There are many houseplants, each of which needs its own conditions for maintenance, as well as fresh air for all plants. Many people, although living in apartments, are interested in houseplant care. Live and succulent houseplants need a lot of care in the interior of the house, and sometimes the loss of vitality and beauty of houseplants becomes a constant concern of flower and plant owners at home. Continue reading this article in TooPlant in order to learn more about how to grow and care for houseplants.
How to Care for Houseplants?
To caring and maximize the freshness of the plants, read these general recommendations that we have given in this section and get acquainted with the basic care of some famous houseplants.
Refresh the plants
Houseplants need fresh air, so it is important to open the windows for basic houseplant care and allow fresh oxygen to enter the building. Getting enough oxygen to houseplants strengthens the plant stem and refreshes the color of its leaves, so leave the window open early in the morning to let fresh air into the house.
Life is not possible without light
Plants need a lot of sunlight because sunlight plays an important role in making plants green, so be sure to place the plants in a place where there is enough light. Of course, not all plants need the same amount of sunlight, and some need less light. Placing these plants in direct sunlight can cause the plant to turn pale, yellow, or dry. Therefore, in houseplant care, the light should shine indirectly on the plant.
Do not over-water
Plants, like all living things, need a certain amount of water and food, so overwatering and watering at irregular and very short intervals will cause them to dry out or rot. For basic houseplant care, it is necessary to know that there must be one or more holes under the pots so that water can pass through all parts of the pot and reach all parts of the roots. The presence of these holes causes airflow and allows the roots to breathe.
Take care of the soil in the pot
When keeping house pots, you should pay attention to the soil, it is better to choose soil that is also mixed with some sand. Compressing the potting soil is wrong because there are small pores for airflow and oxygen to reach different parts of the soil.
The pot should be replaced after a certain period of time; This time varies for different plants; But in general, when the roots reach the holes in the bottom of the pot, you have to move the plant to a larger pot.
You also need to choose a new pot after about six or seven months because the pot has lost its nutrients. Due to the growth of the plant during this period, it is better for the new pot to be slightly larger than the previous one.
What is the best temperature for houseplant care?
Keep the heat at a balanced level
The storage temperature of houseplants in winter and summer should be at the level of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. Storing plants at low temperatures causes wilting and loss of plant vigor.
Think about winter too
In winter, the temperature drops dramatically and many plants go into hibernation, so do not be afraid if your plants seem to dry out in winter. For basic houseplant care in winter, temperature regulation is important, so the best way to warm up Plants is an indirect method; That is, heat the whole space of the room and do not change the potted plants when you see the apparent dryness and postpone the replacement of the pot and its soil to spring.
Low humidity
In winter, when the house is heated, the humidity of the house decreases and the lack of moisture manifests itself in the browning of the leaf tips of the plants.
Improper drainage and salt formation
Not watering enough potted plants and moistening the soil so that water spills out of it and comes out from under the pot too much has led to the formation of salts that prevent the plant from growing.
Ignoring plant pests
Spider Mites, aphids, and mealybugs are among the pests that grow very fast and can surround the whole plant in one day. If these pests are resistant enough, the plant will not be repaired.
How to get rid of pests on houseplants
Our desire for beauty and having a part of nature at home, has caused us to always have a number of houseplants indoors. But sometimes these beautiful plants bring with them a variety of pests and insects. As soon as you notice the presence of pests, you should act immediately to destroy them.
Insect infestation on the plant is really annoying and you should go to the plant store and buy insecticide soap. This soap is usually supplied in the form of a spray bottle. Then spray the whole plant with this solution. Do not leave any spots, especially under and at the tips of the leaves and the whole stem. Then wait about 2 weeks and repeat the spraying. Wait another two weeks and spray again. Of course, you can wipe the aphid with a wipe.
As we said, it is better to do this three times, because the eggs of pests are not easily destroyed. If the plant is at war with various types of diseases, pests and insects and you have not made anything, say goodbye to the plant! If you do not find insecticide soap, use a mixture of water and regular soap.
Pay attention to the proper condition of the pot
Overgrowth of the plant causes the roots to wrap around the pot and restrict their growth. Plants in pots smaller than their proper size dry much sooner, so the pot should be replaced in suitable conditions and a pot appropriate to the size of the plant should be used.
Some of the common houseplants and how to care for them basically
Croton: How to grow and care for Croton
Water: Between two watering sessions, the soil surface should be dry.
