The ultimate guide to Indoor plants

Indoor plants not only beautify our home but also bring life and colour to our living space. Before buying house plants, understand properly how to care for them and what is needed to Flourish. After this go to the nursery to buy them. Research popular indoor plants and how they help in living a healthy life. All plants need sunlight to survive; indoor plants are not an exception. 

The amount of light varies for different species. The number of windows and in which direction your house is facing are two main factors that decide the amount of light that comes to your home. Understand the requirement of house plants clearly and provide them full sunlight, partial sunlight, and low light as per their need.

If there is not a lot of light and space, you can also grow indoor plants easily. Pothos is the best choice for the office. Indoor plants not only decorate our indoor space but are also beneficial for our health. They help in boosting our mental health and improving air quality. If you are a black thumb in gardening, you can also grow some basic indoor plants that are easy to care for.

Basic tips for caring for indoor plant

Indoor plants originate from the tropicals, but they can thrive in partial sunlight and average room temperature. Try to provide their natural environment in your indoor space. The conditions of light water, soil, and air should be similar to their natural environment.

Soil

Before buying indoor plants, do proper research about your plants' needs because individual plants need different kinds of soil. But generally, indoor plants need soil that drains well. Don't use the soil of your garden because it is not suitable for your plants' needs. Using a potting mix is a better option.

Pot

Choosing an appropriate pot is also necessary. Plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Always select a pot with drainage holes So that soil can drain properly. If the plant roots remain in the water for a long time, it can cause root rot. You can also choose two pots—one for drains inside and another for decoration purposes outside. At the time of watering, you will need to lift the inner port only.

Light 

The light requirements for indoor plants are also different; some plants need more sunlight, and some need less. For the photosynthesis process, a plant needs light. Photosynthesis is a process in which a plant prepares its food from sunlight.

Whenever you go to the plant store, check the three symbols of light

• Full sun
• Half sun
• Fully darkened sun

Choose the plants as per the environment of your room home

To provide full bright sunlight, keep the plant right in a window.

Four half sunlight place the plant near a bright window where it can get indirect sunlight

Darkened sun means plants require a little deeper space in the room.

Water

Water is a very important element for indoor plants. The requirement of water varies for individual plants. Some beginners in gardening provide too much water to the plant by overpowering enthusiasm that causes the death of the plant. Some people forget water completely, and that results in the dried-out husk.

Desert plants like succulents require less water and allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. Tropical plants need frequent watering. Check the top 2 inches of soil if it is dried out, then the time for watering has come.

You can also check the symbol of watering needs available on the tag when you purchase an indoor plant.

• One raindrop means minimal watering twice a month is enough. But allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Two drops symbolize moderate watering. Generally, watering at a week is sufficient. Check the soil by inserting your finger before watering. If the top few inches of soil is dried out and the lower layers have remained moist, it is the watering time.
• Three raindrops indicate that the plant needs continuous watering. You can provide them water every single day or after 2 days. These plants require damp soil and moisture, so provide them water according to your climate.

Temperature

Generally, the normal room temperature is ok for maximum indoor plants, but if your climate is very hot or cold, you will have to be concerned about it.

• Keep away the tropical plants from AC and heaters.
• To maintain the suppleness of their leaves, some tropical plants require more humidity. You can use a humidifier for it or keep them on a tray filled with pebbles and water. 
• The dryness and cracking of leaves are indications that plants require more humidity. Every living thing needs nutrients. Plants are no exception. Soil and potting mix provide nutrients to the plant, but then also you will need fertilization. In the growing season, fertilization is essential.
• Indoor plant food is a good option because it is suitable for all house plants and is very gentle. Use it with every watering.
• Indoor plants not only make our living space beautiful but also contribute to purifying the air. 
• The natural habitat of a plant is a tropical area or rainforest, or desert. Try to provide the plant with natural habitat.
• The plants which require more humidity can be placed near kitchens and bathrooms because these places are more humid than the living room.
• Check that your indoor plant is free from pests and diseases and it has adapted to new surroundings. 
• The pot has a good drainage system and places the plant in the right place.
• All these things will make your plant happy.
• Humid air keeps the soil moist for a long time. During the dormant season of winter, the plant needs less watering.
• The soil which has organic content holds the water for a long time and remains moist. The plants placed in bright light require more watering, while the plants that need low light require less water.
• Small pots are better than big pots because they dry out quickly.
• Terracotta pots are better than plastic pots because they dry out fast.