Every interior design should incorporate indoor plants as a fundamental element. Indoor plants have been shown to improve mood and increase productivity.
Plants are popular in the home because they are simple to maintain, offer health benefits, and complement many design schemes. If you don't have much of a yard for a garden or live somewhere with long, cold winters, you can still enjoy the benefits of growing your own food by tending to plants indoors.
So, whether this is your first time tending to houseplants, our comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to ensure the health and happiness of your new green companions.
We wanted to provide you with expert information, so we asked Senior Horticulturist at Plantale, who is in charge of indoor plant care, to answer the questions that are asked the most commonly concerning indoor plants.
What Are Indoor Plants?
To put it simply, indoor plants are those that thrive in an enclosed environment. Many tropical plants, including palms, can survive and even flourish indoors.
How Do You Grow Indoor Plants?
Most houseplants come with their own pots, eliminating the need to plant them. It's common to simply require an indoor plant for one of two reasons.
- If the plant's roots are beginning to overgrow the container, it's time repot it.
- You'll need to plant the bulbs yourself if you wish to cultivate them inside.
How Much Light Do Houseplants Require?
Plants like succulents and cactus require full sun all day, every day. Leave plants require about 8 hours of light per day. We recommend researching the plants you intend to grow to see how much light they require.
What Characteristics Should An Indoor Plant Have?
When choosing an indoor plant, it's important to keep a few things in mind.
Strong foundations - Considering this is crucial while picking out a plant. While it is possible to check the roots of a plant by removing it from its pot, this should only be done if the plant is particularly small. Roots in good health are white and thick.
Foliage- Rule of thumb: It's dense enough if you can't see through the plant's foliage.
Do a disease check - White spots, sticky residue on the leaves, and an unpleasant stench are all indicators that a plant is infested with bugs or disease.
What Plants Need Low Light?
Plants that thrive in low-light conditions could be a nice choice for interior spaces. Insufficient-light-needing plants include:
Phaeophyllum - One of the most widespread houseplants and one that rarely gets pests. This plant can survive in a wide range of conditions.
Ornamental ivy - often known as pothos or devil's ivy, has Leaves that are so bright and vivid the plant practically glows. This plant is adaptable, flourishing in either dim or strong, indirect light.
Dracaena – As with the last example, this one features lengthy green foliage and is a favorite houseplant. If the foliage on this houseplant ever becomes too long, it is important to cut it back.
Peace Lily- It does best on damp but not soggy soil. Moving your peace lily plant into a darker room will encourage flowering.
Which Houseplants Require The Least Maintenance?
To help you out, I have compiled a list of low-maintenance houseplants below:
- Sansevieria
- Philodendron
- Most succulents
- Pothos
- ZZ plant
Which Plants Are Suitable For Keeping Inside The House?
Typically, plants that can survive with only a little amount of natural light and water are kept inside. Here are some typical houseplants, according to Plantale:
- Dracaena
- Hedera Helix
- Superba Sansevieria Zeylanica
- Scindapsus
What Are Some Typical Examples Of Indoor Plants?
In addition to those already mentioned, the following are some examples of common houseplants:
- Aglaonema
- Dracaena
- Ferns
- Philodendrons
- Palms
- Pothos
- Spathiphyllum
- Succulents
Can You Recommend Some Great Houseplants?
Healthy houseplants can thrive with less sunlight and air movement. They won't have to fight off pests as often, either. Plus, they tend not to expand very rapidly, which is a plus for indoor plants. There are several types of plants that thrive in an indoor environment.
- Aglaonema – It's pretty, can survive in dim conditions, and doesn't multiply excessively fast.
- Aspidistra – It shouldn't require a lot of water and can survive in dim conditions. Aspidistra is an excellent plant if you want to go on vacation without worrying about killing your plants.
- Cactuses - Make sure they have plenty of light to see by.
