How to Care for Indoor House Plants

Plants give indoors a very pleasant and natural ambiance. You can ensure that your plants are flourishing by paying attention to the following factors:

Temperature: The optimal temperature for growing plants is 60-75°F. Plants may thin out, and flowers will die out quickly if temperature goes above 75°F. It is also a good idea to not keep plants closer to appliances that are meant for heating and cooling.

Light: Adequate light is essential for your plants to survive. Plants should be located as close to the window as possible. Remember that the farther plants are to the window, the less light they will get. If for some reason you are not able to situate your plant closer to the window, a reading lamp or a similar light source is recommended. Another tip to keep in mind is to rotate the container that the plant is in once every couple of days so that all parts of the plant are exposed to the light.

Humidity: In general, plants need an atmosphere that is more humid than that of our homes. Using indoor humidifiers is a good idea to achieve this purpose. Do not rely solely on water, as water can evaporate very easily. Furthermore, your plants will benefit significantly by occasionally giving them a sponge bath. Grab a wet cloth or sponge and gently wipe the surface of the leaves at least once a week. This will infuse moisture into the plant and has an added benefit of removing buildup of dust and particulate matter on the plants.

Water: Water is extremely essential for plants to survive. However, more doesn't necessarily mean better. Over and under watering is the primary reason for the majority of problems with indoor plants. One good practice is to water till the bottom of the soil isn't standing in water. Small plants need to be watered whenever they start feeling lighter. Another good way to water plants is to place the plant in a tray of water till the water is soaked in and the top of the soil is moist.

Fertilizer: Ensure your plants' health by watering them with dilute fertilizer. Usage of extended release fertilizer is recommended. Use fertilizer only in the summer, so that the plant becomes dormant and can rest during winter.

These are some of the best practices that you can follow in order to ensure that your plant is in it's best possible health at all times.