Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants
To grow healthy houseplants, start with the right kind of plant. There are numerous houseplant varieties, a large portion of which are relatively sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, focus on the one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that look dry, wilted, or spotted. When you get your plant home, conduct some research and guarantee that you have the correct size and style of pot, along with some premium potting soil. Most plants need a little space to develop, so choose a pot slightly larger than what your plant currently needs. Besides, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Remember to place something to catch the drainage, however, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.
Step 2: Get the Light Just Right
Just like in real estate, when it comes to houseplants, location matters. Go for a spot that gives the kind of light your houseplant needs. Many indoor plants turn out well in indirect sunlight, while others require a little direct sun every day to thrive. Ensure to know what kind of sunlight your plant needs, and select an area that is suitable for them.
In addition to finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that might damage it. It would be great to keep your plant safe from cold drafts, hot air blowing on it from your furnace, too much moisture or humidity, or too little moisture. If that seems like a problem, it probably is. But with a bit of planning and creativity, you can clearly find out the best place for your plant to grow.
Step 3: Water Correctly
Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the root cause why they didn’t survive. It can be tricky to know how much water to give your plant, how frequently to water it, and more. A common guideline is to keep the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. Putting a lot of water may lead to unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, probably, the death of your houseplant. To detect the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil seems dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (don’t ever water a plant on the leaves), and move slowly until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.
If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, many various forms of watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to frequently check your houseplant. Actually, there are both high-tech and low-tech options that can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, maintaining a long and healthy life.
Step 4: Groom and Feed
All plants need extra nourishment every now and then and also need to be pruned or trimmed. Different plants have different nutrient needs, so make sure to look at what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You may also find helpful advice at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant looking lovely, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, and so forth. This will encourage your houseplant to produce new leaves or blooms and also keep your plant looking and becoming healthy.
While caring for a houseplant can be a struggle, it is not impossible to do so. With some careful planning and research, it is possible for you to maintain your houseplant and enjoy its natural beauty for many years to come.
Are you in the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Highland can help! Contact us today or check out our rental home listings.