Basic Houseplant Care
General Care. Houseplants are an easy way to bring the beauty and enjoyment of living plants into your home. The majority of indoor plants do well in medium to bright indirect light, although some can tolerate more or less (see list). Houseplants tend to like the same indoor temperatures that we enjoy, however, keep them away from air vents or drafty windows and doors. And while some plants can tolerate drier soil than others, most indoor houseplants will thrive when allowed to dry about a third of the way down their soil and then thoroughly watered. Your watering schedule will vary considerably depending on light and temperature conditions. Plants may dry out rapidly in warm, dry conditions, needing water every few days or may remain moist in cooler seasons for longer periods of time. Water your houseplants according to its need, not your schedule. Fertilize with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer through the active growing season, usually March through September.
Outdoors. Houseplants love to join you on your patio for the summer. The outdoor light and humidity give them a much-needed vacation too! Always acclimate your houseplants to the outdoors gradually. Plants are just like us and can sunburn the first time they get hit with sun. Also, just as you slowly acclimate your plants to the outdoors, it is just as important to acclimate them back in. About 1-2 weeks before you’re going to pull them inside, drag them into a spot in full shade outside. Full shade outside is still about twice as much light as the sunniest window in your home so you are just helping it make a shock-free adjustment.
Repotting. Most houseplants would prefer to be a little snug in their pots, but every 3-4 years your plant will probably be ready to be repotted. It is best to repot in the spring at the start of its growing season. Use high-quality potting mix without moisture crystals. Make sure that whatever container you are potting into has drain holes and only go up a couple inches or approximately one size. And keep in mind repotting can put stress on the plant. Always look at the roots first; you want to see white, healthy roots, and a lot of them, before you repot. If the roots appear grey, have a foul odor, or seem to fall apart, do not repot into a larger container.
Pests. Indoor plants can have a problem with pests, especially if they spend their summers outdoors. Think ahead and start using a systemic insecticide granular in the soil from the start. Spidermites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and scale can all be a problem on plants. No matter what your treatment, always take plants outside or to the garage to spray. A Neem/Pyrethirin combination spray is a good option to kill crawling insects and smother others.
Outdoors. Houseplants love to join you on your patio for the summer. The outdoor light and humidity give them a much-needed vacation too! Always acclimate your houseplants to the outdoors gradually. Plants are just like us and can sunburn the first time they get hit with sun. Also, just as you slowly acclimate your plants to the outdoors, it is just as important to acclimate them back in. About 1-2 weeks before you’re going to pull them inside, drag them into a spot in full shade outside. Full shade outside is still about twice as much light as the sunniest window in your home so you are just helping it make a shock-free adjustment.
Repotting. Most houseplants would prefer to be a little snug in their pots, but every 3-4 years your plant will probably be ready to be repotted. It is best to repot in the spring at the start of its growing season. Use high-quality potting mix without moisture crystals. Make sure that whatever container you are potting into has drain holes and only go up a couple inches or approximately one size. And keep in mind repotting can put stress on the plant. Always look at the roots first; you want to see white, healthy roots, and a lot of them, before you repot. If the roots appear grey, have a foul odor, or seem to fall apart, do not repot into a larger container.
Pests. Indoor plants can have a problem with pests, especially if they spend their summers outdoors. Think ahead and start using a systemic insecticide granular in the soil from the start. Spidermites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and scale can all be a problem on plants. No matter what your treatment, always take plants outside or to the garage to spray. A Neem/Pyrethirin combination spray is a good option to kill crawling insects and smother others.
Houseplants sorted by Light Condition Needs
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