All About Indoor Plants: Read it before you buy plants for your home or office
What are indoor plants?
Indoor plants are plants that grow indoors. There are a variety of tropical plants, like palms, that thrive in indoor environments. These kinds of plants are popular because they are relatively easy to take care of, provide health benefits and can be used in a variety of indoor décor themes. Indoor plants are a great option for those who have no little yard space for an outdoor garden or for those who live in extreme climates.
Which plants are considered indoor plants?
Plants that require a low amount of light and water to thrive are typically known as indoor plants.
What are the best plants for indoor purposes?
Good plants at indoors will tolerate lower light and humidity. Also, they will be less likely to deal with pests. Plus, they usually do not grow too much (you wouldn’t want an indoor plant to grow at a rapid rate). The best plants include the following:
- Aglaonema – It is attractive, tolerates low light, and does not grow too quickly.
- Dieffenbachia – Dieffenbachia plants are popular indoor plants largely because they do well in shady conditions, but these plants do appreciate bright light during the winter months
- Succulents – Make sure you give them bright light.
- Dracaenas – They do well indoors.
- Philodendrons – Very popular indoor plants.
How do you plant indoor plants?
Most of the time, plants at indoors are already in containers, so there is no need to plant them. Typically the only reason you need to plant an indoor plant is If your plant is getting too big, when you will need to replant it into a larger container .
How much light do indoor plants need?
Succulents and cacti need continuous, daily sunlight. Plants with foliage need roughly 8 hours of light per day. The amount of light depends on the plants you are growing. A good nursery/experienced grower can provide advice on the specific local plants you can grow in your indoor space.
What qualities make for a good plant at indoors?
There are some qualities to look for when selecting an indoor plant. A good root system – This is incredibly important when choosing a plant. It’s not practical to pull a plant out of its pot to check its roots but if it is a small plant, this can be done. Healthy roots are thick and light in colour. Foliage- Here’s a good rule of thumb when it comes to plant’s foliage: if you can’t see through it, the foliage is thick enough.
What are examples of some common indoor plants?
Examples of common ones include : Aglaonema, Dracaena, Ferns, Philodendrons, Palms, Pothos, Spathiphyllum, Succulents.
What are some of the common reasons indoor plants die?
Some of the most common reasons plants die are:
- Incorrect potting soil.
- Overwatering or under watering.
- Light Levels (either not enough light or too much light)
- Gross neglect.
How long do indoor plants typically live?
On average, indoor house plants last 2-5 years. After that, plants stop thriving and it’s best to invest in another plant.
Which interior plants improve air quality the most?
All plants can act as air purifiers but the following plants are more beneficial than others: Red-Edged Dracaena, Weeping Fig, Bamboo, Palm.
How do plants affect people’s mood?
People are often surprised on how beneficial plants are. While they bring nature indoors, not only do plants clean the air, but they also reduce noise levels and contribute to reducing stress in the workplace
Indoor Plants Care
Taking care of plants involves providing the right conditions for their growth and addressing their specific needs. Here are some general tips for indoor plant care
Light:
- Different plants have different light requirements. Identify the light preferences of your specific plants and place them accordingly. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others may prefer low light conditions.
- Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides.
Watering:
- Overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering, but be sure not to let the soil dry completely.
- Use a watering schedule based on the specific needs of each plant. Some plants prefer consistently moist soil, while others prefer to dry out between watering.
Humidity:
- Some plants, especially tropical ones, thrive in higher humidity levels. Mist the leaves or use a humidity tray to create a more humid environment for these plants.
- Conversely, if you have plants that prefer drier conditions, ensure good air circulation around them.
Temperature:
- Most indoor plants prefer a stable temperature range. Avoid placing plants near drafts, heating vents, or air conditioning units.
- Be mindful of temperature fluctuations, especially during winter months.
Soil:
- Use well-draining soil specific to the type of plant. Different plants have different soil preferences, so research the needs of each of your plants.
- Repot your plants as needed, typically every 1-2 years, to refresh the soil and provide additional nutrients.
Fertilizing:
- Indoor plants generally need less fertilization than outdoor plants. Follow a regular fertilizing schedule during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce or eliminate fertilization during the dormant period (fall and winter).
Pruning:
- Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.
- Prune your plants to maintain their shape and size.
Pests:
- Keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites, aphids, or scale. If you notice any, treat the plants promptly with insecticidal soap or other appropriate treatments.
Support:
- Provide support for tall or vining plants with stakes or trellises to prevent them from toppling over.
Observation:
- Pay attention to your plants and learn to recognize signs of stress or disease. Catching issues early makes them easier to address.
Remember that each plant is unique, so it’s essential to research and understand the specific requirements of the plants you have in your indoor garden.