Added to that, indoor plants add a touch of elegance to the decor that is difficult to achieve with non-living items. However, some people find that houseplants do not thrive inside their homes. No one likes to see a dead plant or one that looks sickly, so make sure the plants purchased are really suitable for growing indoors in the local area. Indoor plants usually need constant, even temperatures and often house temperature fluctuates. The easiest plants to grow indoors are those that tolerate temperatures as low as 7 degrees Celsius (10F).
While most houseplants will respond to the extra light near a window – so long as it’s not too cold – some will grow readily in a dimmer corner. As a rule, the darker the leaf, the less light a plant needs. All houseplants dislike being near to fires or other heating devices that are switched on and off frequently.
They prefer a stable temperature without sudden draughts. Grow lights can be used to keep indoor plants happy and healthy if the room where they are to be kept seems rather dim.
In the spring and summer, the leaves of indoor plants need to be sponged with plain water, or water with a few drips of milk added to keep them free of dust. If red spider mites are troublesome (brown spots on leaves), add some white oil emulsion to the water.
Houseplants only need to be re-potted annually if the roots are filling up the pot. Use the same type of potting mix each time. Commercial growers usually use peat-based compost so try and get the same thing. Indoor plants only need to be watered when they feel and look dry. Over watering is one of the main causes of indoor plant failure.
If the outside temperature is warm in the daytime, many indoor plants will benefit from a little holiday out on the patio or porch. But be sure to bring them indoors again at night so they do not suffer from frostbite.
Some plants that are sold as indoor plants are not really good for houseplants. They are outdoor plants with low light needs. A true indoor plant will not thrive if left out in the hot sun or the frost. The leaves will become scorched and brown and the plant may die.
The bromeliad neoregelia makes an excellent and attractive houseplant. The rose-coloured center should be kept filled with water. Most bromeliads are epiphytic in the wild. That means they get their nutrients from the air and water. Indoors, they should be planted in equal parts of peat, sharp sand and osmunda fiber. Their favourite temperature is 10-18C (50-65F) and they don’t like direct sun. Pack damp moss around the pots to keep the air moist.
Some other plants to keep indoors are: –
Ivies will grow quite happily inside and can be left to trail, helped to climb with a support or just left to wander at will. The more unusual varieties have colored and variegated leaves. They can grow in unheated rooms and don’t mind if they have good light or poor. So these could be the best indoor plants if other kinds have failed to thrive in the home.
There are many other varieties of indoor plants and most are attractive and will enhance the home. Those who live in temperate areas or even the tropics can grow potted palms as indoor plants. There is nothing nicer on a bleak winter day than seeing a group of living plants growing happily.
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