10 Unexpected Houseplants Tips
Light and Humidity Requirements for Houseplants
Houseplants can add a sense of vivacity to any room. They don't just make offices and homes more attractive, but certain varieties also improve the air quality. They absorb or reflect sound pollution such as sirens, buzzing neighbours, and loud electronic devices.
To keep your greenery healthy, you should replicate their natural habitat as closely as you can. For instance tropical houseplants thrive in warm, humid conditions, whereas succulents and cacti adapt to temperatures in the desert and have very little water.
Light Requirements
Light is vital for the development of houseplants. Humidity, water, appropriate growing medium, as well as a range in temperatures are all essential for houseplants to thrive. But light is perhaps the most important factor. Most houseplants thrive in indirect light and not direct sunlight. Plants that do not get enough light can become damaged and may die. Only a few plants, such as desert cacti and succulents, are adaptable to intense direct sunlight in the summertime.
You can determine the amount of sunlight a room receives by using a light meter, or simply by looking at how bright your plants are. Light meters can be expensive but they let you measure the intensity of sunlight throughout the day.
The best place to place a plant that requires the filtering of sunlight is in a south or east facing window. These windows provide direct sunlight that is bright and intense throughout the majority of the day, and a few hours of direct sunlight in the late morning or early afternoon. The light is stronger than light from windows facing west that are not shaded, but it can still be too much for plants that prefer partial sun.
Filtered sunlight is absorbed by a room's windows but is softened by curtains, blinds or an awning. The light isn't as bright as direct sunlight, however it is still sufficient for most plants to photosynthesize. If you reside in a northern climate this type of light is often not available.
Floor lamps and table lamps can provide filtered light to most plants. However, they are not suitable for plants that require a full sun. These lamps emit more heat than light, making them unsuitable for a lot of plants that love sun or tropical climates.
Some plants that require bright indirect light will do well in the North or East window, but they will need to be protected from wind and rain which can throw the plants around. You can also protect them by a gazebo or another structure that will keep out the harshest elements from the North or East sun.
Water Requirements
The watering requirements for various houseplants depend on the conditions in which they are growing. Tropical plants in jungle-like environments love a warm, humid environment and regular rainfall, while desert plants, such as cacti and succulents prefer soil that is dry and only receives watering every few days.
The key to getting the houseplant to thrive is to be aware of its particular needs and to water it in accordance with those requirements. Be sure to check the moisture level in the soil and only water when the top 1" or 2" of the potting media is dry. This will prevent the soil from becoming saturated which can cause root rot.
In general plants that are thirsty will show symptoms of it through dropping and/or yellowing leaves or being slow to develop new leaves. A simple method to test for the amount of moisture in an individual plant is to poke your finger around an inch into the soil. If the soil is damp it is best to wait a few more days before watering again. Another helpful tool is to pick up the pot and see if it is full of water, it will feel heavy for its size. You can also purchase gadgets that sound, flash or indicate when it's time to drink water.
Many people choose to incorporate indoor plants into their offices and homes for aesthetic reasons. They add interest and color, soften lines and improve air quality by absorbing chemicals like formaldehyde and Trichloroethylene, which are often off-gassed from man-made materials. However, it is important to remember that these aren't all the benefits of having a houseplant they also offer therapeutic benefits, and caring for plants can reduce stress levels.
Most indoor houseplants will grow better in ceramic or glazed pots rather than the terracotta. They will also grow faster in summer and spring than in fall and winter. If you're seeking a container to water your plants, choose one with a spout that is easy to manage. This will allow you to direct the water directly towards the soil without soaking the leaves, which can encourage fungus. If you're not able to find rainwater tap water, it will work provided it's allowed to sit for a couple of days to let the chlorine vaporize.
Temperature Requirements
The majority of the houseplants we cultivate are native to subtropical or tropical climates. For houseplants to thrive, they require a warm, humid environment. The majority of plants thrive in temperatures ranging from the 58 and 86 degree Fahrenheit. Temperatures that are too cool can slow growth, while temperatures that are too hot cause wilting and other problems.
Tropical and flowering plants, like philodendrons (philodendrons) palms (peace lily plants), hibiscuses, and bromeliads, prefer warm temperatures during the day. This boosts photosynthesis and also produces sugars and starch to help the plant's tissues develop. The plants require cooler temperatures at night to save energy.
Succulents like the fishhook barrel cactus string of pearls, cactus bushes, and cacti need warmer temperatures to flourish. They can withstand temperatures as low as to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but will not thrive in sudden temperature fluctuations.
The best way to keep your houseplants healthy is to ensure that they are in a sunny spot that is warm during the day and moderately cool during the night. This is particularly important in the winter when the sun is lower and light levels can fall by as much as 50 percent. You can stop your plants from becoming too dark by moving them to a window that has more light or adding additional lighting.
In the winter, soil surfaces can dry out faster due to colder temperatures. Make sure to use warm water when watering your plants to prevent shocking their roots. It is also an ideal idea to water your plants in the early morning hours, so that the water can be absorption occurs before the temperatures begin to fall at night.
A sudden change in temperature can be fatal to many types of houseplants, including those that are the most sought-after ones. Subtropical and tropical species like philodendrons, and palms, are particularly vulnerable. Even some succulents, such as bear paws and agaves can be destroyed by sudden temperature changes. It is recommended to bring them inside before outdoor temperatures begin to drop and gradually adjust them to indoor conditions, so they can adapt to the change.
Humidity Requirements
Many houseplants require a high level of humidity. They could be from tropical regions where humidity levels are much higher, or they may be adapted to the more dry conditions of the forest underbrush or desert and don't adapt well to typical indoor home temperatures and low humidity levels. This is particularly true of aroids and orchids, however, other plants such as haworthias, cacti and succulents.
Humidity is the capacity of air to hold water vapor. It is measured using a scale from zero (dry) to 100 percent (saturated with moisture, such as fog). The average relative humidty for homes is between 30 and 50%. A variety of common houseplants can thrive within this range, however those requiring high humidity will be affected and may begin dropping leaves or buds that they are unable to support with the moisture available in the air.
If the humidity is too low, plants can become dehydrated as stomata close and they are unable to replace the water loss with fresh carbon dioxide, which is necessary for photosynthesis. This could eventually kill the plant. When humidity is very low, the first sign of this is a dry appearance as the plant becomes desiccated. Other symptoms include wilting and browning of the leaves.
One method to increase the humidity around a plant is to place it on a tray stuffed with gravel and water. The plant will receive the humidity it requires by evaporating water. However, it is important to clean the tray on a regular basis to prevent bacteria and mold from breeding in the stagnant water and damaging the plant's roots.
Another easy method to raise the humidity of a plant is to simply cover the plant with an airtight bag. Make sure you put wooden stakes into the pot to keep the plastic from the plant. Make certain that it isn't in direct sunlight, which can cause burns to the leaves of the plant. It is crucial to open the plastic from time time and look for excessive condensation, which would indicate that the temperature of the air is too high.
Other methods to increase the humidity of a plant is by placing it in kitchens and bathrooms where there is usually more humid air than in other rooms of the house. It is also beneficial to group plants with high humidity in the same space, as they will benefit from each other's quicker transpiration rates, creating a small space of increased humidity around them.