Growing indoor plants in your apartment

Indoor plants are an essential component in interior design. The plants brighten up spaces and have a mood-boosting quality. Indoor plants are easy to take care of and complement various indoor décor themes. Just like other plants, they aren’t immune to production challenges. Different plant species vary considerably. For example, the needs of amaryllis or poinsettia will differ from a rapidly climbing pothos or a potted geranium plant that’s coming indoors. Therefore, research to learn the particular needs of your plants. The following tips offer necessary information on how to help these plants thrive.

Choose the plants to grow

Any plant can be grown successfully in a pot to become an indoor plant. Although large shrubs and trees are not usually considered, some expansive interior spaces include mature trees in huge containers. As they are sometimes called, indoor plants, or house plants, are primarily warmth-loving plants that prefer a temperature range that is also comfortably warm for us. Examples of plants include ficus, monsteras, dracaenas, palms, mother-in-law’s tongue and philodendrons. The flowering varieties include begonias and African violets.

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Growing containers

Indoor plants rely entirely on the potting mix and pots you choose for them. After selecting the plant, the second most important decision is the pot. There are many options to consider, including plain plastic through to lightweight-but-strong fiberglass to the top-of-the-range imported ceramics. It’s is recommended to pick a container that complements the plant in colour, shape, and individual style and preference. The ideal container should be light enough to carry, stable on its base, sealed/non-porous so it won’t leak, and should come with a matching saucer. Check that there are plenty of drainage holes – most indoor plants hate the flooded environment.

Growing media

Always use a premium-quality potting mix – the best you can afford. There are specialty mixes available for particular types of plants. Most plants require coarse, sandy soil that drains well. Re-pot indoor plants every two to three years in spring to keep them strong and healthy. Most indoor plants like good ambient light; therefore, avoid placing them on windowsills or tables with the direct sun through the glass; they will certainly burn. Don’t put warmth-loving plants in your bathroom. It might be warm and humid while you’re in there showering, but an hour or so later, the room will be cold and damp. Keep plants away from heating or cooling vents where the temperature will fluctuate.

Water

As a rule, water only when the top 5cm or so of potting mix feels relatively dry to the touch. Give enough water that the excess flows freely out through the drainage holes. Empty the saucers about 30 minutes after watering, or stand the pots (without saucers) on the sink to water them, and then leave them there for a few minutes to drain before replacing them on the saucers. The most accurate assessment of a plant’s water needs is accomplished by testing its weight. Lift the plant’s container and see how much it weighs; the lighter it is, the more it needs a drink. Unless noted otherwise, most houseplants prefer being slightly dry to soaking wet. That means a watering schedule of once or twice a week is suitable for most plants, where you water the plant thoroughly but infrequently.