Choosing House Plants
After a brief decline in popularity house plants have been able to make a massive comeback. With a myriad of studies that proves their capacity to improve everything from physical health to air quality, they're becoming status symbols and integral components of interior design.
From lush jungle vibes to sculptural appeal of succulents and cacti, these sturdy greenery options are easy to take care of. All you need is a little know-how and a few essential elements to get the look right.
Space
Many houseplants come from a variety of habitats, from rainforest understory plants to desert-dwelling cacti. When choosing house plants names , consider the kind of environment they would naturally thrive in to ensure their long-term viability. This includes both the particular conditions like light temperature, humidity, temperature and soil composition, as along with the overall area of your home or office.
For instance tropical understory plants like ferns thrive in moist environments with bright indirect light that is similar to what you'd find in a east-facing window. Planting these plants in west or south-facing windows will give them more direct sunlight, which can cause burns to their leaves.
When you arrange your plants, ensure to leave enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation. This allows for better temperature control and reduce diseases caused by the absence of air circulation. Also, ensure that your pots have drainage holes to minimize the chance of over-watering and stagnant water. Porous pots, such as Terra cotta are better at aeration than non-porous plastic or ceramics with glazes, which can hold more moisture and limit airflow.
It's important to remember that, while many species of plants are fairly inexpensive however, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance of houseplants could increase. It's important to remember that plants can be a bit of a time-consuming hobby, especially for those with the tendency to not remember to water or overwater.
Light
Plants can add beautiful color and beauty to your home however, if you don't provide them enough light, they may start looking dull or dropping leaves. The reason could be from the plant's needing brighter light, or it could be an indication of a problem with another aspect of the environment. You can utilize the light meter and determine the kind of light and the intensity to determine the cause.
Different plants require different levels of light for growth and bloom. Most plants require bright indirect light. However, houseplants near me may vary based on the species and how much sunlight they receive outside. It's important to research the requirements of your particular plants so you can provide them with the best possible conditions.
You should think about choosing plants that can thrive in conditions of low light If you have a small window space or if your windows are shut. Aroids (bromeliads bromeliads, ferns and bromeliads) and some ivy varieties as well as a few palms and begonias are very adaptable and can live in relatively dim spaces. Houseplants with flowers, like African Camellias and Violets Geraniums, and Gardenias (Pelargonium species) are more demanding, but they can still survive in less than ideal conditions.
Try positioning plants that require bright indirect light, like dracaenas or the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) in the front of a window that faces south all day. Place them just a few inches from a window facing west to get the most brightness. The more intense light will also help if you use an artificial lighting system that is full spectrum.
These lights provide more intense light than standard bulbs and allow you to grow more plants in the same space because they are designed to mimic natural sunlight, which includes the energy of the red and blue wavelengths that are the most crucial to flowers and plants. One good example is the Aceple Desk Plant Light, which is affordable and produces amazing results on African violets as well as lemon cucumbers and weeping figs.
Another type of light is the high-intensity discharge (HID) or metal Halide lamp. These lamps produce large amounts of heat and are not suitable for the majority of home use Be sure to ensure whether your fixture is properly vented and has an automatic shut-off timer.
Temperature
Plants thrive at a very specific temperature range. Temperature affects transpiration, photosynthesis, and respiration and all are vital for plant growth and function. It is crucial to maintain the ideal temperature for your plants throughout the day.
For example, tropical houseplants like philodendron, palms and peace flowering lily plants thrive in hot temperatures during the day and cooler ones at night. The cooler temperatures help the plants conserve water and energy through photosynthesis. The temperature also determines how fast a plant grows. Low temperatures slow growth, whereas high temperatures accelerate it.
It is also crucial to keep track of your home's humidity level. Plant diseases can be caused by too-dry air. It is recommended to place your plants in rooms that are ventilated naturally and near windows. However, if your house is drafty, you may need to keep your plants away from open flames and doors. Drafts can cause plants' stomata (holes in the leaves) to close. This decreases the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
The biggest issue indoor plants face is rapid temperature changes and prolonged periods of cold. Most plants can withstand up to 10 degrees F in temperature variations between night and day however any more could be detrimental.
If your plants are exposed at extreme temperatures, they could be prone to wilting, dropping their leaves or develop mold. Smart climate control devices regulate and monitor the temperature of your home. Smart thermostats as well as smart AC controllers for ductless mini-splits and portable AC can help you maintain the ideal temperature of your green friend which will save you money and time. Plus, they're eco-friendly! Visit SmartHome.com for more details.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes in deserts and rainforests in which they are able to grow on branches and trunks of trees or stick to rocks and other surfaces. These plants can tolerate dry air, a lack of water and less sun than plants adapted to more temperate climates. Some of these plants are favorites for indoor gardens, like bromeliads, orchids and ferns.
Water is essential for the health and growth of the plant. The quality of the water, the often it is changed and even its temperature can affect the success or failure of a plant.
Rainwater or meltwater is the ideal water to use for houseplants. It is oxygen-rich and does not contain chlorine or fluoride. If you do not have meltwater, rainwater, or distilled water readily available tap water is generally good if it has not been boiling or treated with calcium chloride. It's best to let tapwater sit for 24 hours prior to using it. Chlorine can kill beneficial soil bacteria and cause damage to the roots.
It is a good idea, regardless of whether you're using tap water, rainwater or bottled water, to replace the old water with fresh, fresh water every week. Utilizing the same water for several months could result in salt accumulation, which could be harmful to certain plants.
It's a good idea, when watering a plant to use a watering container that allows you to control the amount of the water you use so that you don't drown or overwater the plant. houseplants near me is a good idea to water plants in indirect light instead of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can heat the water, which could promote algae growth and other organisms harmful to plants.
Watering a houseplant depends on the time of year, and also the needs of the plant. It's best to keep track of the growth of a particular plant and water it appropriately. Try lifting the pot if you're not sure whether your houseplant is receiving enough water. If your plant is dying, sagging or has a dry texture will be extremely thirsty.