Leona Howard
Indoor plants need attention and care in order to have a long, healthy life. They don't like change, so create a schedule to water and feed, and keep the temperature inside your home consistent. Keep your plants clean by removing debris from the container and wiping the leaves to keep them looking nice. Many people use water and a soft cloth to clean house plants, but others prefer using leaf sprays and shines.
Pest Control
Know what kinds of pests to look for on your plants and how to treat them if they should become infested. Pests that are most likely to get to your plants include mealy bugs, mites, white-flies, aphids and thrips. If these pests are present, a thorough examination of the plant's stems, soil and tops and undersides of leaves will reveal them. Plants that are heavily infested need to be destroyed; however, plants that are only mildly infected may respond to commercially available treatments for pest infestation.
Lighting
Place indoor plants where they will receive the amount of light suggested for the variety. Natural sunlight is best, but you can find artificial lighting to give your plants the light they require. Plant growth lights are manufactured solely for that purpose. They have become quite popular for use on indoor plants, so you'll be able to find them locally in nurseries and hardware stores. Another option is to limit the varieties of indoor plants to those that do well in low light.
Feeding
Potted plants depend on their soil for food, so regular fertilizing in very important. You can use a plant-specific fertilizer or you may opt for a fertilizer that is suitable for many plant types. Fertilizing sticks can take the guesswork away, and liquid fertilizers are convenient, also. Be careful using liquids, though, as too much fertilizer can damage your plants.
Pruning
The plant growth cycle consists of new growth, degenerating and decay. Watch your plants to maintain their health and beauty. Dead plant parts not only ruin the look of the plant, but slow the growth rate. Clipping off dead leaves and dead branches is the only way to help the plant stay healthy and look nice. When pruning, use diagonal cuts to aid in future growth.
Watering
Overwatering a plant can damage a plant just as much as giving it too little water. One of the signs of overwatering is leaves that are yellowing and decaying. Do not underwater your plants either, as this will cause them to die. You can use pebbles in the bottom of the container to help with drainage. Heating your home in the winter dries the air, so you may need to water your plants a little more. Another option is to use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
Pest Control
Know what kinds of pests to look for on your plants and how to treat them if they should become infested. Pests that are most likely to get to your plants include mealy bugs, mites, white-flies, aphids and thrips. If these pests are present, a thorough examination of the plant's stems, soil and tops and undersides of leaves will reveal them. Plants that are heavily infested need to be destroyed; however, plants that are only mildly infected may respond to commercially available treatments for pest infestation.
Lighting
Place indoor plants where they will receive the amount of light suggested for the variety. Natural sunlight is best, but you can find artificial lighting to give your plants the light they require. Plant growth lights are manufactured solely for that purpose. They have become quite popular for use on indoor plants, so you'll be able to find them locally in nurseries and hardware stores. Another option is to limit the varieties of indoor plants to those that do well in low light.
Feeding
Potted plants depend on their soil for food, so regular fertilizing in very important. You can use a plant-specific fertilizer or you may opt for a fertilizer that is suitable for many plant types. Fertilizing sticks can take the guesswork away, and liquid fertilizers are convenient, also. Be careful using liquids, though, as too much fertilizer can damage your plants.
Pruning
The plant growth cycle consists of new growth, degenerating and decay. Watch your plants to maintain their health and beauty. Dead plant parts not only ruin the look of the plant, but slow the growth rate. Clipping off dead leaves and dead branches is the only way to help the plant stay healthy and look nice. When pruning, use diagonal cuts to aid in future growth.
Watering
Overwatering a plant can damage a plant just as much as giving it too little water. One of the signs of overwatering is leaves that are yellowing and decaying. Do not underwater your plants either, as this will cause them to die. You can use pebbles in the bottom of the container to help with drainage. Heating your home in the winter dries the air, so you may need to water your plants a little more. Another option is to use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
