Indoor Plant Growing Knowledge | from A-Z

Growing plants indoors is a fun and healthy activity. Indoor plants can help clean the air, reduce stress, and promote tranquility. However, growing plants indoors requires some basic knowledge to ensure good plant growth.

10 benefits of growing plants indoors

Growing plants indoors has many benefits for human health and life, including:

1. Air purification: Plants can help remove harmful pollutants from the air, improving indoor air quality.
2. Increase humidity: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can help increase room humidity and relieve dry skin, dry throats, and other symptoms of dry air.
3. Improve mental health: Studies have shown that indoor plants have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood.
4. Noise reduction: Plants can help absorb and reduce noise levels in a room, making the space more peaceful.
5. Increase creativity and productivity: Having indoor plants in the workplace has been shown to increase creativity and productivity.
6. Aesthetics: Indoor plants can add beauty and visual interest to a room, enhancing the overall look and feel of the room.
7. Increase oxygen levels: Plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which can help increase oxygen levels in a room.
8. Improve physical health: Houseplants have been shown to improve physical health by reducing symptoms of certain respiratory diseases and improving overall respiratory function.
9. Stress reduction: Growing plants in the house can help reduce stress, improve emotions and create a peaceful environment for life.
10. Increase intelligence and thinking: Observing and caring for plants can increase the user's intelligence and thinking, helping them concentrate and increase their thinking speed.

The above benefits are just some of the many benefits that growing plants indoors can bring to people.

What should I pay attention to about lighting?

Direct light

Direct sunlight is the rays of the sun that reach the earth's surface without being diffused or scattered. Direct sunlight is harsh and can be harmful to some houseplants, which is why it is important to provide the appropriate lighting conditions for your houseplants based on their specific needs.

Direct sunlight can also cause temperature fluctuations and increase the risk of sunburn or sunscald in some plants, so it is important to monitor and adjust light levels accordingly.

Indirect light

Indirect sunlight is sunlight that has been diffused or dispersed, making it less harsh and less harmful to plants. Indirect sunlight is generally considered the ideal type of light for most houseplants, as it provides a balance of light and warmth without causing any damage.

The effects of indirect sunlight on indoor plants are generally positive, as it helps promote healthy growth and development. Indirect sunlight provides plants with the energy they need to create food through photosynthesis, which is essential for growth and survival. At the same time, indirect sunlight helps regulate the temperature of plants, preventing overheating and helping to maintain a stable environment for plants to thrive.

In short, indirect sunlight is important for indoor plants as it provides the right amount of light and warmth for the plants to grow and thrive healthily without causing any harm or damage.

Things to note

Light is an important factor when growing plants indoors. When growing plants, there are a few things to keep in mind about light:

1. Choose the right location: Choose a location that will get enough light for your plants. If your plants need a lot of light, plant them near a window or in direct sunlight.
2. Avoid direct sunlight: Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this can damage the leaves of the plant. Use a shade cloth or a canopy to protect the plant.
3. Provide supplemental lighting: If your plant needs more light than you can provide, use LED or fluorescent lights to provide supplemental lighting for your plant.
4. Seasonal Note: During fall or winter, when sunlight decreases, increase the number of times you give your plants supplemental light to ensure their good growth.

The above are some notes about light when growing plants indoors.

When watering indoor plants, keep in mind the following to water plants effectively:

How to water indoor plants?

1. Check soil moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture by sticking your hand into the soil or using a moisture meter. If the soil is dry, water the plant.
2. Watering plants from top to bottom: When watering, water the plant from top to bottom, allowing the water to naturally drain and distribute evenly over the entire bush.
3. Use warm water: Watering plants with warm water will help them absorb water more easily, especially in winter.
4. Do not over water: Be careful not to overwater your plants, especially in summer or when the weather is hot. Too much water can be harmful to your plants.
5. Water both roots and leaves sufficiently.: Pay attention to watering both the roots and leaves of the plant to help it grow well.

What role does humidity play?

Humidity is an important factor to consider when growing plants indoors. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Humidity: Most houseplants prefer a relative humidity of around 40-60%. You can measure the humidity in your home with a hygrometer, which is a device that measures humidity.

Misting: Misting your plants with water can help increase humidity. However, be careful not to mist the leaves too much, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Group plants together: Grouping plants together can help increase humidity, as the plants will release moisture into the air.

Humidifier: If the humidity in your home is too low, you can use a humidifier to increase the humidity.

Watering: Be careful not to over-water the plant, as this can lead to waterlogging and low humidity.

