Mia
Most homes need some extra care and attention occasionally. It’s common for the interior to look dull and tired-looking over time, or for the scuffs and marks to slowly build up. That’s why people seek DIY tips or ways to give an old bathroom a completely new look.
Indoor plants can really brighten up a room and make it feel more alive. It can be an inexpensive way to add some fresh color and a touch of nature. Having said that, it’s important to look after your plants if you want them to stay looking their best. If you’re not sure how to achieve this, there’s no need to give up. We have put together a few plant care tips to help you keep your plants green and healthy.
What Are Indoor Plants?
Indoor plants are species that are grown inside the house rather than outside. There is a lot of diversity among them, and some common types include succulents, cacti, ivy, spider plants, philodendrons, and ferns.
One of the benefits of having indoor plants is that they can help improve your home’s air quality. Many houseplants release oxygen at night, which can help you sleep better. They also filter out toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Added to that, research confirms that people become more relaxed and productive when there are plants in the room.
Use Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a material that is applied to plants to provide nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three main elements that fertilizer contains. These nutrients are essential for plant growth, and a fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen will promote green foliage growth. Fertilizers also contain other elements such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur that are beneficial to plants.
If you’re looking for the most suitable products, it’s wise to visit the specialist websites that discuss them. They can help you find the best fertilizer for indoor plants, whether it’s granular, slow-release, synthetic, organic, water-soluble, natural or more. You can view photos, product names, key specifications, discussions of the pros and cons – and access prices and Amazon links. Once you’ve made your purchase, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Water Your Plants Correctly
Watering your plants wrongly can be just as harmful as not watering them at all. Whilst plants need water to survive, it is also the number one cause of death. The key is to make sure they have enough moisture, but that their soil doesn’t get too wet. Some houseplants require more water than others so it’s important to know what type of individual plant care each species needs.
Most plants need moisture when the soil feels dry to the touch. However, if you stick your finger in the soil and it’s wet, don’t water it as this will only damage the roots. You can use a moisture meter to test whether your plants need water or not, but they can be expensive.
Place Them In A Sunny Spot
Most plants need exposure to several hours of sunlight each day. If you can’t put them in direct sunlight, try placing them near a window where they will get some natural light. If you don’t have any windows in your home that get good sunlight, consider investing in some artificial light for your plants.
If you live in an area with very hot summers or cold winters, you may need to relocate your plants at different times of the year. Make sure to keep an eye on them, and move them back to their original spot once the weather has stabilized.
Remove Any Dead Leaves Or Flowers
In addition to looking unsightly, dead plants can spread diseases throughout your indoor garden, putting other healthy plants at risk of infection. Dead leaves and flowers can also attract pests, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Any time a plant shows signs of disease, cut it back immediately before the issue spreads to other parts of the plant and beyond.
Know When To Repot Plants
When they become too large for their current pot, plants will stop growing and will struggle to absorb water. As a result of this, they become increasingly susceptible to pests and diseases. In addition, too much soil in a pot can lead to root rot due to over-watering or too little drainage. When the leaves turn yellow with brown spots in between, it’s time to repot your plant into something larger.
To do this, you should water it thoroughly beforehand to prevent it from getting stressed. Then remove the plant from its container and shake off any excess dirt. Next, you should place it into a new pot that is about two inches bigger than the original one. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil as you go along. Gently push down the soil and give your plant a good drink of water to complete the process.
Prune Back Overgrown Plants
This will help the plant grow in a more desirable shape and it will also promote new growth. Pruning also helps plants to use their energy more efficiently, leading to healthier and greener vegetation. Be sure to prune correctly by using sharp scissors or clippers and cut just above a leaf node (the point at which a leaf stem branches out from the main stem). Sanitize your pruning tools between cuts with rubbing alcohol or bleach to prevent the spread of disease.
When pruning flowering plants, be mindful not to remove too many flowers as this can stunt blooming. Always prune after the flowers have faded so that the plant’s energy is focused on the remaining flowers (which will help promote new blooms).
If you put these top tips into place, you will be able to steward your house plants well. Not only will they live the longest life possible, but they’ll look healthy and green along the way. We mentioned earlier that there are many different benefits to having house plants, so the time you spend looking after them will be a great investment in your home.
