To many people caring for their plants causes a lot of anxiety. There is no need to worry as far as house plants are concerned. You only need to keep a few things in mind.
1. Watering
Most houseplants are killed by over watering. It is advisable to try the finger test to examine as to whether your soil is dry enough, looks could easily mislead you. Put in your index finger into the soil up to its first joint. Don't water if the soil is damp.
2. Feeding
K2O is the requirement of flowering plants while foliage plants have high nitrogen needs. Mixing slow release fertilizers with the compost is possible, though special fertilizer is needed by plants like cacti and orchid. It is during the most active growth period that plants should be fed.
3. Lighting
There are plants which require no sunlight like Sanseveria and Aspidistra. Placing them away from the window is possible. Semi shade is needed by spider plants. . These plants can be placed at a distance from the window which either does not or does get the light of the sun .To understand what your plant needs, check the label.
4. Temperature
Extreme fluctuations in temperature are harmful though houseplants can survive in both cool and warm temperatures. Gas heating; however is the only thing due to which houseplants can not survive. It is advisable not to put a plant near the air conditioner in summer if it is suited to warm conditions.
5. Humidity
Humid environment is needed by some plants. In order to maximize humidity as well as to keep in the moisture it is advisable to put the pot inside a larger pot and to fill in the gaps with stones or compost. Plants are also benefited by the creation of a microclimate by grouping them together. Depending on the temperature plants can be sprayed once or twice in a day if you so desire.
6. Re-potting
There are some plants that are embittered by the distribution of their roots while others require repotting for maximum growth. Re- potting is not needed by plants with small root systems. Turn your plant upside down to check if it needs repotting. Check its roots after tapping the plant to release it. Re-pot if roots are all that is visible to you. Often the roots come out and should be either cut off or the plant should be repotted.
You will in turn reap the benefits but all you should do is to take a little care of your plants. Indoor plants give much pleasure to the indoor gardener and also enhance the beauty of your indoor dcor as well.