Avoid placing plants near dry air sources: Avoid placing indoor plants near air conditioning vents, radiators, or other sources of dry air.

By paying attention to humidity levels and taking steps to maintain healthy humidity levels, you can help ensure that your houseplants thrive.

Suitable temperature

Temperature is another important factor to consider when growing plants indoors. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Ideal Temperature Range: Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). However, some plants can tolerate higher or lower temperatures, so it is important to research your plant's specific needs.

Avoid temperature fluctuations: Rapid temperature fluctuations can stress your plants, so try to maintain a stable temperature environment.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can be harmful to your plants. Make sure your plants are not exposed to temperatures outside their preferred range.

Avoid placing plants near cold windows: During the winter, windows can get very cold and expose your indoor plants to harmful temperatures. If your plants are near a window, consider moving them or providing them with additional insulation.

Provide adequate ventilation: Good ventilation can help regulate temperature and reduce stress on your plants. Make sure your plants have adequate airflow and avoid placing them in areas with stagnant air.

By maintaining a proper temperature range and avoiding temperature fluctuations, you can help ensure that your indoor plants stay healthy and thrive.

How to fertilize indoor plants?

Fertilizing is an important part of growing houseplants. Here are some things to keep in mind when fertilizing your houseplants:

1. Choose the right fertilizer: Depending on the type of plant you are growing, you need to choose the right type of fertilizer. Some plants require fertilizers that are high in Nitrogen, while some plants require fertilizers that are high in Phosphorus.
2. Fertilize at the right time: The timing of fertilization also depends on the type of plant you have. Some houseplants need fertilization in the spring, while some need fertilization in the fall or winter.
3. Fertilize enough but not too much: You need to fertilize your plants enough, but you also don't want to over-fertilize. Too much fertilizer can harm your plants and prevent them from growing well.
4. Fertilize evenly: Apply fertilizer evenly over the entire bush to help the plant grow evenly and better.

Things to know about soil

Soil properties

When choosing soil for indoor plants, you need to keep in mind the following:

1. Protein content: The soil needs to have the right amount of nitrogen for the plant you want to grow. Some plants need more nitrogen, while some need less nitrogen.
2. pH: The soil needs to have a pH that is appropriate for the type of plant you want to grow. Some plants need a mild pH, while some plants need an acidic pH.
3. Humidity: The soil needs to have the right moisture level for the type of plant you want to grow. Some plants need wetter soil, while some plants need drier soil.
4. Age of the tree: The age of the tree is also an important factor in choosing soil. Some species of trees need less nitrogen when newly planted, while some species of trees need more nitrogen as they grow.

Choosing the right soil will help your houseplants grow better and last longer.

What is the substrate?

Growing media for indoor plants is a blend of different ingredients that are combined to provide ideal growing conditions for indoor plants. This type of mix typically includes a combination of ingredients such as bark, perlite, pumice, pine bark, coconut husks, rice husks, sawdust, and compost, which work together to provide essential nutrients, water retention, and aeration for growing roots.

The composition of the potting medium can vary depending on the specific needs of the houseplant species, with some houseplants needing a higher percentage of organic matter and others needing more rocks to improve drainage. It is important to choose the right potting mix for each houseplant and its care needs to ensure healthy growth and avoid soil-related problems such as root rot or nutrient deficiencies.

Diseases of indoor plants

Common problems

Houseplants can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, just like outdoor plants. Some common diseases that can affect houseplants include:

• Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and high humidity. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing, wilting leaves and a rotten or putrid odor coming from the soil.
• Powdery mildewPowdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating to develop on the leaves and stems of plants. It is usually caused by high humidity and low air circulation.
• Fungal leaf spots: Fungal leaf spot is caused by a variety of pathogenic fungi and can result in the development of dark, circular spots on the leaves of plants.
• Aphids:Aphids are small, green or black insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and curl.
• Spider mites: Spider mites are small, red or yellow pests that can cause discoloration, blistering, and webbing on plant leaves.
• MealybugMealybugs are small, white pests that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and wilt.

To prevent and treat these diseases, it is important to maintain the indoor environment suitable for the plant, such as maintaining the correct humidity and temperature, avoiding overwatering, and providing adequate air circulation. If the plant becomes infected, it is important to remove any infected leaves or stems to prevent the spread of the disease and treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide.

Rare or unexpected problems

In addition to the diseases I mentioned earlier, here are some things to keep in mind when caring for houseplants:

• Pests and diseases: In addition to aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, other pests such as scale insects, thrips, and whiteflies can also affect indoor plants. Keeping the environment clean and using appropriate pesticides or natural remedies can help control pests.

