Indoor Plants

Five Easy Tips To Keep Your Indoor Plants Healthy

Having a lush home with different indoor plants will defenitly brighten up the indoor season. If you wonder what is the best way of taking care of you indoor plants, we give you five tips on how to maintain your plants and don't worry, it's not as hard as you might think!

1. What type of plant to buy

Looking at the tags of plants when choosing your indoor plant is a good idea. It is a good idea to check that your plants have plenty of room to grow, and that their light needs are being met to keep them healthy. Make sure that the plant you get is strong enough to withstand the cool and heat of your home. They should be grown in a container that allows them to get plenty of air circulation and soil moisture. It's also important to choose a light that is bright and adequate for your plant's needs.

2. Which pot to choose for your indoor plant

Make sure the pot you place your indoor plant in, is big enough. The bigger the better! So your plant has enough room to grow and the roots can setle in some fresh potting soil. Whats important is that excess water can drain from the pot. So make sure there is a hole in the bottom and a nice [matching saucer] under the pot. If you have found the pot of your dreams with no hole or way to make a hole in the bottom, you can consider using hydro grains before filling up the pot with soil. This way the roots of the plant won't be too wet without a way to drain excess water. make sure you don't water these pots too much. 

3. How often to fertilize your indoor plants

Indoor plants need just one type of fertiliser, but you can vary it as much as you want. You'll just need to make sure it's a good quality fertiliser with no harmful chemicals. Make sure you mix it in your watering can and apply twice a week in the spring and summer and every week in the autumn, winter and spring.

4. How much light do your indoor plants need

The amount of light differs per plant, it's usually explained on the pot or lable that come with the plant and there's always the option of finding out online. Better even still is asking our experts at Horticentre about the specifics of the indoor plant of your choise! They can help you with questions you might have, also regarding the best spot to put your plant in. Most indoor plants need light but not direct sunlight, especially behind a window where it will become hot is not a suitable place for everyone. These hot'spots' are great for catusses, succulants and other indoor plants like the Papyrus, Geraniums, Aloe Vera and Jasmin for instance.

Most indoor plants prefer a good dosis of light a bit further away from direct sunlight and don't worry among those plants are some of the most colorful exotics, to brighten up every room with! Think about plants like the Cast iron plant, the Chinese evergreen or the Dracaena. There are plants with different light needs in all shape and sizes and for every corner of your home.
 

5. How much water do your indoor plants need

While you're at it you might wonder what size of  watering can you might need to get to be able to water all your indoor plants in one go. It's just as with the amount of light, it is usually on the lable of the plant but here are some very easy tips to go by:

• Better give water once a week [in summer] or less [in winter] and a good amount, then giving them frequently small amounts of water. This way the plant won't be standing in really wet soil which can cause the roots to rot.
• Feel the soil, it should be lightly moist at all times. 
• Remember indoor plants are more likely to die of being given too much water instead of not enough [yes even a cactus can die!] 
• Ask our experts at Horticentre, they can tell you all you need to know about watering your plants.