Plant Care: Best Indoor Plants & How to Care for Them
Are your houseplants dying? Here’s how to select the right plant and keep them fed, watered, and happy.
Nothing adds life to spaces quite like indoor plants can. Whether you are looking for flowing plants, or an evergreen, caring for houseplants does not require a green thumb or excessive amounts of time as far as upkeep. Although some houseplants may require a little more effort than others, a once-a-week plant care routine will keep your greenery healthy and thriving all year long.
Once you get to know your new plants, a well-organized weekly routine is all it takes in terms of care. The best way to remember to irrigate your houseplants is to designate a day each week to watering them all. This also helps to give your houseplants roughly the same amount of water each week. The volume of water you give each plant will depend on the individual plant type and size. A succulent, for example, will need less water than a fern. If you are looking to simplify your horticultural endeavors, consider a self-watering planter. These planters have a built-in reservoir that allows plants to wick moisture as needed, requiring less frequent watering.
It is equally important that you remember to fertilize your houseplants. Fertilizer provides important nutrients for your indoor plants. Determining how often to fertilize can be more difficult than determining how often to water, so be sure to do your research. Adding this step to your schedule approximately three to four times per year should be sufficient.
It is important to read the directions on the care card the houseplants come with as a guideline. Even with these instructions however, sometimes it takes a little trial and error to determine what exactly your indoor plant likes.
Succulents
Succulents have been in the spotlight lately, and with good reason: They are one of the easiest plants to care for. They can thrive indoors or outdoors with little maintenance. String-of-pearls succulents are particularly stunning, especially in the way that the pearl-like leaves drape over their pots.
As your string-of-pearl houseplant grows, you can remove cuttings and place them into a new pot of dirt to increase your house plant collection. These plants prefer a spot with direct light indoors.
Oxalis, sometimes referred to as the shamrock plant, are quite popular for sale around St. Patrick's Day every year. These make for an excellent year-round plant. They come in leaves of green or purple, both equally beautiful. Once or twice a year, they will bloom the prettiest little white flowers that will last for weeks.
Oxalis is another low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant which prefers low, indirect sunlight in a warm spot. These plants do not tolerate the cold well.
Consider repotting a range of them into wall-mounted planters to experience a wall of flowering plants.
Another attractive option to add to your houseplants is the fig tree. These are surprisingly easy to care for and add a sculpture-like effect to any room.
Fig trees like bright, indirect light, and can tolerate cooler areas of your home. Occasionally, you may find the fig trees drop their leaves. This is not a sign that anything is wrong, as it is typical of fig trees. If you're keeping up with weekly watering, chances are it's just part of their natural dormancy period.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, look no further than the Pothos. These require nothing more than the occasional watering. They will do well in low light, so they are perfect for indoors. Repot them into a hanging basket or on a shelf or mantel for a beautiful trailing houseplant.
Dichondra plants are often referred to as Silver Falls and are well-known as outdoor plants. However, the silver-green draping leaves make for a beautiful indoor hanging plant. Keep this plant in direct sun and avoid overwatering this one. A light weekly watering should keep this houseplant thriving along with the others.
It's also beautiful when combined in a planter with other houseplants. Keep the Silver Falls around the pot's edge for draping, and add a taller houseplant in the center for a pretty combination. Try it with a gardenia or jasmine plant, both of which prefer sunny spots and well-drained soil.
Caring for houseplants is not overly difficult. As long as they are repotted into planters with drainage holes, are not overwatered, and receive the recommended sunlight, you too can have a little greenery in your home.
Roxanne is a home decor blogger and DIY enthusiast. On her site, The Honeycomb Home, she shares simple, creative ways to update your home on a budget. She has appeared on the Rachael Ray Show and has worked with the Property Brothers.