Light: Requires moderate to indirect light.
Soil: Alkaline and forest, a mixture of leaf soil, garden soil and soft washed sand are suitable for its maintenance.
Fertilizer: 3 grams per liter should be fertilized every two weeks from April to September.
Propagation: Propagated by late cuttings of stem from late spring to late summer.
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium): How to grow and care for Arrowhead Vine?
Water: It Needs to be watered two to three times a week in summer and once a week in winter.
Light: This plant loves soft light and the light shade of the windows is a good place to keep this plant.
Soil: A mixture of peat and compost is the best soil for the plant.
Fertilizer: special fertilizer half the recommended amount in spring and summer, every three weeks.
Propagation: Syngonium propagation is by separating the stem cuttings from the main plant and keeping them in water until they take root, then they are planted.
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata): How to grow and care for Jade Plant?
Water: This plant needs watering almost twice a week on hot days.
Light: This plant loves light and tolerates direct sunlight, but is also adapted to low light. South windows are the best place to keep this plant in the apartment.
Soil: Light, mixed garden soil, leaf soil and sand are the best soils for the plant.
Fertilizer: Complete fertilizer in spring, summer and autumn every month.
Propagation: Propagation of this plant is possible by cutting one of its young stems. Select a stem 6 to 7 cm long, remove the lower leaves and place the branch in the soil.
Schefflera: How to grow and care for Schefflera (umbrella plant)?
Water: Schefflera tolerates soil dryness. Two to three watering in the summer weeks and once in the winter are recommended for this plant. Spraying, especially on hot summer days, increases the moisture and freshness of the plant.
Light: This plant likes moderate light. Loves indirect light however is also relatively resistant to shade. Low light causes the leaves to turn yellow and in the abscess type the leaves lose their color.
Propagation: Propagation of this plant is by cuttings and it is a little difficult to do at home.
Solenostemon: How to grow and care for Solenostemon?
Water: The soil of this plant should always be moist. Dehydration withers the stems and leaves of this plant.
Light: This plant needs a lot of light. High light makes it stronger and more colorful. If not enough light reaches the plant, its leaves turn full green and grow grassy and lose their beauty.
Propagation: Solenostemon is a plant that can be easily propagated. In all seasons, the stems of the plant can be separated and rooted in water. Even this plant can grow fully in water.
Norfolk Island pine: How to grow and care for Norfolk Island pine?
Water: It needs to be watered twice a week in summer and once every 7 to 10 days in winter, and leaf spray should be done every day.
Light: Needs soft light by the window.
Soil: Compost, a mixture of two parts sand and three parts leaf soil is the best soil for this plant to grow.
Fertilizer: 2 grams per liter of ammonium sulfate, once every three weeks from April to September is a suitable fertilizer for this plant.
Propagation: Seed sowing from mid-spring to early summer with hard propagation.
Kalanchoe: How to grow and care for Kalanchoe?
Water: Needs watering two to three times a week.
Light: Needs medium to high light.
Soil: The best soil for the growth of this plant is a mixture of garden soil, sand, and animal manure.
Fertilizer: From June to September, 3 grams per liter should be fertilized once every two weeks.
Propagation: Stem cuttings from mid to late spring.
Madagascar Palm: How to grow and care for Madagascar Palm?
Water: Watering should be done twice a week in summer and once a week in winter.
Light: Needs a lot of light and even direct light.
Soil: The best soil for the growth of this plant is sandy and light soil, a combination of sand, leaf soil and leaf soil.
Fertilizer: Adding vermicompost to the soil surface during the growing season is suitable for the plant. Propagation: Cultivation of seeds, cuttings and transplants.
Dracaena: How to grow and care for Dracaena?
Water: Watering twice a week in summer and once a week in winter.
Light: Needs a lot of indirect light.
Soil: The best soil for this plant to grow is peat.
Fertilizer: The best fertilizer for the plant is water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants.
Propagation: Old stem cuttings in late winter, sowing seeds and dormancy of branches in spring.
Monstera: How to grow and care for Monstera Deliciosa (Split Leaf Philodendron)?
Water: Watering should be done once a week in summer and every two weeks in winter.
Light: Requires indirect light near the window.
Soil: The best soil for this plant to grow is light soil.
Fertilizer: If necessary, fertilize once a month.
Propagation: Stem cuttings in spring.
Peperomia Plant: How to grow and care for Peperomia Plant (Radiator Plant)?
