Potted plants bring warmth and life to your home or lanai. It is necessary to select plants that will fit the growing conditions in your home as there may be adverse growing conditions like inadequate light, temperature fluctuations and low humidity. The most important environmental factor for growing healthy plants indoors is adequate light. Plants can differ a lot in their light intensity requirements. Plants with colored leaves like coleus and croton, and flowering plants or succulents grow best in full sunlight. Ferns, philodendrons and other foliage plants grow well in indirect light. You can use a light meter held near the plant’s foliage to determine the light intensity.
Following are light requirements for some common plants.
Low light. Location is usually more than six feet from windows, no indirect light, in hallways. Cast iron plant, Parlor palm, Bamboo palm, jade plant, Corn plant, Bromeliad, Snake plant, Birdnest fern.
Medium light. Location is usually three to six feet from windows, average well lighted areas. Asparagus fern, Begonia, Schefellera, Fishtail palm, Areca palm, Grape ivy, False aralia, Dracena, Figs, Rubber plant, English ivy, Philodendron, Boston fern, Staghorn fern.
High Light. Location within three feet of south, east or west facting windows. Zebra plant, Norfolk-island pine, Ponytail palm, Calamondin orange, croton, coffee, Ti-plant, Philodendron, Ming aralia, African violet, Christmas cactus.
You can also replace or supplement natural light with artificial light. Standard cool white and warm white fluorescent lamps are both good choices. Or there are a variety of fluorescent grow lamps available in stores.
A daytime temperature of 65 degrees F to 75 degrees F and about 10 degrees lower at night is best for most plants. The lower temperature at night enables the plants to regenerate new tissues. Plants grown in continuously high temperatures can become spindly and less resistant to disease and insect attacks. A sudden temperature drop can inure plants if they have not acclimated to the lower temperatures first. And temperatures below 50 degrees F for extended periods can cause permanent damage to many plants. Damaged plants will wilt followed by yellowing leaves which then drop off. Avoid placing plants in hot or cold spots like on top of a television or too close to heating or cooling vents.
Most plants prefer a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent. Most homes have humidity levels below 40 percent, especially when heating systems are on. When the surrounding air is dry, plants lose water from leaf tissues at a faster rate than can be absorbed through the root system. When this happens leaf tips turn brown and flower buds fall off flowering plants. You can install a humidifier or you can place the plants on a two or three inch bed of wet gravel. The water evaporating from the gravel increases the humidity around the plants. The bottom of the pot should never sit in the water as this will cause water logged soil which can result in root damage. Placing the plants close together helps them create their own humidity.
Good air circulation is also necessary for healthy plants but they should not be placed where there are drafts or strong cross air currents.
Improper watering can cause death for indoor plants. When the soil remains saturated, root systems are unable to function properly because of lack of oxygen in the soil. Certain conditions determine the amount and frequency of watering. Organic potting soils retain more water than sandy soil. Plants in clay pots dry out faster than those in glazed or plastic pots. Plants in small pots dry faster than larger pots. Plus different species have varying water requirements. Some like to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch while others should be watered before the soil is completely dry. The rule to follow when watering is to water when necessary. The best way to gauge that is to stick your finger in the soil up to the first joint. If it is dry at the finger- tip you need to water. When potting mix begins to dry, it can shrink away from the sides of the pot. It will also become lighter in color and weight. When watering is required, water thoroughly. Apply enough room temperature water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot. This type of watering helps flush out the excess salts which can accumulate plus it guarantees that the bottom of the pot is properly watered. But do not allow the pot to stand in water too long. Empty the drip saucer if necessary.
The growth rate of most indoor plants is much less than that of plants grown in a greenhouse. As a result, indoor plants do not need as much fertilizer as greenhouse plants. Plus rapid new growth can cause plants to outgrow their locations. Interior plants under active growing conditions should be fertilized every two to three months. During winter months or under conditions of low light the frequency of fertilization should be reduced. There are many special fertilizers available for indoor plants. Use as directed on the label.
Improper cultural practices may result in problems. Brown leaf tips may be caused by too much fertilizer or dry excessively dry soil. Yellowing or dropping leaves are caused by air pollution, low light, chilling, overwatering or poor drainage, or root decay from soil borne diseases or insect pests. Weak growth or light green or yellow foliage is caused by too intense light, lack of fertilizer, root rot or poor root system. Small leaves and long internodes indicate too little light. Small leaves and short internodes may e caused by lack of fertilizer or being too dry. Small leaves and leaves that curl under may indicate too much light.
Insects that attack houseplants include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scales, whitefly and fungus gnat maggots. To control insects be sure you bring home pest free plants. Isolate new plats for at least a month before placing them with other plants. Use sterilized potting soil. Spraying plants with a forceful stream of room temperature water every two weeks will remove insects before they have a chance to become established. This is best done outdoors or in a laundry sink. It also helps keep foliage clean and free of dust. Washing with soapy water and a soft cloth may be all that is needed to remove aphids, mealybugs and scale insects from broadleaf plants. Use two teaspoons of a mild detergent to one gallon of water. Insects can also be picked off by hand. For severe infestations chemical control may be needed. There are many premixed products that are ideal for in home use.
Indoor plants have few disease problems. This is partly because of the low humidity I the home. Most diseases spread by spores which require moisture for growth.
With a little knowledge about the plants you want to grow in your home this can be a successful and rewarding way to bring a little nature indoors.