Plants Indoors

Having plants indoors year round is good because they help supply your home with fresh oxygen. They are also pleasing to the eye, and caring for them can be therapeutic. However, indoor plants have special requirements that need to be addressed if you want them to be healthy and lush. There are seven main things that you need to keep in mind for plants indoors: lighting, watering, nutrients, temperature, clean air, room to grow, and time.

Proper lighting is essential for healthy plants. Before purchasing any plants, find out their lighting requirements and be certain you will have a suitable place for them. You can also set up grow lights if natural lighting is not sufficient. Watering is another important factor. Too much water can drown the plant and too little can cause it to wilt. It is always good to wet the soil thoroughly when you water. Having drain holes in your pots is best; otherwise put loose gravel in the bottom of the pot so that excess water can accumulate away from the roots. A good rule of thumb is when you press your finger about an inch into the soil and it is dry, then it is time to water your plant.

For optimum growth, supply your plant with a 20-20-20 fertilizer if it is not a flowering plant and 15-30-15 fertilizer if it is a flowering plant. Most indoor plants like the same temperatures human beings like, somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean air is helpful too; any smoke or other pollutant will hinder growth. Have pots that will allow ample room for roots to expand. And remember, not all plants grow at the same rate, so give them time to grow and you will be well pleased with the results.