Water: Watering should be done once every two or three days in summer and once a week in winter.
Light: Requires moderate to indirect light.
Soil: The best soil for the growth of this plant is peat soil, sand and garden soil.
Fertilizer: Water-soluble fertilizer for ornamental plants should be applied once every three weeks.
Propagation: Stem and leaf cuttings in late spring or summer.
Pothos: How to grow and care for Pothos?
Water: Watering should be done once every four days in summer and every week in winter.
Light: Requires moderate to indirect light.
Soil: The best soil for this plant to grow is light soil.
Fertilizer: 3 grams per liter from April to November, every two weeks Propagation: Stem cuttings from late spring to mid-summer.
Cactus: How to grow and care for Cactus?
Water: Needs watering once every 10 to 15 days.
Light: Needs medium to high light.
Soil: The soil of this plant should be light / two parts washed sand and one part leaf soil.
Fertilizer: Once every two months, feed with cactus fertilizer Propagation: Cuttings by separating the aerial part in summer.
Houseplants bring beauty to your home as long as you know the secrets of houseplant care and are familiar with the needs of different flowers and plants.
Houseplant Care Secrets; Growing Ornamental Plants and Houseplants
Indoor plants add color, beauty and warmth to the home; They provide you with the possibility of gardening by improving the air quality. Many houseplants are easy to grow, but they need to be taken care of to grow well. Since houseplants start growing from greenhouses and in ideal conditions, transferring them to the apartment requires more attention and care.
Proper watering and lighting are the most important components of houseplant care, but humidity and temperature also play an important role in plant growth. A good trick is to simulate the weather conditions where the plant grows at home.
Tropical plants grow in warm, humid environments, while cacti and succulents prefer warm, dry climates. Of course, the apartment space can not provide everything for plants, but you can choose the right type of plants for your home so that you can provide the right environment. With a few tricks, you can grow plants in an ideal environment.
With the Right Equipment, Beautiful Plants Can Grow Easily!
To grow plants, we need the following:
Pots, soil, chemical fertilizers, and large lights simulate solar energy indoors.
The Essential Tips for Houseplant Care
Here are some essential houseplant care tips. Continue reading this article to learn more about them.
The right choice of ornamental houseplants
The first thing to consider when choosing a houseplant is where you want to place it. Then match the requirements of the plant and turn on the required light.
Do you have a large sunny window or a small space with soft light? Are you looking for a plant with beautiful green leaves or do you prefer a flowering plant? Some houseplants are seasonal flowering plants, while others bloom only once a year.
Another point is how much time do you spend caring for the plant? A wheat plant requires almost any amount of care (or neglect), while an orchid needs lovely care.
How to water houseplants?
The soil in the pot should be kept moist, but not wet, although there are always exceptions. If the soil is kept too dry or damp, the roots of the plant will start to rot, which can lead to insufficient growth or even death of the plant. There are several ways to determine the need for plant watering.
If the potting soil becomes colorless or cracked, it is probably time to water it. Weigh your plant after watering. After a few times, it is determined when the plant needs watering. Of course, you can measure the moisture content by keeping your finger in the soil.
For large plants, using a handheld smart meter may be the best way to determine the presence of water around the plant roots.
Underwatering ornamental houseplants:
One of the important points in houseplant care is not to let the plants reach a point where they wither or the soil comes out of the edge of the pot. These symptoms indicate a lack of water and at this time the plant is severely stressed and its roots are damaged.
Signs of underwatering plants include:
- Slow leaf growth
- Semi-transparent leaves
- Premature shedding of flowers and leaves
- Brown, yellow or crooked edges of the leaves
“Scheurich Bordy” is an effective automatic watering plant that is not only useful for watering plants but also a beautiful decorative device. Want to go on vacation? Can’t water your plants properly? Simply fill this device with water and make sure your plant is fully watered for more than four days.
Overwatering ornamental houseplants:
Overwatering is as harmful as low watering. Continuous watering forces drain the soil from the air and open the door for bacteria and fungi to grow. Overwatering is the number one killer of plants.
Signs of overwatering houseplants:
- Fungi or mold on the soil surface
- Soft brown roots (perhaps smelly) at the bottom of the pot
- Water stays on the bottom of the container
- Leaves with rotten brown spots
Watering according to the need and demand of houseplants:
There are some plants that need more water and some need less water.
