Choosing House Plants
After a brief dip in popularity, house plants have been able to make a massive comeback. They're now considered status symbols and integral parts of interior design, because of a wide array of research that proves their ability to improve mental health and air quality.
These hardy greenery choices are easy to maintain. All you require is a bit of knowledge and a few important aspects to get the look right.
Space
Many houseplants are native to a variety of environments, ranging from rainforest understory plants to desert-dwelling Cacti. When selecting houseplants, think about the kind of environment they will naturally thrive in to help ensure their long-term survival. This includes both the specific conditions like light, temperature, humidity and soil composition as well as the overall space of your office or home.
The ferns, a type of plant that thrive in humid conditions and get direct sunlight, can be grown in east-facing windows. Placing these plants in south or west-facing windows will provide more direct sunlight, which may cause the leaves to burn.
When you are arranging your plants, be sure that you leave enough space between each plant for air circulation. This will help to control the temperature and help prevent illnesses that result from a lack of air circulation. Also, ensure that your pots have drainage holes to reduce the possibility of over-watering or stagnant water. Porous pots such as terracotta allow for better air circulation than non-porous plastics, or glazed pots. These pots may hold moisture and restrict airflow.
It's important to keep in mind that, while many species of plants are relatively inexpensive, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance of houseplants could be quite costly. It's important to remember that plants can be an exhausting pastime, particularly for those with an inclination to not water or overwater.
Light
Plants add beauty and color to our homes, but if they're not getting enough light they could appear dull or begin dropping leaves. This could be due to the fact that the plant requires more bright light, or it could be an indication that there's something wrong with the environment. You can use the light meter and determine the type of light and its intensity to determine the cause.
Different plants have different needs for light to flourish and bloom. Generally, most plants require bright indirect light, but this can vary depending on the specific species and the amount of sunlight they normally get outdoors. It is essential to know the requirements of your particular plants to ensure that you provide them with the most optimal conditions.
Consider choosing plants that can thrive in low light conditions If you have a small window space or if your windows are blocked. Aroids, like bromeliads, ferns, and certain varieties of ivy, can thrive in dimly lit rooms. The majority of flowering houseplants such as African camellias, violets, gardenias, and Geraniums (Pelargonium species) are more demanding, however they can live with conditions that aren't ideal.
For plants that require bright light, like dracaenas or the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) try placing them in the south-facing windows all day long or put them a few feet from a west-facing window in order to ensure that you get the most direct sunlight that is bright and intense. The more intense light will also help if you use an artificial lighting system that is full spectrum.
These lights offer more intense light than standard bulbs and allow you to grow more plants in the same space since they're designed to replicate natural sunlight, including the spectrum of blue and red wavelengths that are essential to flowers and plants. Aceple Desk Plant Light is a good illustration. tall houseplants is affordable and provides excellent results when used with African violets, weeping figs, and lemon cucumbers.
A high-intensity discharging (HID) lamp or metal halide is a different type of light. These lamps emit lots of heat and aren't suitable for use in homes So, make sure to ensure that your fixture is properly vented and has an auto shut-off timer.
Temperature
Plants thrive in a specific temperature range. tall houseplants , respiration and transpiration which are all essential to plant growth and function. It is important to understand the temperature requirements of your plants and to maintain their ideal temperature throughout the day.
For instance tropical houseplants like palms, philodendrons, and peace flowering lily plants thrive in hot temperatures during the daytime and cooler ones at night. The cooler temperatures enable the plants to save the energy and water they get from photosynthesis. Temperature is also a factor in how fast the plant grows. High temperatures accelerate the rate of growth while lower temperatures slow it down.
Check the relative humidity of your home. If the air is too dry, it can cause plant diseases. This is why it's a good idea to place your plants near windows and in areas with natural ventilation. If your home is drafty, you may want your plants removed from doors and open fireplaces. The drafts can cause the plant's stomata (holes in the leaves) to close. This reduces its ability absorb water and nutrients.
The biggest issue indoor plants experience is rapid temperature fluctuations and long periods of cold. big house plants can withstand temperatures that vary up to 10 degrees F between day and night.
If your plants are subjected to extreme temperatures, it's probable that they will wilt, lose their leaves or develop mold. The best way to stop this from happening is to utilize smart climate control devices that monitor and regulate your home's temperature. Smart thermostats as well as smart AC controllers, and ductless minisplits can help you maintain the optimal temperature of your green friend while saving you time and money. Plus, they're eco-friendly! For more details, visit SmartHome.com.
Water
Many houseplants thrive as epiphytes in deserts and rainforests, where they grow on branches and trunks of trees or attach themselves to rocks and other surfaces. These plants can tolerate dry air, a lack of water and less sunlight than those that have adapted to warmer climates. Some of these plants are favorites for indoor gardens, like bromeliads, orchids and ferns.
Water is essential for the health and growth of the plant. The quality of the water, the often it is changed and its temperature can determine a plant's success or failure.
Rainwater or meltwater is the best water to use for your houseplants. It is oxygen-rich and does not contain chlorine or fluoride. If you don't have meltwater or rainwater available tap water is typically fine if it hasn't been heated or treated with calcium chloride. Chlorine and chloramines can harm roots and kill beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms in the soil, so it's recommended to let tap water sit for 24 hours before using it.
If you are using tap water, rainwater or bottled water, it's always recommended to swap the old water with fresh, new water at least once per week. Using the same water over long periods of time can result in salt accumulation that could be harmful to certain plants.
When watering a plant in your home it is a great idea to use a watering container that lets you limit the amount of water you use, so that you don't drown or overflow drown the plant. It is also recommended to water plants using indirect light, not direct sunlight. big house plants can warm the water, which could promote algae growth and other organisms harmful to plants.
The amount of water a houseplant needs to change based on the season and specific needs of the plant, so it's a good idea keep an eye on the amount a particular plant grows and water it according to. If you're unsure whether your plant is receiving enough water you can try lifting the pot. If your plant is dying, sagging or has a dry texture will be extremely thirsty.