Growing Indoors: How to Help House Plants Thrive

If you decide to take care of plants inside the comforts of your own home, you have to be very particular about its needs. Houseplants require more attention than regular plants, as these plants are not exposed to the direct sunlight and may not be getting the necessary nutrition from its environment. Here are the things you have to always check if and when you decide to put plants inside your home:

1. Plants need light.

In the absence of 12 hours worth of sunlight, adequate lighting should be somewhat sufficient. Plants that are always in a dark environment are not likely to grow as lavishly as you hoped it would be. The stronger the light is, the healthier their leaves will seem be. You have to put your plants outside, in the balcony or the patio, whenever you can. And in times that they have to be kept inside the house, make sure that the room it is in is well lit and ventilated.

2. Temperature

Generally speaking, plants thrive in hot environments. During the day, plants need a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or below. During the night, 65 degree Fahrenheit is sufficient. Don\'t subject your plants to more than a 10 degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature from day to night. Doing so could lead to permanent damage in the plant\'s leaves and exteriors. As a rule of thumb, make sure that your plants don\'t go in rooms with temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Humidity

The relative humidity from which plants can thrive is around forty to sixty percent. However, most homes nowadays have an average humidity of 40 percent. This humidity level could cause plants to lose water in their leaves because the roots can\'t process it fast enough to keep up with the rate at which the leaves lose moisture. As a result, plants living inside homes under this humidity level have brown leaf tips and falling flower buds.

4. Air

Plants need adequate air circulation. It is very important to their well being. However, they have to be placed where there are lesser drafts. Cross currents are not favorable to plants. Whenever possible, put plants in areas where there is clean air. Gases escaping from stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces are not good for the plants. It could actually kill them.

5. Water

Water is one of the most important things needed by plants. Plants would die almost instantly if it doesn\'t enough water to absorb. Plants need water so that nutrients and oxygen can be extracted from the soil. There are potting mixtures available in the market today that can help with this issue. These mixes are better than regular soil, as they can retain water better.

6. Fertilizer

Plants need fertilizer so they can grow fast and easy. However, fertilizers are not absolutely necessary. For as long as your plants have all the other things they require to survive, it should be able to grow well enough without fertilizer. If you decide to use one, however, you have to specifically select the one that won\'t cause ill effects on your particular plant\'s health.

7. Care and attention

Lastly, your plants need all the care, love, and attention it can get. Don\'t expect your houseplants to grow completely on their own. Treat houseplants as pets. They need to be fed, nourished, and loved all the time.

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