Decorating the house with your favorite indoor plants can be satisfying, but sometimes the plants become weak, start to drop leaves, or do not grow well after a few days. You might not understand what is wrong, even though the plants are getting regular fertilizer and water. So where is the problem? For those who take care of plants regularly, these problems are manageable, but for those who are new or cannot dedicate time to their plants due to busyness, indoor plants can be troublesome. Let’s learn how to take good care of indoor plants.
- Water the Plants Regularly The plant needs regular watering. The soil should be kept slightly moist rather than completely dry. If the soil is too dry or too wet, it will inhibit plant growth. Too little or too much water can damage the plant. Plants with thin leaves and dense shrubs need more water than plants with waxy or leathery leaves. If water accumulates on the surface of the soil or at the base of the plant, it means the plant has been watered excessively, which can kill it. Remove excess water if you see accumulation. If the soil looks dry or its color changes, water the plant. If daily watering is not possible, water every other day.
- Understanding Soil Conditions Gently insert the tip of your finger into the soil to gauge its condition. If you feel moisture, the plant is doing well. If it feels dry, the plant needs water. Different types of plants require different amounts of water. Signs indicating your plant’s condition include:
- Overhydration: Leaf color changes, growth stops, leaves fall or rot. Moderate water is needed.
- Dehydration: Slow leaf growth, brown or dry leaves, yellow or wrinkled lower leaves. Water according to the plant type.
- Do Not Use Cold or Hot Water Many people think that plants need cold water in summer or warm water in winter, but this is a mistake. Plants need room temperature water. Hot water can damage roots and kill the plant, while excessively cold water interferes with growth.
- Adequate Sunlight Choose a place where the plant gets enough sunlight. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. The amount, time, and intensity of sunlight affect growth. Avoid direct sunlight; instead, keep plants in a place that is not too hot but gets enough sunlight. Light from lamps or electromagnetic radiation can substitute sunlight for many plants. Flowering plants need 12-16 hours of light daily, while leafy plants need 14-16 hours.
- Do Not Move Plants Repeatedly Avoid moving plants frequently. Plants adapt to their environment, and frequent changes can stunt growth as they need time to adjust to new conditions. If a plant must be moved, gradually increase the time it spends in the new location before moving it permanently.
- Increase Humidity in the Room Plants need adequate moisture. Here’s how you can keep the room humid:
- Use a room humidifier if the air is too dry.
- Place plants where they can absorb moisture from the air without completely wetting the leaves or flowers.
- Use pebbles in a tray, wet them with water, and let the evaporation keep the room moist.
- Spray the plant with fresh water from a spray bottle for moisture.
- If leaves and flower buds turn brown, it indicates a lack of moisture.
- Group plants together to help them retain moisture.
- Sufficient Fertilizer in the Soil Most plants require a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Keep in mind:
- Use the N-P-K formula: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).
- Potassium is essential for flowering plants.
- Nitrogen works well for deciduous plants.
- Cacti or succulents prefer dry, sandy, and rocky soils with good drainage. Ensure there is a drainage hole in the pot to prevent excess moisture, which can kill the plant.
- Different plants need different care, so know what your plant needs before buying.
- Prune excess branches and bushes, and remove dead leaves to prevent damage to other leaves.
- Clean Dust from Leaves Watering is not enough; dust accumulates on leaves, making the plant look dirty. Clean the leaves with a soft cloth or brush with room temperature water. Tall plants or those with many leaves should be washed in the bathroom once a week if possible.
- Remove Insects Indoor plants can suffer from insect infestations like whiteflies or mealybugs. If this happens, get insecticides from the nursery and spray the plants. Alternatively, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth to wipe insect-infested branches or leaves.
- Indoor plants require more care than outdoor ones. Regular care will keep your home healthy and pleasant. Take care of your plants regularly to maintain a healthy and beautiful home.
