Humans have a long history with gardening. Whether it's done to grow food, decorate, or for the pleasure of having a healthy plant inside the house, there are several ways to garden indoors.
You don't need a green thumb to grow houseplants so don't worry. With our tips and a bit of work, you'll find that anyone can do it.
The Popularity of Houseplants
The popularity of houseplants has exploded in the past decade. They're perfect for people who want to garden but don't have the yard to do it.
Houseplants are also an excellent first step to developing a green thumb. So, before tossing seeds in your garden, consider growing houseplants first.
Consider Your Lighting
What kind of lighting does your indoor space have? What directions do your windows face? How much sunlight could a plant get throughout your home and for how long?
Plants use light to make food through a process called photosynthesis. Different types of plants have different needs concerning light.
Low-light plants. These plants require hardly any direct light to thrive. That's why a north-facing window works well for them.
Medium-light plants. These plants need sufficient indirect sunlight. They do well near an eastern or western window. These plants should be kept away from direct light to avoid drastic temperature differences.
High-light plants. These plants love a southern or southwestern window. They'll get plenty of bright light here.
Know How Much Water Your Plants Need
People with a green thumb don't have a sixth sense when it comes to watering their plants. Knowing your plant's water needs is easy for anyone to see.
The less sun and heat exposure the plant has, the less water it needs. While this idea may seem intuitive, most houseplants are often overwatered.
The amount of water your plant needs will also depend on the type of plant it is and the container it's in. Generally, you can follow these tricks to know if your plant needs watering.
The finger test. Stick your finger into the soil at least two inches deep. If the top two inches of the soil are dry, your plant needs watering.
Plant signs. Many plants appear different when they need or don't need water. When they need water, your plants may droop or their leaves may get crispy or curl. When they have too much water, your plants might turn yellow.
Water drainage. If you're watering your plant and water is draining from the bottom of the pot, they likely have enough water. The plant will drink up some water that has drained, but too much drainage means they've gotten plenty of water.
Choose the Right Soil
While most houseplants do well with general mixes, certain plants, such as succulents, require more specific soil mixes for optimal plant health. Your local garden center can guide you on the best soil for your houseplant.
Give Your Plant a Good Home (or Pot)
There are so many varieties of planters that it's hard to choose. The primary concern when choosing a pot is drainage. You want excess water to be able to escape the pot, or else your plant may suffer from root rot.
Of course, you will need to change your plant's pot as it grows. When your plant outgrows its current pot, move it to a pot that's around one to two inches bigger in diameter. If you place your plant in a container that's too big, you may end up accidentally overwatering it.
Clay and terracotta pots absorb moisture from the soil, which will change how much you water your plants. Alternatively, plastic or glazed pots will keep the soil moist longer and require less watering.
Provide Nutrients With Fertilizer
Your houseplants need nutrients that soil can't provide. You can support your houseplants by giving them fertilizer mixed in with their soil. There are a variety of fertilizers you can use, so browse the shelves of your local garden center to find a fertilizer that works for your plants.
Protect Your Plants From Pests
Even inside, your plants can get pests and viruses, so frequently check your plants for abnormalities to catch signs of infection early. Plant cleanliness can protect them from many pests and diseases.
Easy Beginner Plants
Some houseplants can be finicky, so it's good to start with easygoing plants. These include:
- Aloe vera
- African violets
- Pothos
- Snake plants
- Spider plants
- Swiss cheese plants
You don't need a green thumb to care for your plants. With enough time and work, your home will be filled with luscious, leafy houseplants.
