
Select plants based on the lighting
Are the plants you are a fan of the ones you want? Our first principle of (green) the thumbs is to assess what amount of sunlight your space gets and then choose the plant in line with that. If you’re unsure, simply by looking around, determine which direction your windows are facing.
In general, windows facing south offer bright light, while windows facing east and west provide moderate light, while windows facing north provide dim light. If there’s anything outside your window, for instance, trees, large trees, or a building that blocks sunlight, be sure to consider that as well. Many houseplants are attracted to indirect, bright light. However, some can tolerate lower light levels (like plants that can take low light levels, such as species like snakes and ZZ-like plants).
If the sun shines brightly at your home’s windows, you might consider putting up an opaque curtain to block the sunlight. Cacti and certain succulents like aloe can handle the brighter, more direct sun. Don’t overexpose or underexpose a plant, so watch the plants when exposed to very high or low light.
Select plants that will work with your timetable
Are you new to parenthood? A hectic schedule at work or social activities and general forgetfulness can result in non-intentional neglect of your plants. It’s okay. Certain plants can adapt to this kind of lifestyle. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll appreciate the durability of low-maintenance and drought-resistant succulents, ZZ plants, and snake plants that are all relatively low-key, so long as they can provide sufficient light (bright and dim). They will look great when you return from your next excursion.
If you can spare extra time, you could look into a few attractive plant species, like air flowers, orchids, and Ferns, as a mist to your face. An additional spray of water filtered daily between waterings helps keep humidity levels perfect and balanced for these delicate plants.
Be careful when watering
It is better to submerge your plants rather than overwater your plants. A lot of water can cause root rot. Stop your regular watering schedule and only water your plant when required. Check the soil or potting mix first to ensure it’s dry, at least 2 inches beneath the surface. If the soil appears dark and feels damp, it sticks to your fingertips, meaning your plant has plenty of water left to accomplish its job for the moment.
The frequency at which you water can change through the year. The plants require less water during winter. Colder months because they’re growing slower, days are shorter, and the sunlight isn’t as intense. If the sun beats down and the soil dries faster, they could require more water. A swollen, wilting leaf or soil that appears to be pulled away from the planter’s edges can be signs of an over thirsty plant.
Make sure to use water that is warm as it absorbs the most. Sprinkle water directly onto the soil surrounding the plant’s root as plants absorb water through their roots. The only exception is Epiphytes, similar to air plants that absorb water via their leaves.
It is also possible to place an under-planter saucer if it has drainage holes. After you water it, allow your plant to soak in the access water and fill the saucer for several hours before emptying it.
Then, if necessary, increase the level of humidity
Being faithful to the plant’s natural habitat will allow your plant to flourish inside. Most tropical plants like high humidity and light to moderate indirect lighting. In the dry winter, groups of similar plants can help create a more humid microclimate. A humidifier can also help and is great for humans (find more methods to increase the humidity in this article). However, most desert dwellers love succulents and cacti like dry straight light, with little shade. They don’t care about moisture.
Keep temperatures steady
Maintain your plant’s environment as steady as you can. Stressful changes in the climate could stress plants out. Ensure the temperature is between 65 to 85 degrees F. Avoid the plants’ proximity to radiators, air conditioning units, or forced-air vents. These could create cold or hot drafts.
Be aware of when to stop the fertilizer
Be cautious of this when applying fertilizer to your plants at home. Overuse of fertilizer can cause much harm rather than benefit. Houseplants don’t need fertilizer as frequently as outdoor plants require it. If you decide to fertilize your plants, you should do it during the growing season (early spring to the beginning of autumn) and adhere to the principle that “less is more.” Most fertilizers available at the store must be mixed with water before application.
If you’ve been growing your plants for at least a year, you can apply fertilizer for your first attempt. We recommend using a general-purpose fertilizer. Follow the directions. If you’ve recently changed your soil, don’t use the fertilizer! The fresh ground has plenty of new nutrients.
Shop with a trusted source
Buy plant material from a reliable supplier like The Sill or your preferred nearby garden store, as well as florists or specialty stores. If you purchase from a supplier with experts in the field on-site, they can answer all of your questions. Many people who work or sell plants enjoy talking about their plants. We certainly do.
If you’re the first plant-loving parent, avoid big supermarkets and department stores where plants are typically kept in dark warehouses or basements. Examine your plant to see if it has yellow-colored leaves, powdery mildew, odd spots with brown tips, and weak stems, as they are indications of an unhealthy plant.
Give a bit of TLC initially
When your plant is delivered to your home or picked up from your local shop, it will take a couple of weeks to adapt to its new surroundings. Give your plant more care in the beginning. Watching your plant will inform you when to water it when to stop if temperatures are too high or low, and if it’s receiving enough sunlight. Also, they’re beautiful to gaze at.
Don’t be afraid of repotting
A common misconception, “repotting” does not necessarily mean putting your plant in a new planter but instead changing out your plant’s soil with fresh potting mix to provide further nutrients. The plants typically require to be repotted every 12-18 months, based on the rate at which they are growing. If your plant has grown beyond its planter, it is possible to use this as a chance to resize it. Select a farmer that is 3 to 4 inches bigger than the container it’s currently placed in. It is essential to ensure that your plant doesn’t get sucked into the soil, which could result in overwatering and a bit more space to expand.