Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, there’s no doubt indoor plants have been having a moment for the past few years. Thanks to the many benefits they offer, more and more people are looking to add some greenery to their homes. If you’re thinking of joining the indoor plant trend, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Check out these tips for getting started with indoor plants.
1. Do Your Research
Before you bring potted plants indoors, it’s important to do your research to make sure the plant will thrive in your home. Consider the plant’s natural environment and try to recreate those conditions as much as possible.
For example, if you live in a very dry climate, you’ll need to provide your indoor plants with regular watering and misting. Conversely, if you live in a very humid climate with rays of sun raining down on you enough to power solar panels, you’ll need to make sure the room where your plants are kept is well-ventilated. And as veterans working with the power of sunlight Watts Up Solar and Electrical adds, if you’re not careful, the radiation and heat will make quick work of your plants. You should also take care to choose a plant that is appropriate for the amount of light in your home. Many indoor plants require bright, indirect sunlight to flourish.
And not all plants are created equal—some thrive in direct sunlight while others prefer more shady spots; some like to be kept moist while others need to dry out between waterings. Do your research before you go plant shopping from your favourite gift shop so you can find varieties that will fit well in your home. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few options, head to your local nursery or garden centre and chat with the staff there. They’ll be able to give you even more specific guidance on which plants will do well in your home.
2. Start Small
One of the best things about houseplants is that they can bring the outdoors inside, purify the air, and boost your mood. But if you’re new to plant parenthood, it’s important to start small.
Don’t go out and buy a fiddle leaf fig tree (they’re high-maintenance!) or a snake plant (snake plants are practically indestructible). Instead, choose a plant that is easy to care for and won’t require a lot of time and attention. Some good choices include philodendrons, spider plants, and peace lilies.
Remember to not tackle too much at once—starting small will help you build up confidence as you get used to taking care of your new plants. Pick one or two easy-to-care-for varieties like rubber trees and start there. As you get more comfortable, you can add more plants—and more challenging varieties—to your collection.
3. Give Them Some Space
Another important thing to consider when bringing a plant indoors is the amount of space it will need.
A plant that is too big for its pot will quickly outgrow its environment, becoming root bound and stressed. On the other hand, a plant that is too small for its pot will have difficulty taking up enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. When selecting a container, make sure to give the plant plenty of room to grow.
Likewise, when placing the pot in your home, choose a spot that receives plenty of light and has enough space around it to avoid overcrowding. The space that your plant needs doesn’t just revolve around the soil it’s in but the same space you walk as well. Places like the window of your living room work well or your newly renovated bathroom can be a great place to put new plants to complement it.
Plants need room to grow, so make sure you choose pots that are large enough for each plant’s root system. If you’re potting multiple plants together in one larger container, make sure they have similar watering needs so they don’t compete for resources. And speaking of resources…
4. Fertilise Regularly
Most plants require some form of fertiliser to remain healthy, but the frequency with which they need to be fed can vary considerably.
Some plants, for example, may need to be fertilised every week, while others may only need a monthly feeding. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for your plants, it’s best to choose one that doesn’t require frequent fertilisation. Of course, you’ll also need to make sure that the plant you select is suitable for growing indoors in the first place.
Fertilising is important for boosting growth, but it’s easy to overdo it— especially with liquid fertilisers. Follow the directions on the packaging carefully, and err on the side of fertilising less often rather than more. Too much fertiliser can damage your plants, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
Bringing indoor plants into your home or office can be a great way to add some life and colour to your space. And as a bonus, many plants offer health benefits like improved air quality and stress relief. If you’re thinking about getting started with indoor plants, be sure to research first, start small, give them space, and fertilize regularly. With a little bit of care and attention, you’ll be an indoor plant pro in no time!
