant, which can be cut free when they reach about one third of their size and potted like any newly potted plant.
Almost all house plants can be grown from seed, although it may be easier to buy them from seed companies. The seeds can be sprinkled over the surface of moist growing medium and covered with a thin layer of potting mix for large seeds. The container should be covered with clear plastic or a sheet of glass and placed in a warm, brightly lit spot. After plantlets have formed at least four true leaves, they can be potted individually in small pots. Plants easily propagated by seed include asparagus ferns, begonias, primroses, and parlor palms.
In the next section, the article will discuss using house plants for decoration, and there are also links to learn about house plants by type.
The list includes different types of house plants such as those that require full sun, bright light, filtered light, light shade, hanging basket, floor, table, terrarium, very easy, easy, demanding, temporary, flowering, climbing or trailing, colorful foliage, and fragrant ones. Additionally, there is a section on gardening.
The value of house plants lies in their decorative use. They can create a cozy atmosphere and make large spaces appear intimate while adding depth to small spaces. It’s hard to imagine a decor without a few house plants in the right places.
Movable house plants are recommended for areas with low light. Buy two plants for every shady spot and switch them around weekly to keep them healthy and attractive. Flowering plants require more light and should be placed in front of a window. Once they stop blooming, move them back to the light until they bloom again.
Dish gardens and terrariums are a great way to create miniature gardens in small containers. Mix different plants for a decorative effect, and use glass terrariums for delicate plants. Any unattractive plant can easily be replaced without disturbing the others.
The article also includes tips on preventing pests and diseases in house plants and suggests exploring plants by type.
The list includes various types of house plants, categorized by their growing conditions, ease of care, and characteristics such as colorful foliage and fragrant blooms. Additionally, the article provides a chart to help identify and treat plant problems caused by cultural practices, pests, and diseases. The chart includes symptoms, causes, and appropriate treatments for issues such as insufficient light, overwatering, and buildup of mineral salts in the soil. The article also recommends using organic pesticides for indoor plant care and provides a list of effective options.
Insects and other pests can be a problem for houseplants. The table below lists common symptoms, causes, and treatments for various pests. Spider mites can cause leaves to appear mottled and dusty with tiny moving “spiders” seen when the leaves are shaken. Mealybugs can create little balls of “cotton” on stems and leaves, causing yellowing and secretions. Scale insects can be identified by shell or scale-like bumps on leaves and stems, while aphids appear as green to black, round-bodied insects clustering on new growth. Whiteflies look like tiny, white, dandruff-like insects that rise up when the plant is touched. Thrips cause leaves to become streaked and mottled with hyphen-sized insects scattering when breathed upon. Cyclamen mites can cause new growth to distort and dry up, affecting mostly African violets, begonias, and cyclamens. Springtails are tiny insects that jump on the soil surface during watering, while fungus gnats and sand flies are relatively harmless but annoying pests. To treat these pests, use solutions like insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol, and keep the air humid to prevent a recurrence.
The article titled “House Plant Diseases” discusses various symptoms, causes, and treatments of plant diseases such as mildew, gray mold, leaf spot, and root or stem rot. It also suggests ways to avoid insect and disease problems by using pasteurized potting mixes and isolating new plants after purchase. The final section of the article talks about vacation care for house plants, including using watering systems and leaving plants in sealed terrariums. The article ends by providing a list of house plants categorized by type.
To keep your plants healthy while you’re away, start by placing them in a shady area and removing any flowers or buds to reduce the amount of water they need. Even though plants generally don’t like waterlogged soil, they can handle it occasionally. Place them in a deep tray and flood them with water, and they should be able to survive on their own for at least three weeks. For more delicate plants, cover them in plastic to prevent evaporation and they can go without care for over a month. Another option is to ask a knowledgeable neighbor to care for your plants while you’re gone, having them water the plants as needed once or twice per week. If you’re interested in learning more about house plants, check out the different types listed, including those that thrive in full sun, bright light, filtered light, and more. 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 the basic requirements for house plants to thrive?
House plants require proper lighting, watering, soil, and temperature to thrive. Most house plants prefer bright, indirect light, while some prefer low light. The amount of water and frequency of watering depends on the plant species and type of soil used. The ideal temperature for most house plants is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. How do I know when to water my house plants?
Check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as most house plants can tolerate a little dryness.
3. What type of soil should I use for my house plants?
Most house plants prefer well-draining soil, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using garden soil or heavy potting mix, as they can hold too much water and suffocate the roots.
4. How often should I fertilize my house plants?
It depends on the plant species and time of year. Most house plants benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. However, some plants, like succulents, require less frequent fertilization.
5. What should I do if my house plant is not growing well?
Check the lighting, watering, and soil conditions. Make sure the plant is not receiving too much or too little light, and that the soil is not too wet or too dry. If all else fails, consider repotting the plant in fresh soil or trimming back any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.
6. How do I prevent pests from infesting my house plants?
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, such as webs, sticky residue, or holes in the leaves. Isolate any infected plants to prevent the spread of pests, and treat them with an appropriate insecticide or soap solution. Keep your plants clean by wiping down their leaves with a damp cloth.
7. Can I propagate my house plants?
Yes, many house plants can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball. Research the specific propagation method for your plant species and follow the instructions carefully for the best chance of success.
8. Should I repot my house plants?
Most house plants should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and give the roots more room to grow. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, stunted growth, or soil that dries out quickly.
9. Can I keep my house plants outside?
It depends on the plant species and climate. Some house plants, such as tropical plants, cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be kept indoors year-round. Others, like succulents, can be moved outside during the summer months as long as they are acclimated to the outdoor conditions gradually.
10. What should I do if my house plant gets too big?
If your house plant outgrows its current pot, consider repotting it in a larger container. You can also prune back any overgrown or unruly branches to keep the plant at a manageable size. Alternatively, you can propagate the plant and give the new plant to a friend or family member.
11. How do I clean my house plant leaves?
Clean your house plant leaves by wiping them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or soaps, as they can damage the leaves. For plants with hairy or fuzzy leaves, use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any debris or dust.
12. What should I do if my house plant is wilting?
If your house plant is wilting, it may be underwatered or overwatered. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering accordingly. Wilting can also be a sign of pests or disease, so inspect the plant for any signs of infestation or sickness.
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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