- Dracaenas
- Philodendrons
- Calathea Rattlesnake
- Prayer Plants
What Methods Do You Use To Keep Houseplants Thriving?
Some advice on how to keep houseplants healthy:
- Don't let the soil dry up completely, but make sure it's not too damp.
- Make sure the bottom of the planter has drainage holes.
- Keep your plant near a window or natural or artificial light source.
- If you want to provide your plant with the best possible care, you need to know what kind of plant it is.
What Is The Best Way To Prune An Indoor Plant?
You should only prune plants if you need to. However, if you see that your plant is becoming leggy and spindly, you should cut it back.
What Are Some Prevalent Causes Of Indoor Plant Death?
The following are some of the most typical causes of plant death:
- Affected by either high or low water levels
- Ambient Light
- Neglect
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Houseplant?
Houseplants have a two- to five-year lifespan indoors. After that point, your plant will no longer thrive, and you should replace it.
Which Houseplants Do The Best Job Of Enhancing Indoor Air Quality?
These plants effectively clean the air, and any plant can do the job.
- Philodendron Brasil
- The Red-Fringed Dracaena
- Cryptic Fig
- Bamboo Palm
What Does Indoor Plants Do To Moods?
The benefits of indoor plants tend to surprise people. Plants have a dual purpose in the workplace: they purify the air while also making the space more peaceful and calming for employees.
Is It Expensive To Keep Houseplants?
It's common knowledge that houseplants won't break the bank. If you can manage with a smaller plant, you can save money. However, we advise our clients to avoid purchasing plants from big-box stores. Coconut and palm trees, which can grow in a typical home's indoor environment, can be sold at inexpensive prices in the plant sections of many big-box stores.
If a plant is big and cheap, it doesn't necessarily imply you're getting a good deal. Do your homework or consult a garden center employee before making a final decision.
What Kinds Of Houseplants Fare Well In Cramped Apartments?
The plants listed below are ideal for people with limited space, such as those in apartments or offices. Some wonderful options for low-maintenance, space-saving plants are provided below.
- Philidrens
- Hedra helix
- Devil’s Ivy
- Maranta Leuconeura
Which Fertiliser Is Ideal For Houseplants?
Check the label to see if it says "indoor plant" before purchasing it from a garden center. Remember that indoor plants require less fertilizer than outdoor plants, so be careful to follow the instructions for the appropriate indoor rate. Blooming plant fertilizer should be purchased according to the type of plant it is intended for (orchids, for example), although houseplant fertilizer can be used if you are unsure.
How Can I Remove Indoor Plant Bugs?
Pests on houseplants are a major pain. If you notice insects, you can get insecticidal soap from a garden center, which comes in a spray bottle. As soon as you see signs of insects, spray the entire plant, including the stem and the upper and below surfaces of the leaves. The spraying process will be repeated after another two-week pause. After that, spray it again after two weeks have passed.
It is recommended to spray three times, as more than a single application of soap may be required to eradicate eggs completely. If your plant has a significant infestation and you can't get rid of the pests, it needs to be thrown out. A paper towel with some water can also be used to eliminate unwanted visitor.
When Is The Best Time To Water My Houseplant?
An easy way to kill a plant is to water it too much, so before you do that, you should check to see if the plant needs water right now or can wait till later. Some indicators that it's time to water include:
A soil sampler - The depth of dryness in the ground can be determined by using this probe to extract soil.
Moisture meter – The level of soil dryness can be measured with this instrument.
Lifting the plant up – Lightness indicates that the plant needs watering, while heaviness indicates that it has plenty.
Wilting – When a plant wilts, it's usually because it's not getting enough water. Check the plant's weight by picking it up and seeing how easy it is to move about.
Tipping – When the tips of the leaves turn brown and become crispy to the touch, it's a sign that the plant needs water. Too much water might cause browning at the leaf margins and a mushy texture.
Yellow leaves – In some cases, a plant's yellowing leaves could indicate that it's getting too much or too little water.