Plants brighten up any living space. They bring nature indoors—that touch of green will soften up any room in your apartment. Houseplants are a lovely decoration, but they do come with a little maintenance to keep them alive and looking their best. The secret to houseplant success is to create the same ideal conditions as they would enjoy in their native habitat. Unlike their wild family members, houseplants are dependent on you for their care. Use these tips to keep your houseplants happy!
Don’t over water
Overwatering can rot the roots of your plant and eventually kill it. Before watering, feel the top layer of soil and make sure it’s dry. Give your plant just a little bit of water at a time as you learn how much it needs to grow.
Learn about your plant
Research your plant! Learn what kind it is and where it comes from. Knowing the origin of your houseplant will ensure you’re giving it the proper environment to thrive. Some plants like a lot of direct sun with very little water, whereas others require more water and more shade.
Pot with proper drainage
Make sure the pot you are using has holes at the bottom so water can drain through the dirt easily. If water is stuck at the bottom of your pot, it will likely give your plant a root disease or ultimately kill your plant.
Clean your plant
Mist your plant’s leaves with water and wipe them clean every few weeks. Cleaning the leaves keeps bugs and dust from overtaking your plant. Having shining leaves also makes your houseplants look healthy and beautiful.
Know your environment
Understanding your apartment’s airflow, humidity levels and sunshine spots. This will give you a good idea of the best place to put your plants and also how much it will need to be watered in those locations.
Remove dead spots
Keep your plant looking healthy by removing yellow and dried out leaves and stems. Cut out any damaged leaves and shoots. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut them back just above the leave-point. Make sure to also remove any fallen foliage.
Fertilize
When you water your houseplant it will naturally lose nutrients from the soil. It’s important to replace those nutrients with regular fertilization. Most houseplants should be fertilized at least every 3 months between March and September—the time when they are actively growing. During the winter months, plants experience a rest period and need little or no fertilizer.
Listen to your plant
Your plant will tell you if it’s getting too much or too little sunshine. Too much sun typically will turn the foliage dull green or yellow, and the leaves may also wilt. If it’s not getting enough light, the plant will get less compact—signaling that it’s looking for light.
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