Choosing House Plants
After a brief lull in popularity, house plants have made a huge comeback. They're becoming status symbol and an integral part of interior design because of a wide array of research that shows their ability to improve your mental health and air quality.
From lush jungle vibes to the sculptural appeal of succulents and cacti, these sturdy greenery options are simple to care for. All you require is a bit of know-how and a few essential aspects to achieve the perfect look.
Space
Many houseplants are native to a variety of environments, ranging from rainforest understory plants and desert-dwelling cacti. Consider the type of habitat in which houseplants can thrive to ensure their long-term success. This includes the specific conditions, like temperatures, light, and humidity and the space available in your office or in your home.
For instance tropical understory plants like ferns thrive in moist environments with bright indirect light similar to what you would find in a east-facing window. The plants will smolder their leaves if placed in windows facing south or west.
When arranging your plants, ensure that you allow plenty of space for air flow between each. This will help in controlling the temperature and help prevent the risk of diseases that are caused by a the absence of air circulation. Make sure your pots have drainage holes to avoid over-watering or stagnant water. Porous pots such as terracotta allow for better air circulation than non-porous plastics, or glazed pots. These pots can hold moisture and restrict airflow.
It's important to keep in mind that while most plant species are fairly inexpensive but the initial investment and ongoing maintenance of houseplants can increase. It's worth mentioning that gardening can be a lengthy task, particularly for those who tend to overlook or overwater their plants.
Light
Plants can bring color and beauty to your home however, when you don't provide them with enough light, they may appear dull or start dropping leaves. This could be because the plant needs more bright light, or it could be an indication that there's something wrong with the environment. Utilizing a light meter to determine the type and intensity of light is one way to find out what the issue is.
Different plants have differing light requirements to thrive and flower. The majority of plants require bright indirect light. However, this will vary based on the species and the amount of sunlight they receive outside. It is essential to know the requirements of your particular plants so you can provide them with the most optimal conditions.
You should think about choosing plants that can thrive in low light conditions if you have limited window space or if your windows are closed. Aroids, including bromeliads and ferns, as well as some varieties of ivy, are able to thrive in dimly lit rooms. Flowering houseplants such as African Violets, Camellias, Gardenias, and Geraniums (Pelargonium species) are more demanding but can still thrive in less than ideal conditions.
For plants that require very bright light, such as dracaenas and the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) try placing them in front of a south-facing window throughout the day or place them a few feet from a window facing west to ensure that you get the most bright indirect sunlight. The more intense light will also help if you use a full-spectrum artificial lighting system.
These lights provide more intense light than standard bulbs and allow you to grow more plants within the same space since they're designed to mimic natural sunlight, which includes the energy of the blue and red wavelengths that are most important to plants for growth and flowers. One good example is the Aceple Desk Plant Light, which is affordable and provides amazing results on African violets lemon cucumbers, weeping figs.
Another kind of light is called the high-intensity discharge (HID) or metal halide lamp. These lamps generate a lot of heat and are not recommended for use in many homes. Check that your fixture is equipped with an automatic shut-off, and is properly vented.
Temperature
Plants have a very limited temperature range that they thrive in. Temperature impacts photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration and all are vital for plant growth and function. It is crucial to maintain the proper temperature for your plants throughout the daytime.
For instance tropical houseplants like palms, philodendrons, and peace lily plants thrive in warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. The cooler temperatures enable the plants to conserve the water and energy they gather through photosynthesis. Temperature also affects how fast the plant grows. Low temperatures slow down growth while high temperatures speed it up.
It's also critical to monitor the humidity levels in your home. If potted house plants is dry, it could cause plant diseases. It is best to put your plants in rooms that are ventilated naturally and are near windows. If your home is drafty, you may want your plants to be removed from fireplaces and doors. Drafts can cause plants' stomata (holes in the leaves) to close. This can reduce its ability to absorb water and nutrients.
The most significant issue that indoor plants experience is rapid temperature fluctuations and long periods of cold. Most plants can withstand temperatures that vary up to 10 degrees F between night and day.
If your plants are exposed to extreme temperatures, they might be prone to wilting, dropping their leaves, or develop mold. best houseplants can monitor and regulate the temperature of your home. Smart thermostats and smart AC controllers and minisplits with ductless technology can help you maintain the optimal temperature of your green friend while making your life easier and saving money. Plus, they're eco-friendly! Visit SmartHome.com for more details.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes in deserts and rainforests where they can be found on tree trunks and branches or attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces. They can withstand less sun dry air, dry weather and infrequent watering. They are also more tolerant to dry air than those that have adapted to a warmer climate. Some of these plants such as orchids, bromeliads ferns and palms, are perennially popular for indoor gardens.
Water is vital to the health and growth of a plant. The quality of water, the frequency with the frequency at which it changes and even the temperature are all aspects that affect a plant's growth.
The best water for houseplants is rainwater or meltwater, which is rich in oxygen and free of chlorine or fluoride. If you do not have meltwater or rainwater available, tap water is usually good enough if it isn't heated or treated with calcium chloride. It is recommended to let tap water sit for 24 hours prior to using it. Chlorine can destroy beneficial bacteria in the soil and damage the roots.
It's a good idea regardless of whether you're using tap water or rainwater, or bottled water, to replace the old water with new, fresh water every week. Using the same water over several months can result in salt accumulation that can be harmful for certain plants.
When watering a houseplant, it is a good idea to use a watering can that allows you to control the amount of water you use to ensure that you don't over- or submerge the plant. It's also beneficial to water your plants in indirect light instead of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can warm the water, which can promote algae growth and other organisms harmful to plants.
The amount of water that a houseplant needs to change based on the season and particular plant's needs. Therefore, tall house plants to keep an eye on how much a particular plant grows and water it according to. Try lifting the pot if you're not sure if your houseplant is getting enough water. A plant that is wilting or sagging is likely to be thirsty, while a well-watered plant will have a sturdy but damp soil texture.