Houseplants that need more water are:
- Flowering plants
- Plants that are in clay pots
- Plants that grow in small pots
- Plants in direct sunlight
- Plants with large leaves or thin leaves
- Plants that are native to humid areas
- The plant has recently been relocated
- Plants that grow in high humidity
- Plants located in a cool room
- Potted plant in containers without porosity
- Plants with thick or rubbery leaves
- Plants that grow in a combination of water
Some people pay too much attention to the regular watering schedule and need to check every 3 to 4 days, for these people several watering tools are available. For example, a wet cotton ball can get the water you need to the roots of your plant.
Water quality for houseplants:
One of the important points in houseplant care is the temperature of the tap water should be equal to room temperature, even if chlorine or fluoride is added to your city water. Plants like rainwater or melted snow (unless you live in an area with acid rain). Avoid using soft water regularly, as it may contain sodium.
How do water houseplants correctly?
Plants can be watered from above or below. When watering the plant from above, try not to moisten the branches and leaves, but moisten the entire soil. Excess water must come out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. If you prefer your plants to absorb water themselves, place the plant in a container of water so that the roots (and capillary in the soil) absorb whatever they need. This method is known as bottom watering.
Recommendation: Empty the excess water from the pot one hour after watering.
Drainage of ornamental houseplants
Good drainage is essential for healthy houseplants. Start with a good potting soil (not regular soil) that is specially mixed for indoor gardening. Choose a pot with drainage holes or place a layer of pebbles on the bottom of a holeless container. The point is not to let the plant stay in the water. Check from time to time that the holes are not blocked and always empty the water left in the bottom of the container under the pot.
How do you know when your plant needs water?
Every time you see withered leaves, the plant probably needs water. But we recommend that you do not use leaf wilting as a criterion for watering plants. Because if not diagnosed correctly, you provide the ground for the plant to get various diseases. Overwatering is a mistake that most people make.
Here are some ways to get the watering time right:
Soil Examination: Do this by removing the soil surface. This is how you notice how dry the subsoil is.
Moisture meter: This device accurately and calculatedly tells you the amount of soil dryness.
Lifting the plant: Heaviness indicates that the plant has enough water. But if the plant was light, it means the plant has dried and it is time to water.
Withering: This is usually due to not getting enough water to the plant. So as we said before, lift the plant and see if it is light or heavy.
Check the tips of the leaves: If the tips of the leaves start to turn brown and dry and brittle at the same time, the plant needs water. But if the opposite happened; That is, as the leaves turn brown, they become loose, meaning the plant has received too much water.
Yellowing of leaves: This may be a sign of improper watering of the plant. Of course, the reason for the yellowing of the leaves is usually not the amount of watering.
What is the best light for houseplants?
Like watering, every plant needs a different light. Many plants prefer direct sunlight, but providing it indoors can be difficult. Placing a plant in front of a window may absorb enough light, but some houseplants need different light to grow.
The best light for flowering houseplants:
Flowering plants generally grow in relatively bright light, so windows facing south, east or west are better for the flowering plant. The use of artificial light near the pot will give the plant more light and less heat than the standard light received from fluorescents.
The best light for foliage houseplants:
Foliage houseplants can be divided into three categories: plants that need low light, medium light and high light.
For plants that grow in low light, a dimly lit room is sufficient. Medium-light plants prefer a window facing, light diffused through a thin curtain or without direct sunlight. Indoor plants that prefer high light should be in a south-facing window or under direct light. Some plants need to be outdoors in the summer to absorb more light for better growth.
What is the best temperature for houseplants?
Houseplants need a moderate to almost constant temperature during the growing season and a lower temperature during the rest period.
– Maximum temperature for many houseplants provided the humidity is provided: 27 to 30 °C
– Maximum temperature for many houseplants provided that humidity is not provided: 21 to 24 °C
– Minimum temperature for delicate plants: 13 to 16 °C (Such as: Acalypha, Chinese Evergreen, Anthurium).
– Minimum temperature for semi-hardy plants: 10 to 13 °C (Such as: Aphelandra, Asparagus, Begonia Rex).
– Minimum temperature for hardy plants: 5 to 7 °C (Such as: Clivia, Yucca, English Ivy).
What is a good humidity level for houseplants?
Approximately 80% of plants grow in high humidity. Unfortunately, most homes are drier, especially in winter when forced heat can even reduce humidity. Using a humidifier can help, but there are other ways to increase the humidity near plants. A small tray containing pebbles and water can increase local humidity. Daily moisturizing of the leaves can also help keep them hydrated. Keeping some plants, such as gardenia and orchids, in the bathroom or kitchen (both usually have higher humidity) can help.
