If you decide to take care of plants inside the
comforts of your own home, you have to be very particular about its
needs. Houseplants require more attention than regular plants, as these
plants are not exposed to the direct sunlight and may not be getting
the necessary nutrition from its environment. Here are the things you
have to always check if and when you decide to put plants inside your
home:
1. Plants need light.
In the absence
of 12 hours worth of sunlight, adequate lighting should be somewhat
sufficient. Plants that are always in a dark environment are not likely
to grow as lavishly as you hoped it would be. The stronger the light
is, the healthier their leaves will seem be. You have to put your
plants outside, in the balcony or the patio, whenever you can. And in
times that they have to be kept inside the house, make sure that the
room it is in is well lit and ventilated.
2. Temperature
Generally
speaking, plants thrive in hot environments. During the day, plants
need a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or below. During the night,
65 degree Fahrenheit is sufficient. Don't subject your plants to more
than a 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature from day to night.
Doing so could lead to permanent damage in the plant's leaves and
exteriors. As a rule of thumb, make sure that your plants don't go in
rooms with temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Humidity
The
relative humidity from which plants can thrive is around forty to sixty
percent. However, most homes nowadays have an average humidity of 40
percent. This humidity level could cause plants to lose water in their
leaves because the roots can't process it fast enough to keep up with
the rate at which the leaves lose moisture. As a result, plants living
inside homes under this humidity level have brown leaf tips and falling
flower buds.
4. Air
Plants need adequate
air circulation. It is very important to their well being. However,
they have to be placed where there are lesser drafts. Cross currents
are not favorable to plants. Whenever possible, put plants in areas
where there is clean air. Gases escaping from stoves, fireplaces, and
furnaces are not good for the plants. It could actually kill them.
5. Water
Water
is one of the most important things needed by plants. Plants would die
almost instantly if it doesn't enough water to absorb. Plants need
water so that nutrients and oxygen can be extracted from the soil.
There are potting mixtures available in the market today that can help
with this issue. These mixes are better than regular soil, as they can
retain water better.
6. Fertilizer
Plants
need fertilizer so they can grow fast and easy. However, fertilizers
are not absolutely necessary. For as long as your plants have all the
other things they require to survive, it should be able to grow well
enough without fertilizer. If you decide to use one, however, you have
to specifically select the one that won't cause ill effects on your
particular plant's health.
7. Care and attention
Lastly,
your plants need all the care, love, and attention it can get. Don't
expect your houseplants to grow completely on their own. Treat
houseplants as pets. They need to be fed, nourished, and loved all the
time.
Article
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