There are numerous ways of adding beauty to the house. This includes growing houseplants. There are many plants that one can consider taking as houseplants. They provide one with an opportunity to practice their gardening skills. Here is a simple beginner’s guide to caring for houseplants
Location of the plant and light
An ideal place for most houseplants is near the window that allows direct sunlight to reach the plant. Just the way outdoor plants need light; the houseplants also do need it. However, each houseplant has its sunlight needs since some need, direct, moderate or little sunlight. Know the houseplant you have and how much sunlight it needs for proper growth.
Temperature
Most houseplants are tropical plants. This requires them to have tropical climate when they are in the house for them to do well. During the day the houseplants need up to seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Night time temperatures should not be lower than ten degrees Fahrenheit. One should also be careful not to expose these plants to immediate high temperatures. The plants should not be kept near fireplaces since the heat may affect them. They should also not be placed near drafts or windows during the cold season.
Humidity
The houseplants also have humidity requirements. One can increase humidity for the plants by using a humidifier in the house, mist the plants with water, put the plants on a pebble tray and arranging the houseplants together.
Soil and pots
There are various sizes of garden pots. One should decide on the size of the pot which may depend greatly on the size of the plant and the space available for the pot to be placed. One should also be aware that they will need to transfer the plant to a different pot after a few years. One should also consider a pot with holes at the bottom for proper drainage of the excess water so that the plant is not affected by the lack having more water. One should go for houseplant soil that is already prepackaged. It is the best since it will have the necessary nutrients needed by the plant.
Watering
This is a sensitive issue when it comes to the houseplants. Each type of houseplant has different water needs. Some need less water while others need more water. One will need to water the plants once a week when they feel that the soil around the plant is dry. One may need to dip their finger in the soil and determine whether it is dry. When watering, ensure that some water runs to the bottom of the pot. Ensure that the foliage does not get wet in the process of watering.
Fertilizing
Houseplants will need additional nutrients which can be gotten from fertilizers. One should begin by using a general purpose fertilizer then begin using the specific nutrient fertilizers after some time of observing how the houseplant is behaving.
Housekeeping
This means taking care of the plant itself. It involves getting rid of dead leaves, spent blooms and removing leggy stems so that the plant can branch out properly. Any insects on the plant should be removed, or one can use a houseplant spray.