Plant Care 101: How NOT to Kill Your Houseplants

Read the rest of the article

Choosing the Right Plants for Different Areas

Plants exhibit Goldilocks syndrome, preferring things to be “just right”. Depending on the type of plant involved, conditions should not be too dark, too bright, too humid, or too dry.




Typically, we’ll go to a garden center and select plants that appeal to the eye. However, experts warn against this as it often means taking home happy, healthy plants that gradually turn into dreary, dying ones.




If you want your indoor plants to survive and thrive, evaluate your environment. Include a micro assessment of the rooms in which you want to place your new houseplants. Matching plants with their intended environment gives them a good start for survival.




Some of the best indoor plants and ideal room matches include bright, airy rooms for monsteras, warm kitchens for peace lilies, humid bathrooms for devil’s ivy, and shady spots for false castor oil plants.




Watering Houseplants

As with all other living things, plants need water. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot and diseases, and it is one of the main reasons houseplants die.




Watering your houseplants according to a schedule – for example, every Monday morning – is a mistake. You must evaluate the water needs, soil conditions, and appearance of individual plants and water them accordingly. For example, hardy desert survivors such as cacti and other succulents need much less water than their thirsty philodendron and fern counterparts.




A top tip is checking the soil before “pouring” your plant a “drink”. Do the finger test: stick your finger into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to top up. Water slowly, taking care to avoid using too much or splashing water all over the foliage. Give the soil time to dry out before the next round. You can also use a mister for succulents or a watering globe for water-craving plants.




Keep in mind that many plants do not actively grow in winter, which means they need less water during these months.




Best Soil for Houseplants

Plants can also be picky about their soil.




Generally, an all-purpose potting mix works well for most indoor plants. There are, however, exceptions to the rule, as dense soil mixes can suffocate the roots of some plant species.




Air plants do not need any soil, while succulents prefer something with more sand or perlite, which promotes drainage. Orchids, which can be especially finicky if things are not just right, grow better in soil mixes with bark.




It’s important to understand the soil needs of your plant before simply stuffing it in a pot. It’s also helpful to use a fresh potting mix to help prevent diseases.




Choosing the Right Pot

The shape, size, and drainage of pots all play a vital role in the health of your plant. Something that’s too big causes issues such as root rot, while something that’s too small compromises the absorption of water and nourishment. Drainage issues may suffocate or rot the roots and cause fungal diseases.




Experts recommend starting with a pot that’s between one and two inches larger than the root ball or root network of your plant. Make sure that the pot has adequate drainage holes. As it grows, you may need to upgrade your pot size. 




Check your plant’s roots once a year. Girdling roots are a sign of constriction and indicate the need for a bigger pot. It’s best to tackle your replanting exercises during spring or summer.




To Fertilize or Not To Fertilize?

For some plants, fertilization is a must, but for others, it’s a definite don’t. Get to know the fertilization needs of your plants before giving them a one-size-fits-all solution.




Flowering plants such as orchids need fertilizer, while succulents will grow with little or no fertilizer. Using the wrong kind of fertilizer or too much of it can burn the leaves, while using too little can result in stunted growth.




Ensure your choice matches the nutrient needs of your plant. For example, flowering plants need something with a higher phosphorus concentration, while a higher nitrogen concentration boosts foliar growth. There are also all-purpose options on the market that work for most houseplants. Your garden center manager can point you in the right direction.




Pros and Cons of Humidity

Some plants flourish in humid environments, while others like it dry. Too much humidity increases the likelihood of disease, and your succulents will suffer. If the conditions aren’t humid enough, tropical plants may protest with wilted, curling, yellow leaves.




Keep in mind that your indoor air is drier in winter because of heating systems, and you may need a humidifier to restore the proper balance. In some tropical regions, especially those along the coast, you may need a dehumidifier. You can also spray a fine mist on the leaves on a regular basis or place plants in more humid rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.




Try to keep the humidity between 40% and 60%.




Pruning

Pruning helps to promote healthy plant growth. On flowering plants, cut off dying or dead flowers, and remove yellow, brown, or old leaves. You can also prune stray shoots and cut back climbers.




Cleaning

It may sound silly, but your plant’s foliage needs a dusting from time to time. Leaves caked with dust cannot absorb sufficient light, which is needed for the important process of photosynthesis.




You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or rinse them.