Houseplants have been around since the earliest civilizations and have been part of the human experience since the dawn of time. In recent years, however, they have become increasingly popular as people have become more aware of the benefits of having plants in their homes. Houseplants can help to purify the air, reduce stress, and even boost your mood. But in order to get the most out of your houseplants, you need to know how to properly care for them. Here are 5 essential houseplant care tips to help you create a thriving green home.
Houseplants are a great way to bring life and color into your home. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they can also help to improve your quality of life. Whether you’re new to houseplants or a seasoned plant parent, proper houseplant care is essential for the health of your plants.
Essential Houseplant Care Tips
Taking care of houseplants is not as difficult as it may seem. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your houseplants stay healthy all year long!
Watering
One of the most important aspects of houseplant care is watering. Different types of plants need different amounts of water, so it’s important to research the type of plant you have to see how often it should be watered. Generally speaking, it’s best to water your plants when the soil is almost completely dry. I like to use a wooden skewer to check the plant soil thoroughly before watering. Poke the skewer all the way into the soil, without forcing it, and pull it back out. If there is soil stuck to the bottom of the skewer, the bottom of the pot is damp. If the skewer is mostly dirt-free, the soil is dry. Super simple!
It’s extremely important to avoid overwatering your plants as this can lead to root rot. Soggy soil can cause root rot, which is a serious problem for indoor plants. Soggy soil can also make it difficult for your plants to take up nutrients from the soil, which can cause stunted growth. My all-time favorite watering tool is a pressurized sprayer! It makes watering day such a breeze, I wish I had discovered it sooner.
Sunlight
Another important aspect of houseplant care is providing your plants with enough light, whether it be natural or artificial. Different types of plants need different amounts of sunlight, so again, it’s important to research the type of plant you have to make sure you give it the right amount of light. Most houseplants do best in bright indirect sunlight.
If you don’t have a spot in your home that receives a lot of sunlight, you can still grow houseplants - they just may not grow as fast or look as healthy as they would in an area that receives regular light. I definitely recommend purchasing artificial lights to grow your houseplants if you don’t have sunny windows in your home. My home has really terrible natural lighting. I have around 10 grow lights on in various spots of my house for about 12 hours a day. There are so many lights on the market so I have created a list of my favorites!
Soil
What's in your soil is very important. My preferred soil mix is usually very chunky including ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, and coco coir. The bark can help keep the soil warmer while providing oxygen to the roots, the perlite will help with drainage, the charcoal will help with soil pH, and the coco coir will help with moisture retention. You can also add worm casting for fertilizer or LECA for more chunky drainage.
If you don't feel like creating your own soil mix, there are many out there that work well and come pre-mixed. Sol Soils houseplant mix is my absolute favorite pre-mixed soil! If I'm not mixing my own, it's going in Sol Soils Houseplant Mix. Youse can use code KELLYNGROWS for 10% off at checkout!
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your houseplants is a must as plants need food to continue growing. There are many different types of fertilizer, but most will say if they are ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Fertilizers are designed to supply different nutrients to plants, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your houseplant’s needs.
For most houseplants, you’ll want to choose a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, as this is the element most responsible for plant growth. You can find fertilizer that is specifically designed for houseplants in most garden supply stores. Generally speaking, most houseplants do best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied every two to four weeks. If my plants are growing, I am fertilizing them. Even throughout the winter months!
Plants grown semi-hydroponically will need added nutrients in order to grow. Water alone will not sustain them for very long so you'll need to keep up with the plant's need. I use the Flora Gro Trio for all of my plants in LECA
Pruning
Pruning your houseplants can be very beneficial for you and the plant. When you prune your plant, you allow it to grow from new areas and you can also propagate the cutting to make an entirely new plant. I also find it very therapeutic. Pruning is recommended for most plants at least once per year, ideally in the spring.
There are a few different ways you can go about pruning your plants, but they all have the same goal: cutting back your plant so that it grows in different areas/becomes more full. Cutting back the plant allows it to focus its energy on producing healthier leaves and growth. Use sharp, clean scissors to make your cuts. Be sure to remove yellow or browning leaves.
Taking care of houseplants can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tips, you can ensure that your houseplants stay healthy and thrive all year long. By following the essential houseplant care tips outlined above, you can create a thriving green home and enjoy the many benefits that come with having houseplants in your space.