What is the best fertilizer for houseplants?
With each watering of the plant, some soil nutrients come out of the pot. Unlike plants that live in gardens and orchards outdoors, houseplants do not have a regular source of nutritious food unless you fertilize them regularly. Fertilizing them once a month is great for when the plants are flowering or growing.
During the winter, when plants are stagnant or do not grow much at all, chemical fertilizers can be stopped. Deciduous leaves indicate poor growth or yellow color that may require more fertilizer. It may also need more or less light or water, so take some time to analyze all the conditions of the plant before fertilizing. Adding chemical fertilizer when a plant does not need it can make the situation worse.
Tip: If the plant withers, try watering first and then fertilize.
Types of fertilizers:
Choose a specific organic fertilizer for your houseplants and read its instructions carefully. Natural fertilizers are less likely to burn or damage plants than compound fertilizers, so it is important to use the right amount.
In general, plants that grow in low light do not need as much chemical fertilizer as plants that grow outdoors or in bright light.
To get started, use about 1/4 of the recommended amount of fertilizer on the label per month. Then, if the color of the plant becomes lighter, the application of chemical fertilizers increases every 2 weeks.
Note: Solvent salts from compound fertilizers can form over time and form a scaly layer of salt deposits on the soil surface. Remove this layer and remove the soil with a suitable amount of water every 4 to 6 weeks to help prevent the formation of toxic salts. Excess salt can damage the roots and expose the plant to disease and insect attack.
Repotting houseplants
If your plants grow well and go the way you want, they will eventually need a larger pot or a combination of pots. Move the plants in the spring when they are just starting to grow. . High root growth allows the plant to adapt quickly to the new container. When it comes to moving pots, choose a pot without organic soil that is specifically suited to your plant (perhaps even your species). There are many options to choose from and you can make your own.
Choose a pot that is larger than the current container, but not much larger. Excessively large pots can lead to root rot and other problems, because the soil stays moist for several days. Carefully tighten the soil around the roots without touching the soil. Keep enough space on top of the new container for watering the plant.
Houseplant care when travelling
Watering plants while travelling is an important issue to consider. The easiest way is to ask a trusted person to water your plants, but if you do not have one, try the following:
We suggest putting all the pots together. This retains their moisture for longer and makes them thirstier later. Note: If your plants are damaged by displacement, do not move them.
The next solution is to create a drip watering system with your own creativity. Using a central water container and placing yarn strands in it and pots is also one of the creative methods known as the wick method.
Using a soda bottle, piercing the body and placing it in each pot is another way. Another way is to place the pots in a large container of water that is half full of water so that the bottom of the pots is in the water. In this way, water is absorbed from the bottom of the pot into the soil and roots and the plant stays fresh for a long time.
Common causes for houseplant leaves turning yellow
Moisture changes: The main reason for the yellowing of the leaves is a sharp change in the ideal amount of moisture and watering. This change can appear in the form of overwatering, or underwatering dryness of the plant. If the leaves of your plant have turned yellow, first check the soil for wetness.
Light: Another reason is that not enough light reaches the plant. Insufficient light received by the plant leads to a decrease in photosynthesis and as a result causes discoloration and weakening of the leaves. In this case, as soon as you receive enough light, the leaves will regenerate.
Temperature: Temperature quickly affects the color of the leaves. Cold weather for tropical plants causes their leaves to turn yellow. If this temperature change does not occur due to the change of seasons, the leaves may change color to brown. Especially if they are located near the air conditioner.
Nutrients: Yellowing of the leaves can be a good indicator of how many nutrients they have. Especially if this yellowing is accompanied by the appearance of different designs on the leaf surface. For example, if the leaf turns completely yellow but the streaks remain green, the problem is definitely a necessary element. Excessive use of fertilizers for plants burns their leaves; This burn is manifested by the yellowing of the leaves.
In addition to the above reasons, the presence of pests, natural aging of the plant or inadequate soil drainage can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.
How Long Do Houseplants Usually Live?
On average, the lifespan of these plants is between 2-5 years. After this period, the growth of the plant stops and it is better to invest in another plant.
In The End
In this article, we tried to provide you with the necessary information about the methods of caring for houseplants.
However, if you have any questions regarding indoor plants or you need to get advice from our houseplant experts, please share your questions with us through the comments section below.
