For new plant parents, the initial task of caring for houseplants might seem overwhelming. However, the majority of plants don’t require constant attention to thrive. Apart from regular watering, several low-maintenance houseplants only need minimal upkeep a few times a year. However, there may be nuances that depend on your region and climatic conditions. There will be some differences in East plant care tips.
How do I make my indoor plants look good?
#1 Watering
Depending on their growth conditions and seasonal changes, houseplants have varying watering needs. Rather than following a fixed calendar schedule, it is advisable to water them as necessary.
Typically, plants in well-drained potting mix and appropriately sized containers should be watered when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil feels dry. Cacti and succulents require less water while flowering plants generally need a bit more.
Overwatering is a common cause of houseplant fatalities. When unsure about the amount of water needed, it’s better to lean towards dryness rather than providing excessive moisture to your plants. Additionally, when watering, try to avoid splashing water onto leaves and stems, as it can promote diseases and leaf spotting.
#2 Choose the right plants
What is an easy-to-maintain indoor plant? You can determine this using the plant identifier app. Everything here depends on climatic conditions. For example, cacti are very unpretentious. Other plants do well in hot climates. These are the ones you need to look for through plant sickness identifier if you don’t want to constantly think about watering and fertilizing them.
If you approach the task thoughtlessly, without the app for iPhone and the appropriate knowledge, the plant may simply not survive the hot rays of the sun. Even a lot of care doesn’t always help. Start your search with the app for plants, where you will also find tips on plant preferences. You can get data from other places, but the plant app is the most convenient source for everything you need.
#3 Fertilize
Most fertilizers prominently display three out of the about 17 essential plant nutrients on their front. Knowing how much to fertilize your plants is not an easy task, as it depends on the growth rate, age, and time of year. Houseplants generally experience a growth spurt during spring and summer, making it the ideal time for fertilization.
Conversely, during the shorter days of fall and winter, houseplants require minimal to no fertilizer. To determine the appropriate amount of plant food, refer to the instructions on the label.
Just like overwatering, it is crucial to avoid overfertilizing your houseplants. Excessive fertilizer can harm their roots and hinder growth. For flowering varieties, opt for a fertilizer with balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. If the nitrogen level is too high, the plant may produce an abundance of leaves but lack flowers. Additionally, using a fertilizer that contains micronutrients is advisable to prevent any nutrient deficiencies.
#4 Prune and Pinch
You can prune at any time during the year but fall naturally prompts the use of pruning scissors after a growth-filled summer. Pruning houseplants primarily aim to enhance their appearance and control their size. Rejuvenating overgrown houseplants by cutting them back to 4 to 6 inches tall, similar to propagating, effectively stimulates new growth.
This method works particularly well for trailing plants like Swedish ivy and pothos, as it combats bareness at the base. It’s preferable to make cuts just above a set of buds or side shoots on the stem you intend to trim, as that’s where new growth will emerge. Additionally, removing any dead or diseased leaves and stems helps prevent the spread of problems.
Pinching involves removing stem tips, either using your fingernails or pruners. By pinching out the tip of a stem along with the topmost leaves, you encourage the growth of side buds. Rapidly growing plants often benefit from frequent pinching to maintain a compact and full appearance.
#5 Provide a good location and suitable lighting
Plants rely on photosynthesis to acquire energy for growth, a process that necessitates light. While certain houseplants can thrive with minimal light exposure, inadequate lighting conditions can result in weak and spindly growth, as well as increased susceptibility to pests and disease.
Before making a purchase, it is advisable to research the specific light requirements of any plants you have in mind, especially considering the orientation and potential obstacles outside of your windows.
As a general guideline, plants that require abundant light flourish in front of southern-facing windows. Medium-light plants can be placed near east-facing windows or within 2 to 3 feet of windows that receive ample light.
Low-light indoor plants, such as ZZ plants, pothos, and philodendrons, can tolerate north-facing windows and standard indoor lighting in most parts of your home. However, it is important to consider any trees or buildings outside, as a southern window with obstructions may receive less light compared to a northern window.
When selecting plants, take into account their size to avoid them outgrowing their designated space too quickly. Small indoor plants, like mini succulents, baby cactus, or pileas, can be easily relocated.
On the other hand, large indoor plants, such as indoor citrus trees, may only be suitable for one or two sun-filled areas in your home. Hanging indoor plants, such as ivies, string-of-pearls, and vining pothos, benefit from being placed away from heavily trafficked areas, allowing them to hang undisturbed and flourish.
Conclusion
Everyone knows that growing plants requires sufficient watering, lighting and space, but only a few have more accurate information. These tips will help you grow beautiful plants even in hot climates. Yes, you will face some difficulties, but you will be able to overcome them.
