Choosing House Plants
After a brief hiatus in the popularity of house plants, they're returning to prominence. With a myriad of studies that proves their capacity to improve everything from physical health to air quality they're becoming status symbols and intrinsic parts of interior design.
From lush jungle vibes to sculptural appeal of succulents and cacti, these sturdy greenery options are simple to care for. All you need is a little know-how and a few essential factors to create the perfect look.
Space
Many houseplants originate from a variety that range from rainforest understory plants to desert-dwelling Cacti. When selecting houseplants, think about the kind of environment they'll thrive in to ensure their long-term survival. This includes the particular conditions, such as light, temperature and humidity, as well as the space available in your office or in your home.
For example, tropical understory plants like ferns thrive in humid conditions with bright indirect light similar to what you would find in a window facing east. These plants will smolder their leaves if they are placed in windows facing west or south.
When you arrange your plants, be sure to leave plenty of room for air circulation between each. This allows for better temperature control and combat diseases that are caused by a lack of air circulation. Make sure your pots are equipped with drainage holes to avoid the over-watering or stagnant water. Porous pots such as terracotta permit better air circulation than non-porous plastics and glazed pots. These pots may hold moisture and restrict airflow.
While the majority of houseplants are cheap, the initial cost and ongoing maintenance can add up. It's important to note that gardening can be a lengthy process, particularly for those who tend to overlook or overwater their plants.
Light
The plants add beauty and color to our homes If they're not getting enough sunlight they could appear dull or start dropping leaves. The reason could be due to the plant's needing brighter light or could be a sign that there's a problem with another aspect of the environment. You can use a light meter and measure the type of light and intensity to determine the problem.
Different plants require different levels of light to flourish and grow. Most plants require bright indirect lighting, but this varies based on the particular species and the amount of sun they normally get outdoors. It's important to research the requirements of your specific plants to ensure that you provide them with the ideal conditions.
Think about selecting plants that will thrive in low light conditions If you have a small window space or windows are blocked. Aroids, including bromeliads, ferns, and certain varieties of ivy, can thrive in dimly lit rooms. Flowering houseplants such as African Camellias and Violets Geraniums and Gardenias (Pelargonium species), are more demanding, but they can still thrive in less than ideal conditions.
Plants that require bright indirect light, like dracaenas or the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) in front of a window facing south throughout the day. Place them a few inches away from a window that faces west to get the most brightness. If you use an all-encompassing artificial lighting system that is more intense, it can also aid.
These lights are designed to replicate the natural sunlight, and provide more intense light. tall houseplants allow you to grow a larger amount of plants in the same space. This is due to them containing the wavelengths of blue and red that are important for plants to grow and produce flowers. A good example is the Aceple Desk Plant Light, which is affordable and provides excellent results on African violets, lemon cucumbers and weeping figs.
Another type of light is the high-intensity discharge (HID) or metal halide lamp. These lamps give off lots of heat, and are not suitable for the majority of home use, so be sure to ensure whether your fixture is properly vented and has an auto shut-off timer.
Temperature
Plants thrive in a specific temperature range. Temperature impacts transpiration, photosynthesis and respiration which are all essential for the growth of plants and their function. It is important to understand your plants' temperature needs and maintain their ideal temperature throughout the day.
For example tropical houseplants like palms, philodendrons, and peace plant thrive in warm temperatures during the daytime and cooler ones at night. The cooler temperatures help plants to conserve water and energy through photosynthesis. The temperature can also affect how fast a plant develops. Temperatures that are high can accelerate the rate of growth while lower temperatures slow it down.
It's also critical to monitor the humidity levels in your home. Plant diseases can be caused by dry air. This is why it's recommended to place your plants close to windows and in rooms that have natural ventilation. However, if your house is cold, you might want to keep your plants away from doors and open fires. Drafts can cause a plant's stomata (holes in the leaves) to close. This can reduce its ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Rapid temperature fluctuations and prolonged colder periods are the main issues indoor plants are faced with. The majority of plants can handle temperatures that vary up to 10 degrees F between night and day.
If your plants are exposed to extreme temperatures, it's probable that they'll wilt, shed their leaves, or grow mold. Smart climate control devices can regulate and monitor the temperature of your home. Smart thermostats and smart AC controllers and minisplits with ductless technology will aid in maintaining the ideal temperature of your green friend, while saving time and money. Plus, they're eco-friendly! For more details, visit SmartHome.com.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes on branches or tree trunks in deserts and rainforests. They also attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces. These plants can tolerate less sunlight dry air and inconsistent watering. They are also more tolerant of dry air than those that have adapted to a more temperate climate. Some of these are popular for indoor gardens, such as orchids, bromeliads and ferns.
Water is vital for the health and growth of the plant. The quality of the water, how often it is changed and its temperature can determine the plant's success or failure.
Rainwater or meltwater is the best water to use for houseplants. It is oxygen-rich and doesn't contain chlorine or fluoride. If you do not have meltwater, rainwater, or distilled water readily available tap water is usually suitable in the event that it hasn't been heated or treated with calcium chloride. It's best to let tapwater sit for 24 hours prior to using it. Chlorine can kill beneficial soil bacteria and cause damage to the roots.
If you are using tap water, rainwater or bottle water, it's a good idea to change the old water with new, fresh water at least once a week. Constantly using the same water over an extended period of time can cause salt accumulation which can be harmful for certain plants.
When watering a plant in your home, it is a good idea to use a watering bottle that allows you to control the amount of water you use to ensure that you don't drown or overflow drown the plant. It is also a good idea to water plants in indirect light instead of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause water to heat and can encourage algae and other organisms that may cause harm to the plant.
The amount of water a houseplant needs to change based on the season and individual plant's needs, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the amount a particular plant grows and then water it accordingly. Try lifting the pot if you're not sure whether your houseplant is getting enough water. A wilted or sagging plant is likely to be thirsty, and a well-watered plant will have a firm, but damp texture to the soil.