Choosing House Plants
After a brief downturn, house plants are returning to prominence. With a wealth of research that proves their capacity to improve everything from physical health to air quality They're now status symbols and integral parts of interior design.
From lush jungle vibes to the beautiful sculptural appeal of succulents and Cacti, these tough greenery options are easy to maintain. All you need is know-how and a few essential elements to create the perfect look.
Space
Many houseplants originate from a variety of habitats that range from rainforest understory plants to desert-dwelling Cacti. When choosing houseplants, consider the kind of environment they will naturally thrive in to help ensure their long-term viability. This includes both the particular conditions like light, temperature, humidity and soil composition, as along with the overall area of your office or home.
For instance, tropical understory plants like ferns thrive in humid conditions with bright indirect light similar to that you would find in a east-facing window. They will smolder their leaves if they are placed in windows that face south or west.
As you arrange your plants, ensure that you leave enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This will allow for better temperature control and helps to reduce the risk of diseases due to air circulation issues. Also, ensure that your pots have drainage holes to minimize the risk of over-watering and stagnant water. Porous pots, like terracotta, permit better air circulation than non-porous plastics, or glazed pots. These pots can contain moisture and hinder airflow.
It's important to note that while most plant species are reasonably priced however, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance of houseplants can add up. It's important to remember that gardening can be a time-consuming task, particularly for those with a tendency to forget or overwater their plants.
Light
Plants can bring the beauty and color to your home, but when you don't provide them with enough light, they might appear dull or start dropping leaves. The reason for this could be due to the plant needing more bright light or could be a sign that there's an issue with another aspect of the environment. You can utilize a light meter and measure the type of light and its intensity to determine the problem.
Different plants require different light levels for growth and bloom. Most plants need bright indirect light. However, this can vary based on the species and how much sun they get outdoors. It's important to research the requirements of your specific plants to ensure that you provide them with the ideal conditions.
Consider choosing plants that can thrive in low light conditions in case you have a limited window space or windows are blocked. Aroids, such as bromeliads, ferns and some ivy varieties, can thrive in dimly lit rooms. The majority of flowering houseplants such as African camellias, violets, gardenias, and geraniums (Pelargonium species) are more demanding, but still can live with less than ideal conditions.
For plants that need very bright light, such as dracaenas and the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), try positioning them in front of a south-facing window all day or position them a few feet from a west-facing window in order to ensure that you get the most bright indirect sunlight. If you use an artificial lighting system that is more intense, it will also help.
These lights provide more intense light than standard bulbs and permit you to grow more plants within the same space since they're designed to mimic natural sunlight, which includes the spectral energy of red and blue wavelengths that are most important to flowers and plants. Aceple Desk Plant Light is a good example. It's affordable and provides excellent results when used with African violets Weeping figs, weeping figs, as well as lemon cucumbers.
Another kind of light is called the high-intensity discharge (HID) or metal Halide lamp. These lamps give off large amounts of heat and aren't suitable for use in homes Be certain to make sure that your fixture is properly vented and has an automatic shut-off timer.
Temperature
Plants thrive at a very specific temperature range. Temperature impacts transpiration, photosynthesis, and respiration which are all vital for the growth and functioning of plants. It's important to know 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 allow the plants to save the energy and water they get from photosynthesis. Temperature is also a factor in how fast the plant grows. High temperatures speed up the rate of growth while lower temperatures slow it down.
It's also critical to monitor the humidity levels in your home. Plant diseases are often caused by dry air. It's best to place your plants in rooms that have natural ventilation and close to windows. If your home is a drafty one, you might want your plants to be moved away from fireplaces and doors. The drafts can cause the plant's stomata close, which can reduce its ability to absorb water and nutrients.
The most significant issue that indoor plants face is rapid temperature changes and prolonged periods of cold. Most plants can tolerate a temperature difference of up to 10 degrees F between night and day.
If your plants are subjected to extreme temperatures, it's probable that they'll die, lose their leaves, or grow mold. The best way to avoid this from happening is to use smart climate control devices to control and monitor your home's temperature. Smart thermostats as well as smart AC controllers for mini-splits with ductless air and portable AC can assist you in maintaining your green friend's optimal temperature which will save your time and money. Plus, they're eco-friendly! For more information, go to SmartHome.com.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes on tree trunks or branches in deserts and rainforests. They also cling to rocks, and other surfaces. They can withstand less sunlight dry air and inconsistent watering. They are also more tolerant of dry air than plants adapted to more temperate climates. Some of these plants such as orchids, bromeliads ferns and palms, are long-time favorites for indoor gardens.
Water is one of the most important ingredients in the health of a plant and its growth. The quality of water, the frequency at the frequency at which it changes and even its temperature are all aspects that can affect a plant's growth.
Rainwater or meltwater is the best water to use for your houseplants. It is oxygen-rich and doesn't contain fluoride or chlorine. If you don't have meltwater or rainwater available tap water is typically fine if it hasn't been heated or treated with calcium chloride. Chlorine and chloramines can damage roots and kill the beneficial microorganisms and bacteria in the soil. It's recommended to let tap water sit for 24 hours before using it.
Whether you use tap water, rainwater or bottled water, it's always recommended to swap out the old water for new, fresh water at least once a week. Utilizing good house plants for long periods of time can cause salt accumulation which can be toxic for some plants.
When watering a plant in your home it is a great idea to use a watering can that allows you to limit the amount of water used to ensure that you don't over- or underwater the plant. It is a good idea to water your plants in indirect light rather than direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can heat the water and encourages algae and other organisms that may harm the plant.
The amount of water a houseplant requires changes depending on the season and the particular plant's needs. Therefore, it's a good idea keep an eye on how much a particular plant is growing and water it accordingly. Try lifting the pot if you're not sure whether your houseplant is receiving enough water. A plant that is wilting or sagging is likely to be thirsty, and a well-watered plant will have a firm but damp texture to the soil.