Beginner Tips For House Plant Newbies
Written by - Kaitlynn from MIgardener
Being a plant parent is no joke. No matter the plant type or variety, if you master these tips, you are guaranteed to have the happiest house plants around. It seems simple, but these are the easiest things to miss when taking care of house plants.
Let's get started.
1. The Right Soil
Not all plants enjoy growing in a standard potting mix. House plants will have one of four preferred environments: desert, temperate, aquatic, or tropical. Each environment has specific soil requirements. For example, desert plants like cacti, succulents, and aloe prefer to grow in soil made up of less organic material. Mineral-rich mixes are available, and standard cactus potting soil will suffice to avoid extra hassle. Ever wondered why your succulents are suffering? The wrong soil blend is often the first culprit. For more info on what soil to use for your plants, click here.
2. Lighting
Finding the right lighting for your house plants is one of the most vital aspects of being a plant parent. Like growing a vegetable garden, the lighting requirements will make or break your plant's lifecycle. Too much light, your plant may fry. Too little, and it will wilt over time. There are three levels of brightness; low, moderate, and bright. Usually, plants will either need diffused light (through a sheer curtain) or direct light. The direction of your windows is also a factor. South and west-facing windows will have the most extended amounts of light, while north and east-facing windows will have shorter light exposure.
3. Drainage
Find the right pot for your plant by checking the porosity, drainage, and size that each type prefers. No house plant likes to stay in their nursery pot for too long. Transplant into a new container as soon as possible after bringing it home. Make sure your plant has enough drainage to prevent the roots from struggling against the pot. Some pots have drainage holes, terra cotta pots absorb access moisture, and some pots will require extra drainage. Fill pots with stones or broken terra cotta to help keep excess water away from your plant's roots. For more on choosing pots for your house plants, click here.
I hope this little introduction sparked some curiosity for you. We will continue delving into this house plant series in future blog posts. Please let us know in the comments on Facebook if you have any questions on this subject!
Did you find this post helpful? MIgardener is passionate about sharing free gardening tips and information! If you are looking for inspiration in the garden, make sure to check out our Pinterest page. New ideas and inspiration can be found there at any time. Check us out at MIgardener.com or on youtube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sources:
Leave a comment