Indoor plants are a great way to spice up your home’s decor and ambience. While a lot of people prefer fake plants since they don’t need a lot of maintenance, you can grow indoor plants and successfully manage to keep them for an extended period of time. The following is a simple but effective quick guide on how to grow indoor plants.
Container
The first step to growing an indoor plant is to choose the right container. Having the wrong-sized container may affect the growth of your plant in so many ways. For instance, you may be forced to replace a small container with a bigger one in future. Or, your plant may not grow as expected if planted in a small container.
Quality potting soil
The soil you use for your indoor plant is not the same as that you would use for your garden plants. Potting soil is different, and needs to be of the best quality in order to provide the required nutrition and aeration. What’s more, top quality potting soil has the right moisture-holding capacity, ensuring the right conditions for your plant to grow and nourish in.
Enough light
Light requirement will differ depending with the type of plant. Whether it is a peace lily or Snake plant, you need to ensure that your plant gets its required amount of lighting. Some plants will thrive in strong light while others require soft lighting. Before you get your plant, make sure to research or ask you vendor how much lighting it will require to grow. Also, depending on how your plant is doing, you might be able to tell how much light is good for it, and if to make any lighting adjustments if necessary.
Water properly
Water is one of the most basic fundamental for plant growth. However, just like lighting, plants will have varying water requirements. A lot of people end up over-watering their indoor plants, and this is one of the most common mistakes done. You should be able to know when to water your plants through a few different ways that include soil probing, wilting, moisture meter, tipping, lifting up the plant, and yellow leaves.
Fertilizing and pest control
One assumption that people make is that indoor plants don’t need pest control measures or fertilizing. The nutrients in the soil is often leached by watering the plant, which is why you will need to fertilize it. Also, insects can be a problem even for indoor plants and any time you spot signs of infestation, then you will need to keep the situation in check before it becomes uncontrollable. You will need to do regular check ups for insects which may include scale whiteflies and aphids.
Indoor plant growing does not have to be a headache, regardless of if you are growing large or small plants. It may not be similar to garden growing, but it may be easier to maintain and manage. The above tips are basic, but will go a long way to help you care for your indoor plant.