| |
Most plants need bright light to manufacture food and release energy (those with colored or variegated leaves need especially high light levels). A few, such as caci and succulents, cope with direct sun; the rest prefer indirect light away from a window, but not in shade. Plants grow toward the light, so turn them every few days for even growth.
Increase humidity by standing plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Avoid spillages by filling the saucer with water instead of watering the soil. To remove dust, wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth, but try to avoid the new young, foliage.
Ventilation and Humidity
Most plants like decent ventilation in summer—standing them outside helps, but wait until the weather is warm enough. Some will need high humidity, especially when temperatures rise. To create this, stand the pot on pebbles or mist your plants with a spray (use rainwater or cold boiled water to avoid chemical deposits from tap water on the leaves). Grouping plants together also helps to create a humid environment.
Watering
The general rule is to water plants regularly when they are in full growth, but water less frequently when they are dormant—when the temperature falls and growth stops, plants are not so thirsty. To avoid overwatering—one of the leading causes of houseplant death—play it safe and wait until the potting mix is nearly dry before giving the next drink. When watering, wait until the water runs out of the drainage holes before applying more. Acid-loving plants need soft water.
Cleaning Leaves
Some indoor plants will become very dusty in a surprisingly short time—this is particularly noticeable on plants with large, glossy foliage. To clean them, wipe with a soft, damp cloth, or stand them outside on warm, rainy days in summer.
Growing Tips
|
