The basics of keeping your indoor plants healthy

Indoor plants make an incredible addition to any living space. They have the potential to enhance the atmosphere in your home by inviting nature in. Plus, they provide many science-backed benefits for your overall health. That’s right – indoor gardening is more than just a social media trend. According to researchers, houseplants can reduce stress, boost productivity, enhance indoor air quality, and may even be a recovery aid.

But you have to care for them if you want to keep them healthy, and this is possible only when you understand their basic needs. If you’re new to indoor gardening, things may initially seem overwhelming. However, many plants require only a little maintenance besides watering. That said, here is how to help your plants thrive and create your indoor garden.

Choose plants that fit your lifestyle

Successful plant care begins with choosing the right plant for your home. You can’t fit any plant in your home, and that’s okay, as there are many options out there. You’ll likely end up neglecting your plants if you have a busy schedule. Fortunately, some plants, such as snake plants and succulents, handle this lifestyle, as they are low-key. All they need is enough light, and they’ll look their best once you’re back from your trip.

Supposing you have more time, you can opt for attention-loving plants like ferns or orchids. A spritz of filtered water between regular waterings will balance these delicate plants’ humidity levels.

Pick a suitable pot

If you’re going to plant directly into a pot, choosing one with drainage holes is paramount. These holes are located at the pot’s bottom, and their purpose is to help excess water drain to prevent root rot. Choosing decorative pots like baskets or ceramics depends on your taste, budget and, obviously, your home’s décor.

There are so many flower pots on the market these days that picking one can be challenging. After choosing your houseplants, it won’t be difficult to find a suitable pot for them as long as you do your research and learn about the plant’s characteristics and needs. For instance, most succulents fit perfectly in smaller pots, as they don’t have large root systems.

Place them in the right spot

Light exposure is paramount for indoor plants. Too much light can lead to their demise, and the same is true if they get too little light. Plants have different needs; while most of them prefer indirect sunlight, there are also those that tolerate reduced light levels, such as snake plants.

Perhaps you want to choose Lavender as a houseplant, as it has a wonderful and calming fragrance with therapeutic properties. However, this plant needs full sun to thrive, so it’s best to place it on your balcony. There are other similar houseplants that you can keep in balcony planters to create your own little sanctuary. Just imagine the calming feeling you’ll get while staying on your balcony with a cup of coffee in your hands, surrounded by beautiful plants!

Water your plants mindfully

You don’t want to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot. Thus, it’s best to water your houseplant only when it’s necessary, so make sure to check the soil first. If it feels moist and has a dark colour, your plant likely has enough water. How often you water will also depend on the time of the year. For instance, houseplants don’t require much water during winter.

There are some things to keep in mind when watering your houseplants. First, you should always use warm water, as it absorbs best. Secondly, pouring water on the soil around the plant’s base is crucial, as most of them absorb it from their roots. Also, if your planter has a drainage hole, make sure to place a saucer under it.

Clean the leaves

Cleaning houseplants isn’t a difficult job – you can do it naturally, whether you have larger houseplants or smaller ones. Your plants may sometimes need this extra care, so wiping off or spraying the leaves is always a good idea, as they tend to get dusty. You should do this once or twice a year to help your plants breathe. It’s difficult for them to do so if their leaves are covered with dust or dirt.

Use fertiliser when necessary

Even if you only have two houseplants, nourishing them from time to time is essential. By fertilising your indoor plants, you’ll keep them healthy and ensure they grow strong. However, too much fertiliser can be harmful to them. Houseplants don’t need to be fertilised as regularly as outdoor plants. It’s best to fertilise your plant during the growing season, namely between early spring and easy fall, and remember the rule ‘less is more’.

Before using a store-bought fertiliser, you should dilute it with water. Make sure to always follow the instructions and avoid using a fertiliser if you’ve recently changed the soil, as fresh soil already has enough nutrients.

Watch for plant pests

Different plant pests, such as mealybugs, white flies, and spider mites, can damage your plants. They will experience an infestation at some point – that’s inevitable. However, there are ways to get rid of them. For instance, you can use insecticidal soap or a forceful water spray. Regardless of the treatment you use, it’s imperative to be consistent.

Another thing to remember is that you should control the pests right after seeing them. If the infestation gets bad, you may be unable to do anything about it. So, if you want to save your plant, it’s paramount to take action as soon as possible.

Don’t hesitate to repot

There’s a misconception around repotting. This process isn’t about moving your plant to another planter but changing the soil with a fresh potting mix that offers new nutrients to your plant.

While it depends on how actively a plant grows, generally, they need to be repotted every 2 to 5 years. However, plants like succulents, snake plants and bromeliads don’t need to be repotted often, so it’s paramount to do your research about this once you’ve purchased a particular houseplant.

Last words

Caring for your houseplants doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your plants healthy for a long time.