How To Properly Look After Indoor Plants
Almost all indoor plants are warm weather-loving and would prefer a comfortable temperature, better light, regular watering, and pests free leaves and roots. They are easy to care for most of the time but they may require a little more love sometimes. Here are easy ways to get you started on caring for your indoor plants.
Selecting Pots for Your Indoor Plants
The growth of indoor plants is based on the quality of potting mix and the plant pots you select for them. The first and the most important thing to consider after buying a plant in the pot. Multiple options are available to select your plant's pot, but picking a pot according to your plant is important. It must also go with your home decor, but that is not something that can overshadow your plants' functionality. An ideal pot is light in weight, comes with a stable base, and has plenty of drainage holes as most houseplants hate to stay wet for a longer time.
Indoor Plants Potting Mix
Indoor plants prefer high-quality potting mix to grow the way they should. However, the type of potting mix can differ for some houseplants. For example, succulents and cacti potting mix used for succulents and other indoor plants demanding a sandy soil that can drain perfectly, an African violet mix for flowering plants, and bonsai mix or cyclamen for beautiful tiny shrubs are used. About every two to three years, especially in the spring season, make sure to report your indoor plants for strong and healthy growth.
Position
Keep your indoor plants away from windowsills or areas where direct sunlight strikes as it can burn your plants’ leaves. Your houseplants need almost the same temperature as you do, so adjust that accordingly. Always keep your warmth-loving indoor houseplants away from damp or humid areas like your bathroom. Also, try to save your plants from direct cooling or heating vents as here the temperature will fluctuate and protect them from draughts.
Know Your Plants
A lot of people will buy plants on a whim in-person without knowing the name or species of plant that they have purchased. This is terrible because plant care varies from plant to plant and it is important to first identify what your plants are. This however doesn't have to be difficult, as there are plant identification tools available online.
Watering Indoor Plants
Like underwatering, overwatering can also be harmful to your plants. You need to learn about your plant's watering needs to understand whether it likes moist soil or prefers to be in a dry one. However, as a rule, you need to water your plant only when the top 5cm of soil seems dry to touch. Also, make sure the excess water is draining out freely from the bottom drainage holes. The saucers attached at the bottom of your plant container should be checked regularly, and you need to empty them after 30 minutes of watering to ensure your plant's roots are not wet for a longer time.
Protect Indoor Plants from Diseases and Pests
Unlike garden plants, indoor plants usually stay protected from pests, but there is always a possibility for them to be attracted by various insects. If this is the case with you, don't worry. There are ways to save your plant from further damage or prevent pests from attacking your indoor plants. Take your plants to a shady area outside and spray them with insecticidal soap, or you can use a pesticide spray like pyrethrum. Also, keep your plant's leaves clean of dirt and dust by wiping them frequently with a damp cloth gently and without any detergent.