If you are like many others, you do not have a positive track record in terms of keeping houseplants alive. For those who are a bit foliage-challenged, caring for houseplants can feel like a difficult and mysterious task. But it doesn’t have to be. By using some simple procedures, you can stop killing your houseplants and start enjoying their natural beauty in your Sylmar rental home.
Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants
To grow healthy houseplants, start with the right kind of plant. There are multiple houseplant varieties, most of which are relatively sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, get the one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that seem dry, wilted, or spotted. When you transfer your plant home, perform a little research, and make sure you have the correct size and style of pot, along with some premium quality potting soil. Some plants require minimum space to develop, so choose a pot slightly larger than your plant currently needs. In addition, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Make sure to place something to catch the drainage, though, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.
Step 2: Get the Light Just Right
Just like real estate, in terms of houseplants, location matters. Pick a spot that has the kind of light your houseplant needs. Almost all indoor plants grow in indirect sunlight, while others require a little direct sun every day to bloom. Make sure that you determine what kind of sunlight your plant needs, and pick a spot that will fit the bill.
Aside from finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that can harm your plant. It’s advisable to keep your plant away from cold drafts, hot air blowing from your furnace, too much moisture or humidity, or too little moisture. If you think that is like a challenge, it might be. But with a little planning and creativity, you can quickly determine where you can place your plant to survive.
Step 3: Water Correctly
Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the main cause of their death. It can be difficult to know how much water to supply your plant, how often to water it, etc. The standard guideline is to keep the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. Too much water may result in unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, sooner or later, the death of your houseplant. To check the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (do not water a plant on the leaves), and go gently until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.
If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, various watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to check your houseplant often. Furthermore, both high-tech and low-tech options can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, which ensures long and healthy life.
Step 4: Groom and Feed
All plants need extra nourishment once in a while and also need to be pruned or trimmed. Different plants have specific nutrient needs, so it is critical to determine what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You may also find good information at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant beautiful, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, etc. This will encourage your houseplant to produce fresh leaves or blooms and make your plant look and feel healthier.
Despite the fact that caring for a houseplant can be difficult, it is not impossible to do. By doing some careful planning and research, you can definitely handle your houseplant and enjoy its natural beauty for many years to come.
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