Transform your space into a lush, vibrant haven with these expert houseplant tips! From pest-proofing with natural solutions to achieving the perfect light, humidity, and airflow, this guide covers everything you need to keep your indoor plants thriving year-round. Say hello to a green, healthy home.
Indoor plant care can be simple and enjoyable by following these steps:
Purchasing Plants
If you’re new to plant care, start by buying only plants in perfect condition. Avoid plants with brown edges, black spots, blotches, or holes in the leaves, and make sure there are no bugs on the leaves, flowers, soil, or pot. Bring a small piece of light-colored paper with you when shopping; hold it under the leaves and shake. If you see any insects, skip that plant. Try to choose plants that are close to maturity.
Plant Selection
Choose the right plant for your purpose. For room dividers, consider tree-form plants. If they’re out of your budget, combine hanging vines with lower bushy plants for a similar effect, often at a lower cost.
Containers
While many types of containers are available, avoid planting directly into decorative containers. Instead, place your clay-potted plant inside the decorative container. Periodically remove the plant to wash the inside of the decorative container and the outside of the plant’s permanent pot.
Planting & Transplanting
For new plants, start with a 2 ¼-inch clay pot and gradually move up a size as the root ball grows. Use a professional organic planter mix for planting or transplanting, such as a blend that is rich in composted materials, or use a professional potting mix available at your favorite garden center. There will be several to choose from. Use clay pots as your permanent container, and do transplanting in the evening. Water the plant afterward, but don’t feed it for 10 days. Keep newly potted plants in dim light for 72 hours.
Feeding
Indoor plants need small, regular feedings. If the plant food instructions don’t specify adding it with each watering, dilute to 10% of the recommended rate and add 10 drops (not squirts, drops) of biodegradable liquid soap per quart of water. Feed plants only in the early morning.
Watering
Combine plant food and biodegradable liquid soap with water for every watering, and always water in the early morning. When possible, use rainwater, air-conditioning condensation, or dehumidifier water instead of tap water.
Humidity
Humidity, or lack thereof, is one of the leading causes of indoor plant failure. Mist leaf plants every other day with a weak chamomile tea solution (which has mild antifungal properties) plus 5 drops of biodegradable liquid soap per quart of weak tea, especially during heating or air-conditioning seasons.
Air Circulation
Good air circulation complements humidity. A small oscillating fan set at a 15° angle will do the trick.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for houseplants (and people) is between 68° and 72°F. Maintaining this range will keep your plants thriving.
Insect & Disease Control
Washing plant foliage with the tea and biodegradable liquid soap mix above, and adding soap to plant food (as discussed above) can help head off many insect issues. For persistent pests, spray with a insecticidal soap or apply neem oil (both are available at your local garden center or online), which is effective against many indoor plant pests. For fungal issues, a diluted mix of baking soda and water (1 teaspoon baking soda per quart of water) can be lightly sprayed on affected foliage.
Light
Most house plants do well with standard indoor lighting (the level of lighting that allows you to comfortably read without straining your eyes). Most plants need 12 to 14 hours of light, and plant-specific lights are available in various shapes and wattages without much added cost.
Discover more from Jerry Baker's Whats Growin' On
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.