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Caring
for Houseplants
It would be nice to think
that once potted and placed in a suitable spot, plants would happily
get on with growing and living in their own humble way. But unfortunately
this isn’t the case. Indoor plants need lots of regular care
and attention from their owners, be it through watering, re-potting
or merely keeping them in the right conditions. But don’t despair,
the life of a plant owner isn’t all drudge and hard work -
follow the guidelines below and your life, and that of your plants,
will be stress-free!
Light and Temperature
Plants need light, although the amount varies between varieties.
Flowering houseplants, or those with colorful foliage (such as African
Violet, Freesia, Cyclamen and Gerbera) thrive well in places where
there is lots of light. In contrast, Bird’s Nest Fern and Devil’s
Ivy prefer shady corners. Keeping your plants in the right temperature
is also important. Again, preferences for temperature vary between
plants, so check their individual requirements. In general, during
the winter months keep plants away from warm heaters or fires.
Water
Water is, of course, one of the essential requirements needed for
plants. Knowing exactly how much water to give can be a problem
and many people often over-water. The main point to remember when
watering is to ensure you give the plant a thorough soaking - a
good guideline is to stop when you see water draining through the
pot and into the saucer. If any water remains in the saucer after
half an hour, then empty and allow the pot to drain. To avoid over-watering,
don’t water too frequently if the soil in the pot is still
damp, then don’t add more!
Containers and Potting
Ensure that the containers your plants are in are the right size.
Don’t leave large plants squashed up in small pots if they
outgrow their original pots, transfer them to new, bigger ones.
Repotting such as this is best carried out in either early Fall
or Spring.
General Maintenance
Deadheading your plants allows new growth to occur, so remember
to check and remove any dead areas. The foliage on plants can pick
up the natural house dust, so giving the leaves a quick wipe occasionally
with a damp cloth can help get rid of the dust and brighten up the
plant.
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