Houseplants have been used in homes for many years to add beauty and a to create healthy environment. Of course they are beautiful to look at, but they can also help to clean the air. Herbs as houseplants, are used to help flavor foods. Since these plants will be indoors, care must be taken to keep them healthy and bug-free.
When potting houseplants, be sure to use a good potting soil. A good idea is to do some research on the type of houseplant in order to find the most suitable fertilizer for that type of plant. Some plants need to be fertilized once a month, and some may need it more often. This may depend on whether it is a leafy houseplant, a flower, or an herbal type of plant.
When it comes to watering, many houseplants should not be watered until the soil becomes dry. Of course, do not wait for it to become so dry that the leaves start to wilt and the soil begins to crack. Just wait for the soil to feel dry to the touch, then water it accordingly. Do not over water or under water. There should not be too much water that the soil cannot absorb it fairly quickly, nor should there still be dry spots in the soil after watering. There should be a few holes drilled in the bottom of the planter for proper drainage and a plate to catch the drainage to keep it from ruining household surfaces.
Some houseplants may need to be watered everyday, or every other day. Be sure to do research on the type of houseplant it is so that the proper watering and fertilizing techniques can be applied. Touch the leaves to see if they feel too dry, and if they do, spray down with water.
All houseplants need some sunlight, but there are others that prefer shade. Ferns and similar houseplants seem to thrive in shadier areas with more diffused lighting, while many of the flowers or herbs require full sun at least part of the time. These sun-loving houseplants must have at least seven or eight hours of full sun per day. Take care that the sun is not so bright as to cause the leaves to burn. If that is the case, place them in a different window that has less strong sun-rays shining through. Houseplants that require only partial or diffused sunlight are the easiest to care for.
Pests can definitely be a problem for any type of houseplant. It is best to try to inspect houseplants for insect activity even before they are brought home. Check for obvious brown spots on leaves, which is usually a good indicator that insects are present. If insects are found once the houseplant has already been taken home, place the entire pot in a bathtub or sink. Spray the houseplant down with as much water force that can be used without harming it. Apply a little dish soap to a cotton ball and wipe gently on each leaf to kill any remaining insects. Be sure to rinse well afterward. Houseplants with many leaves should be sprayed with a solution of water with a few drops of dish detergent added. Chemical sprays should only be used as a last resort, but make sure that they are safe for the houseplant.
Copyright (c) 2012 Poppy Lynch
