Caring for Houseplants

House Plant Care

House plants are a great way to liven up a room, but that can be a little bit of work. Depending on the type of plant, having a houseplant can require some maintenance and attention. But there are some basic rules that should be followed when caring for any type of houseplant.

The most important part of any plants growth is having good rich soil. The roots of a plant need air, food, and water. Soil needs to be loose, so adding sand or perlite to the soil will help it from compacting. This will help the water drain and allow the roots to breath and grow. If not mixing compost into the soil, be sure to add fertilizer when needed to provide the houseplants with nutrients.

The pot is another important factor in houseplant care. If a plant is bought from a nursery, it may not need a new pot for a few months. A plant needs to be repotted when it gets root bound, which is when they fill up the pot and they have no more room. This will become noticeable when the pot drains quickly from the bottom and the plant constantly needs to be watered. Make sure the pot has proper drainage holes and is cleaned well to get rid of any microbes that could carry diseases. Be sure to fill the drainage holes with gravel to help drain the water. Most houseplants needs to be repotted once every two years, but others may need it more frequently.

Consistent and proper watering is key to keeping a houseplant alive and healthy. Over watering can cause disease and rot, while under watering can make plants stressed and unhealthy. Soil needs to stay moist but not drown the roots. This is why drainage is so important. Keep the soil damp, but not soaked, and clear away any excess water that may have drained from the pot.