Indoor plants have become an essential part of our décor, as they are relatively easy to care for and help remove toxins from the air. If you want your houseplants to thrive there are a few things you should think about. It’s all about the type of plant you choose, the location you put it in, and when and how you water it. All you need is some basic information and a few tips to learn how to best take care of your green friends.
Light conditions
Knowing the light in your home and the light your plant requires will ensure your plant continues to thrive from Day 1. A good rule of thumb is that in general, most indoor plants like a bright window with some diffused sun part of the day. Plants with bright coloured or variegated leaves like more light than others. Rotate or move your plants to a difference spot once in a while if it needs more or less light.
Watering your plants
If your plants are in well-draining soil, in a pot with drainage holes, you should water most plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger into the soil to check. If the soil is dry, go ahead, and water your plants. If the soil is still moist from the last watering, don’t water. Instead, wait one or two days and check again.
Pruning & Cleaning
Do a quick overall plant check up once a week at least. Remove leaves and flowers that are yellowed, browned, or withered. Inspect closely to be sure they are free of pests. You want to catch them early before you have a possible infestation. Check if the plants are still rooted firmly. You can press down on the soil and add more soil at the top if required. Clean the leaves with a soft cloth or use a spray to wipe off the dirt. You can also wash the leaves under running water.
Adding nutrients
To have your indoor plants looking healthy and lush, it’s important to add nutrients to the soil once in 2-4 weeks. You could spray organic fertiliser such as Jeevamrutha or you could add organic compost directly to the soil.
Re-potting
If your plant is getting big then you might want to consider pruning or replanting it into a larger container. To find out if your plant needs re-potting, check the roots. If they are coming out of the drainage holes on the bottom or circling the inside of the pot, it is time to replant.
Caring for your house plants can be very easy and therapeutic. Try your hand at experimenting with different indoor plants for your different spaces to enrich both your home and life.
