Getting Started with Houseplants

With houseplants getting more popular , you may have considered buying a new houseplant and giving it a try too. ou buy that adorable new plant you've had your eye on at the store. But a weeks later, you see a familiar sight. That cute little plant is yellow, wilted, and sad. But have hope! With a bit of effort and a couple of proven tricks, you'll soon turn that brown thumb green.

C​hosing the Right Planter

You've purchased that adorable houseplant from the market but what's next? The first step in plant parenthood: . Here are a to consider when ;

Size-Up - When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current size if the plant is in a pot or smaller.

Proper Drainage - Selecting planters and pots with drainage, if you are new to growing houseplants and you're watering abilities. Use pots with holes in them.

Saucers - Saucers are great for catching excess water, but water sitting in the saucer all the time helps keep the roots too soggy. Try watering your plant in the sink. Let water drain for a bit then put back in the saucer. It will help keep your surfaces drip free.

Use the Right Soil

Different plants have different needs, and succulents and cacti can be a lot pickier than your traditional houseplant. Consider the difference between succulents and an orchid. Two different plants with different soil needs. Choose a soil that's made for the types of plants you have to get the best results.

Because cactus and succulents are drought-tolerant plants that do not need consistent moisture, their potting soil should be porous and well-draining and have a lower percentage of organic matter than traditional indoor soil mixes. A loose, grainy soil mixture is ideal. Popular materials for cactus soil include coarse sand, per lite, coconut coir, pumice, crushed granite, gravel, chicken grit, and regular garden soil.

To Fertilize or Not

Don’t fertilize in the winter, in the spring and summer. If you have pets or children you may want to consider taking a more non-toxic approach to fertilizing your houseplants. A non-toxic options are;

• Crushed Eggshells for lowering acidity and adding calcium
• Banana Peels for adding potassium
• Coffee Grounds for adding nitrogen
• Green Tea for acidifying the soil
• Molasses for adding macro nutrients like carbon, iron, sulfur etc.
• Epsom Salts for adding magnesium and sulfur
• Wood Ashes for increasing the alkalinity of soil
• Gelatin Powder for a nitrogen boost
• Cooking Water for a general dose of essential nutrients
• Corn Gluten Meal for extra nitrogen

Keep in mind, if you have a picky plant, you may need to supplement with a special tailored fertilizer.

Finding the Best Location

It’s fine to be concerned about what plant will look prettiest in which room. Yet, if you want healthy, beautiful, long-lived plants, growing conditions must be considered before anything else.

Knowing how much sunlight they need and whether it needs to be direct or indirect will set you up for successful plant mothering. But once you find a good spot that meets all the requirements, try not to move them. Plants don't like being moved too much. If they're thriving in one place, they might not thrive elsewhere in your house.

hanging plants are your style keep in mind the following. Don’t hang a plant where tall guests can bump their heads. Be sure the plant is anchored, preferably not above a walkway or easy chair. You’ll also need to water the plant, so consider how the pot drains.

Don't forget about your fur babies when considering where and what houseplants to have. Popular houseplants that are also pet-safe include spider plants, money plants, and Boston ferns. Most succulents are harmless to animals and pets will instinctively avoid eating them.

Watering

Watering can be a source of anxiety for new and seasoned growers alike. Too much water or not enough water and your beautiful houseplant wilts or worse, root rots. Follow these tricks for keeping your houseplants hydrated and happy.

Set a Timer On Your Phone - Setting a timer or reminder on your phone for when its time to water your plants will insure you always know when to hydrate them. It will also help to prevent over watering.

Make Use of Boiled Water - Sometimes, the water from our taps just doesn't have the enough nutrients for our plants. Next time you boil some vegetables or eggs, let it cool, then water your plants with it. They'll get all the nutrients from the food, and you won't be wasting water.

Stop Root Rot - Root Rot is one of the most common problems in many houseplants. Root rot happens when your plants have been watered too much or have been sitting in excess water for an extended period. A simple solution of hydrogen peroxide and water can bring your plants back from the brink. The hydrogen peroxide will bubble, giving your plant's roots the oxygen they need!

Use Pebbles For Drainage - If you're having trouble figuring out the right amount of water for your plant, consider putting pebbles in the bottom of your planter. The pebbles will keep the roots raised and away from any water that pools at the bottom of the container after watering.

Invest in a Moisture Meter - If you are prone to giving to watering too much, consider investing in a moisture meter. It will help you learn how much water your plant needs.

Giving the Leaves Attentions

Everyone loves a plant's flowers. The colorful blooms brighten up a room and in some cases, can fill a room with a pleasing aroma. But the real MVP of the houseplant are the leaves. Plants actually "breathe" through their leaves, absorbing oxygen through their leaves. If they are unable to absorb oxygen, your once-healthy, thriving plant can turn into a sickly one. Here are a tips for keeping those leaves healthy.

Dust regularly - If you only have a few plants, wet a cloth and wipe each leaf. If you have many houseplants, consider using your shower in the winter to get the job done. Let the overhead water wet all the leaves down, cleaning off the dust, make sure the water pressure isn't too harsh. Leave to dry before taking back to their regular spot.

Check for Pests - Unfortunately, at some point, you will likely have to deal with houseplant pests. Fortunately, a minor infestation isn't the end of the world. Know how to recognize and treat common houseplant pests like Mealybugs, Spider Mites, White flies, Aphids and fungus gnats

Know When to Prune - Houseplants should typically be pruned at the beginning of the growing season, which is late winter or early spring for many varieties. Woody indoor plants are an exception to this seasonal rule and need year-round pruning to remove dead leaves and branches.

Rotate Your Plants - Spin your plants around, so they grow evenly and not lopsided. Every week. Do not move the plant to a new location. Once you find a spot your plant is happy with, keep it there.

Knowing When to Let Go

Some plants are too far gone to keep as is, yet plants that you can pinch of the ends or tips (we call that propagating) to make a new plant. The main plant puts new starts off of a hanging stem, and each “baby” can make a new plant. Spider plant or Airplane plant are two examples of these types of plants.

Final Thoughts

Plants improve air quality, bring beauty into your home and have the ability to boost emotional and spiritual well-being. Some studies show that plants in your bedroom can improve your sleep quality, while greenery in your kitchen helps brighten up your space if there's no window.

Happy Planting!