Five Tips for Caring for Houseplants

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

16 Feb 2007 11:07 AM

I love plants, but I have never been very good at tending them. So, I've been doing a little research, hoping that I may eventually be able to get rid of the "black thumb" label and keep a little greenery alive and well in my home.

These are general tips that apply to a large number of houseplants:

• Most plants need to acclimate to their environments. When bringing plants home, try to place them in a setting most like the one they came from (cool or warm, shaded or well lit). You can slowly begin moving them to other locations, giving them time to adjust to each setting before moving again.
• The majority of houseplants thrive in temperatures somewhere between 60 to 80 degrees, when experiencing the highest end of this range during daytime hours and the lower end during nighttime hours. Flowering plants especially need cooler nighttime temperatures. A temperature of at least 10 degrees cooler at night is suggested for plant health.
• When it comes to lighting, we all know from our grade school science classes that plants require it for photosynthesis. What we may not know is that while plants need a good deal of light, too much light can also be unhealthy. Plants should not generally be exposed to light for more than 14-16 per day.
• Houseplants also need a good deal of humidity. In homes with forced air cooling and heating, moisture is removed from the air. A humidifier will help as will spraying some plants with a fine mist. This should be done during the daytime, during warmer temperatures. Another option is to place a tray filled will pebbles and water beneath pots containing sensitive plants.
• Plants are sensitive to pollutants and gases. Your home should be ventilated for your own health, but plants will also benefit. Most plants are very sensitive to gases, including natural gas.

Related Reading:

Houseplants That You Positively Cannot Kill

Five Houseplants That Are Hard To Kill

Common Garden Plants can be Dangerous

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger