Having houseplants is a great way that you can bring the outdoors inside. Houseplants are not only visually appealing, but they are often referred to as nature’s little air purifiers. Plants absorb some of the toxins in the air to improve the oxygen quality of the air that we breathe.
Growing and caring for common houseplants is generally an easy task. Houseplants are more resilient that other types of plants. They have to be in order to grow indoors. However, this does not mean that common houseplants can be completely ignored. Read over the following list of things that you need to know about growing and caring for common houseplants.
Your plant is most likely not receiving enough light if new leaves develop smaller or the vine distance between leaves becomes longer. A lush plant is a sign of a plant that is receiving the proper nutrients, sunlight and water.
Too much sunlight isn’t good either. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of your plants much the same way that you or I would get sunburned if we were in direct sunlight for too long.
As a general rule try and keep the soil moist and do not allow it to dry out completely in between watering. If the foliage or leaves begin to turn yellow it is a sign of over watering the plant. Over watering is just as bad as having little or no water! Place your finger about an inch in to the soil to see if it is moist. If it is you probably do not need more water.
If the foliage begins to turn brown, your plant needs more water. As a general rule, water houseplants once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks in winter.
Misting your houseplants will enhance their appearance and keep the foliage clear of dust. It is also beneficial to the health of your plant to keep it looking nice by removing dead or dying leaves.
Vines can grow quite long. Trimming the plant back will not harm it. Trimming will help you shape the plant to the size you want it to be.
Making more vine houseplants is extremely easy. All you do is cut off a vine that is long enough to be placed in water. Your stem will grow roots right in the water. After a few weeks you will be ready to plant the new roots.
Some houseplants are toxic when eaten, so it is wise to keep them out of reach of children and animals.
There are lots of ways to maximize the limited indoor light exposure your plants have. Windows and direct sunlight can be mimicked by placing plants near white or pale-colored walls or setting them on top of or in front of a mirror or other reflective surface.
Be sure to fertilize your houseplants with a good “houseplant” specific fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every month during spring and summer when the plant is doing the most growing and is therefore in need of more nutrients. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months. Likewise, do not fertilize dormant plants.
Check your plants at least once per week for pests, insects, etc. Sometimes when a plant becomes over infested the best solution is to throw away all of the soil and start over with fresh soil. Spider mites and Mealybugs are common houseplant pest problems. So you know what to look for, these are small white bugs that attach themselves to the leaves.
Remember that blooming houseplants require more sunlight. Try to place your blooming houseplants near southern windows.
Unlike blooming houseplants, Ferns, Pothos, and Spathiphyllum like low light. Dark corners and even windowless bathrooms are an ideal place for these plants.