Looking After Indoor Plants 101
From improved air quality to creative decor – sturdy indoor plants are a fantastic way:
- To bring a touch of the outdoors inside
- To create a calm sense of freshness
- To help stimulate overall wellbeing
These hardy indoor species can survive and thrive despite serious neglect, but that definitely doesn’t mean it wouldn’t need some looking after once in a while. So, if you’re new to the world of indoor plants or have an awful track record with keeping them alive, follow this guide to properly care for them.
1. Light & Position.
All plants need light to grow - different house plants require either full-sun, part-sun or shade. While most house plants require good ambient light, make sure to gently introduce them to a light source. Be careful when placing plants on sunny windowsills or tables as the glass will intensify the rays and most certainly burn the leaves. Place your indoor plants in the shade first and later introduce them to direct or indirect sun, slowly acclimating them to the sun rays to avoid any damage from sudden drastic conditions.
2. Watering.
Most indoor plants prefer being slightly moist than being over-watered. While too little water can lead to dehydration, often too much water might be the case of killing it with kindness. Having said that, water is an integral component for their survival. If you notice your indoor plant wilt, check its moisture level to see if it needs a drink. You can do this by simply wiggling your finger directly in the soil. Depending on how dry or moist it is, decide to water or leave it. Make sure the plant pot has drainage holes in the bottom of the pot (and a tray beneath it to avoid a mess) for any excess water to escape. A light misting twice a week will give them the humidity that they need and keep the leaves clean, fresh and perky.
3. A Well-Balanced Diet.
Your house plants need to be well-fed to get the best from your indoor garden. Adding fertiliser with a range of nutrients is the way to go. Using slow-release fertilisers for indoor plants is the easiest way of feeding houseplants. They are spread all over the soil and will gradually release their nutrients throughout the year.
4. Pests & Pruning.
Spend time pruning, grooming, thinning and propagating your plants in order to keep them happy and healthy. Even if your plants are thriving it’s always a good idea to prune them occasionally or cut off any discoloured leaves and dead foliage to encourage new growth. Regularly check for pests or nasties moving into your turf and nip them early on to stop them from spreading. Many indoor plants have broad leaves and hence accumulation of dust can block the pores and prevent them from being able to transpire. Simply wipe the leaves clean using a soft damp cloth, occasionally.
5. Repotting.
If a plant outgrows its pot, is falling over, the soil is exhausted or the roots are bound, a repotting session is mandatory. Re-pot indoor plants every 2 years to keep them strong and healthy. If potting to a slightly larger pot or back into the same pot with a new potting mix, make sure to loosen the roots. Either way, use a premium potting mix that is coarse, has the perfect nutrient level, effectively retains moisture and has fertilisers added. Once a fortnight, water the plants with liquid seaweed solution to help reduce transplant shock.
6. Plant Care Products.
Utilising plant care products will help to promote the longevity of your indoor plant’s health.
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