Large-leaved plants should be cleaned of dust regularly (depending on how dirty they are). Plants breathe through their leaves – if these are clogged with dust, it can cause problems for the plant. You can wipe the leaves with a soft, dry cloth. Many plants also like it when you spray them with a spray bottle. If possible, you can place the plant on the balcony or terrace when it rains; this washes the leaves off perfectly.
Proper care for houseplants
To enjoy your indoor decorations for a long time, you should take proper care of your plants. It is not necessary to look after the plants every single day, but once a week you should take a close look at your palms, peace lilies, dragon trees, and the like.
The right location is crucial
Every plant has different needs. The location of the houseplant is therefore not insignificant – depending on how much light the plant needs, the location should be chosen accordingly. While plants in nature can usually absorb sun rays from all sides, in our rooms, often only one side of the plant has the chance to get sun. Plants that like a lot of light should therefore ideally be placed at a south-facing window or in fully sunny spots.
Plants, on the other hand, that prefer it shadier can find a place on a north-facing window or a window without direct exposure. Read also the article: Light, but no direct sun for plants
How do I take proper care of my plants?
- Soil
In stores, you can find special houseplant soil offered, with which the plants cope best. You should rather avoid using potting soil intended for garden beds. Also, pay attention to the price: cheap potting soil generally offers insufficient water retention, inadequate nutrients, and poor air permeability. Those who opt for high-quality soil will be able to provide the plants with maximum growth and a long life.
- Watering
Houseplants must be watered with regularity. A rule of thumb states that a plant once or twice a week can handle a good splash of water. It is therefore not wrong to let the soil dry out a little every now and then; this avoids mold formation in the potting soil. Fungi can also form easily in this damp climate. Therefore, one should be more sparing with watering and give the plants the amount of water they can tolerate.
How often you can generally water depends partly on the location of the plant: if the room is constantly well-supplied with sun and is also excellently heated, more frequent watering is advisable. In cooler, shadier rooms, the plant will need less water. If you are unsure, feel the soil. If the potting soil is still damp, no watering is necessary. However, if the soil is bone-dry, the plant is “thirsty”.
Are the houseplant's leaves drooping? That should ideally not happen – it means the plant has not been watered for a longer period. The root ball may have even detached from the edge of the pot. First emergency measure: fill a bucket with water and push the plant's pot down – the greenery should, however, remain in the air. Now the plant can absorb plenty of liquid. As soon as no more water bubbles form, you can remove the houseplant from the water bucket, let it drain, and place it back in its usual spot.
- Waterlogging
No houseplant likes waterlogging. This occurs when you have been a bit too generous with watering. Problem: the water cannot drain, the flower pot becomes muddy, and oxygen can no longer reach the roots. Furthermore, it can happen that the roots mold, a stench arises, and the whole plant dies. Therefore, this condition should also be checked regularly.
- Fertilizer
However, plants need not only water but also regular fertilization. Therefore, get yourself a good fertilizer that provides the houseplants with sufficient phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, and also magnesium. In the wild, plants are constantly supplied with nutrients from the soil – houseplants are dependent on us. Pay attention to small amounts, as over-supply can have a detrimental effect on the plant. Liquid fertilizer is highly advisable here: this can be mixed with the watering water and is an excellent supplement.
Extra tip: do you have an aquarium? Use the water from the aquarium; the plants will be perfectly fertilized with it and will thank you with many leaves and blossoms.
Read also: Watering plants correctly – cold water harms plants
Image by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
