When summer is over, many of us miss gardening. Plants bring us joy and caring for them is a terrific hobby. So, let’s learn how to take care of indoor plants so we can experience that joy and wonder 12 months a year. Houseplants are known to be aesthetically pleasing, improve your health, help clean the air and boost your well-being.
First, know what temperature, watering and lighting requirements each houseplant needs. For example, a Cactus has much different requirements than an African Violet. South-facing windows will give bright light and sun for plants such as Cacti, Aloe Vera, Ponytail Palms, Hibiscus. Moderate light plants like Ficus, Philedendrons, Monstera and Bromediads will do well in west or east-facing facing windows. If you don’t have a lot of light, don’t despair. There are house plants that do well in low light such as Snake Plant and Cast-Iron Plant. Flowering plants such as African Violets and Orchids need to be within three feet of a window for proper light and flowering, but not in direct sun.
Most houseplants that die suffered from overwatering. So, you’ll have to learn what your plant needs and when. Water when the roots, in the lower two-thirds of the potted soil begins to dry. Push your finger down a couple inches and if the soil feels moist, don’t water yet. Water gently over the top of the soil; avoid water on the plant leaves or crown. A long-spouted watering can works best.
Sometimes house plants suffer from pests. There are products you can buy in our greenhouse to fight pests and there are homemade remedies from the Old Farmer’s Almanac you might try:
• Mealybugs and scales are commonly seen on houseplants. The mixture of rubbing alcohol, water, and dishwashing detergent described above works on mealybugs and scale, too. Regular monitoring of your houseplants is key to beating an infestation.
• To get rid of bugs in houseplants, push a clove of garlic into the plant’s soil. If the garlic sprouts and grows, just cut it back.
• Spider mites are apt to thrive in warm, dry houses. Frequent misting under the leaves of houseplants will discourage them. A solution of 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup buttermilk, and a gallon of cool water, applied in a mist, is a good organic deterrent.
• Small flies may occasionally appear around houseplants. These are called fungus gnats and are harmless to plants (and humans) in their adult form, although their larvae can damage young roots. Letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings can discourage fungus gnats from calling your houseplants home.
• Remove aphids from houseplants with a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, plus a drop of dishwashing detergent. Apply this to troubled plants with a soft brush.
Warning: Indoor plant love is addicting. We have many varieties in our Longenecker’s greenhouse from flowering plants to indoor trees and once you begin you will want more.
You can explore many house plants and their care, from Venus Flytraps to Lemon Trees by clicking on this encyclopedic plant site: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/features/houseplant-guide-encyclopedia. Enjoy!