• Lack of light: Indoor plants can also suffer if they don't get enough light. It's important to choose plants that are suited to indoor lighting conditions, and provide enough light to avoid stunted growth, yellow leaves, and long, spindly stems.
• Improper watering: Both over- and under-watering can cause problems for houseplants. Be sure to water plants when the soil is dry to the touch and provide adequate drainage to avoid root rot.
• Lack of nutrients: Houseplants can also be deficient in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Providing your plants with a balanced fertilizer and checking the pH of your soil can help prevent these problems.
• Environmental stress: Houseplants can also be exposed to environmental stress, such as sudden changes in temperature or humidity, or exposure to drafts. Keeping the environment stable and avoiding sudden changes can help prevent stress.

In general, houseplants need proper care and attention to thrive. Regular monitoring and maintenance, as well as providing the right growing conditions, can help keep houseplants healthy and disease-free.

Some tips for choosing pots for indoor plants

Here are some tips for choosing pots for indoor plants:

Size: Choose a pot that is appropriate for the size of the plant and allows enough room for it to grow. A pot that is too small can restrict growth, while a pot that is too large can lead to waterlogging and root rot.

Drainage: Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, avoiding waterlogging and root rot.

Material: Consider the material of the pot, such as terracotta, plastic, or ceramic. Terracotta is porous and allows air to circulate around the roots, while plastic is lightweight and durable. Ceramic pots can be heavy, but they can also help regulate soil temperature.

Style: Choose a pot that suits your personal style and fits in with your home decor.

Quality: Choose a well-made pot with a sturdy base and smooth edges to avoid any damage to your plants or your home.

Expense: Consider your budget when choosing a pot, as prices can vary widely.

Remember, a well-chosen pot can play a vital role in the health and happiness of your houseplants, so take the time to choose wisely!

Understanding mutant foliage (indoor plants)

Define

A variegated plant is a plant that has leaves with two or more different colors. This can be achieved naturally, through genetic mutation, or artificially, through selective breeding or genetic engineering.

Variegated plants are prized for their unique and striking appearance and can add beauty to any indoor garden. The color patterns on the leaves can range from light to dark and may include stripes, spots or patches of different colors.

It is important to note that variegated plants may be more sensitive to environmental factors than their solid-colored counterparts. For example, they may require more or less light, water, or fertilizer than other plants.

If you are interested in growing colorful plants, it is important to research the specific needs of the plants you are interested in and provide them with the appropriate growing conditions to help them thrive.

Some mutant indoor plant lines

Here are some popular varieties:

• Monstera deliciosa
• Pothos
• Aglaonema
• Syngonium
• Calathea
• Maranta
• Dracaena
• Dieffenbachia
• Sansevieria
• Philodendron
• Alocasia
• Ficus
• Gynura
• Hedera (English Ivy)
• Codiaeum (Croton)

These are just a few of the many diverse plants that are popular for indoor gardening. Each of these plants has its own needs and preferences, so it is important to research the specific needs of each before you start growing them.

11 things to remember when caring for indoor plants

If the above content is too long and you are lazy to read, here are some things you need to "pocket" when you want to plant and care for plants in your home.

1. Provide adequate lighting: Make sure your houseplants get enough light to thrive. This means placing them near a window or using artificial light sources.
2. Water properly: Both overwatering and underwatering can harm houseplants. Be sure to research your plants' specific needs and give them the appropriate amount of water.
3. Appropriate land use: Different plants have different soil requirements. Be sure to use the appropriate soil mix for your specific plants.
4. Fertilize properly: Fertilize sparingly, not often. Look for a fertilizer made for houseplants and follow the label instructions.
5. Provide proper moisture: Some houseplants thrive in high humidity, while others prefer drier air. Research your plant's specific needs and adjust your indoor humidity accordingly.
6. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects and act promptly if you notice any signs of infestation.
7. Repot when necessary:Repotting your plants periodically can help prevent them from becoming root bound and improve their overall health.
8. Pruning: Regular pruning helps keep your houseplants healthy and maintain their shape.
9. Soil conditions: Make sure the soil in your houseplant is not too moist or dry and adjust the amount of watering accordingly.
10. Suitable location: Place indoor plants in an area that receives adequate light, away from cold winds and direct heat sources.
11. Clean regularly: Clean the leaves of your indoor plants regularly to remove dust and promote good air circulation.

Remember, each houseplant has its own specific needs, so be sure to research the requirements of your particular plant to ensure they get the best care and love possible.