The incredible stress-reducing, mood-boosting properties of houseplants can liven up any household. Many of us are guilty of returning from the weekly shopping trip with a new addition to the windowsill, and rightly so – when it comes to houseplants, the more, the merrier! That said, while some houseplant enthusiasts are expert gardeners, others struggle to maintain the health of their greenery. If you find houseplant maintenance a challenge, consider the following helpful tips.
Rotate Regularly
Picking the right spot for your houseplants depends on species – while sunlight exposure is vital for the health of your plants, too much or too little can cause adverse effects. Regularly rotating your houseplants will ensure they get an even amount of sunlight. Uneven sun exposure can cause plants to lean towards the light, causing plants such as succulents to become leggy. Rotating your houseplants once every few months should be sufficient enough to keep them looking lush, verdant and even.
Watering Requirements
Much like varying light exposure levels, different plants require varying amounts of water. Consider the native environments of your plants; for example, Candelabra cacti are native to hot arid climates near the equator and should be watered no more than once every two weeks. In contrast, during the hot summer months, a Boston fern – native to humid forests from northern South America -may require twice daily watering.
Overwatering can be just as detrimental to the health of your houseplants as underwatering, resulting in oxygen-starved roots due to waterlogged soil. Signs of an overwatered plant include stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Fortunately, you can save an overwatered plant by treating root rot and switching to a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilise When Needed
As a rule of thumb, most houseplants require fertilisation every second watering during the growing season, which is spring and summer. It is vital to use the correct type of fertiliser for your houseplant varieties, appropriate for their individual needs. Organic water-soluble fertilisers made from liquid kelp, fish emulsion, rock phosphate and plant extracts are advisable. However, any fertiliser with a balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) level between 5 and 15 is considered safe.
Use The Right Pots
Choosing suitable pots for your houseplants extends beyond the matter of aesthetics. In terms of size, select a pot that is at least an inch wider than the diameter of your plant’s root mass, allowing ample room for root growth. Experts often recommend opting for a porous material, such as terracotta, due to its moisture-absorbing abilities, which enable air and water to flow evenly so your plant’s roots can breathe. Additionally, your houseplants will benefit from being repotted every 12 to 18 months during the spring growing season. Repotting is also required for rootbound plants that have become too large for their containers.
As mentioned previously, choosing a plant pot with drainage holes is always advisable, so excess water can drain away, avoiding waterlogging and root rot. Pots with drainage holes are typically placed on top of plant saucers to catch excess water, although it is wise to prevent pooling by emptying your saucers for optimal houseplant health.
Keep Them Dust-Free
Dusting your houseplants may seem a little strange, but a heavy build-up of dust can block sunlight, reducing your plant’s ability to photosynthesise. Not only that, but dusty plants could trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Keep your foliage clean and healthy using a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust and debris. You could even use a small paintbrush or makeup brush to tend to small nooks and crannies. If your plants require a slightly deeper clean, use a washcloth and lukewarm water to wipe down leaves and stems.
Natural Pest Control
Plants naturally attract all manner of creepy crawlies. Unfortunately, dealing with pests is part and parcel of being a houseplant enthusiast. While you can purchase pest control remedies online or at your local plant nursery, you can also make one yourself using a mix of mild liquid soap and water.
Neem oil is a fantastic natural pesticide effective against insects such as aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. Mix a small amount of neem oil with insecticidal soap and water in a spray bottle and apply a light spritz to your plants. Repeat this process biweekly or as needed.
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