Table of Contents
- Pick the Right Plant
- Choose the Right Potting Soil for Keeping Plants Healthy
- Water Properly
- Get the Right Light for Keeping Your Plants Healthy
- Give Your Plants Some Extra TLC
- Deadheading
- Keeping Your Plants Healthy – The Wrap-up
We all know the feeling of coming home to a house that’s just too…clinical. The beige walls, the harsh overhead lighting, and the silence can be overwhelming. But there’s an easy way to combat these feelings of drabness and depression—plants! Not only do plants add a splash of color and life to your home, but they also have been shown to boost your mood and purify the air. So, whether you’re looking to jazz up your living room or you want to improve your health, indoor plants are the way to go! And keeping your plants healthy and happy is important to maintain the attractive space you’ve created.
If you’ve never had plants before, the prospect of caring for them can be daunting. Have no fear! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about keeping your plants healthy and happy. From choosing the right potting soil to watering properly, we’ll cover all the bases. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a green thumb!
Pick the Right Plant
Not all plants are created equal! When it comes to choosing a plant for your home, it’s important to pick one that is hearty and easy to take care of. Some of our personal favorites include philodendrons, pothos, snake plants, and spider plants. These plants are all relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making keeping your plants healthy a snap.
The first step in caring for your indoor plants is to get to know them! Each plant is different and will have different water, light, and temperature requirements. Once you know what your plant needs, it will be much easier to keep it happy and healthy. Here are some things to consider when choosing your plants:
- Size: Will the plant be too big for your pots? Can it handle being trimmed?
- Lighting: Does the plant need full sun, partial sun, or shade? How much light do you have in your home? Do you have the budget for grow lights if needed?
- Watering: How often does the plant need to be watered? Are you likely to forget?
- Care: Does the plant need special care that you’re not prepared to provide?
Choose the Right Potting Soil for Keeping Plants Healthy
When it comes to potting soil, there are two things you need to consider: drainage and aeration. You want soil that drains well but is still able to hold onto moisture—think sandy but not too sandy. And because indoor plants don’t have access to natural aeration like outdoor plants do, it’s important to choose a potting mix that contains perlite or vermiculite. These ingredients help increase drainage while still allowing the roots to breathe.
Water Properly
One of the most common reasons that plants die is because they are either over or under-watered. When it comes to watering your plants, the general rule of thumb is to water them deeply but less frequently. This means that you should allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which will kill your plant.
The frequency with which you need to water your plants will vary depending on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the climate inside your home. In general, most indoor plants need to be watered every one to two weeks. However, there are some exceptions. For example, succulents and cacti often need to be watered only once every two to four weeks because they store water in their leaves or trunks. Conversely, fast-growing tropical plants may need to be watered as often as once a week. The best way to determine how often to water your plants is to check the soil before watering. To check if your plant needs water, stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Get the Right Light for Keeping Your Plants Healthy
All plants need light in order for photosynthesis to occur, but different kinds of plants require different amounts of light. If you’re not sure how much light your plant needs, check the packaging or do a quick search here on Indoor Gardening. Once you know what kind of light your plant needs, place it accordingly. If you don’t have enough natural light in your home, you can always supplement with grow lights! Just be sure not to place them too close to your plants, as this can cause leaf burn.
Give Your Plants Some Extra TLC
In addition to basic care like watering and lighting, your plants will also appreciate some extra TLC from time to time in the form of fertilizer and pruning. Fertilizing once every two weeks or so will help ensure that your plant gets all the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong. And when it comes time to prune, be sure to use sharp shears or scissors—you don’t want jagged edges on your beautiful plants!
Indoor plants typically need to be fertilized once every one or two months during the growing season (spring and summer). During the fall and winter months, when plant growth slows down, you can reduce fertilization to once every two or three months. It’s important not to over-fertilize your plants because this can damage their roots and leaves. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of under-fertilizing rather than over-fertilizing.
Deadheading
Dead leaves and branches not only look unsightly, but they can also sap energy from the rest of the plant. Removing these is often called ‘deadheading’. To keep your plant healthy, be sure to remove dead leaves and branches on a regular basis. To do this, simply pinch or cut dry or brown flowers, leaves, and branches where the green healthy part ends.
Keeping Your Plants Healthy – The Wrap-up
With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to becoming a successful Plant Parent Extraordinaire! Just remember that every plant is different, so pay attention to how yours responds to various care techniques. We have lots of tips and information here on Indoor Gardening, so please have a look around, and Happy Planting!
