If you are like other people, you don’t have a good track record when it comes to keeping houseplants alive. For those who are a bit foliage-challenged, caring for houseplants can seem like a challenging and mysterious task. But this is not the way it has to be. By executing a couple of these useful tips, you can stop killing your houseplants and start enjoying their natural beauty in your Arlington rental home.
Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants
To grow healthy houseplants, aim for the right kind of plant. There are countless different houseplant varieties, most of which are relatively sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, select the one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that look dry, wilted, or spotted. When you bring your plant home, do some researchand be sure that you have the correct size and style of pot, along with some top-quality potting soil. Many plants need a small area to live, so choose a pot slightly larger than your plant currently needs. Moreover, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Bear in mind to place something to catch the drainage, though, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.
Step 2: Get the Light Just Right
In a similar way with real estate, regarding houseplants, location matters. Take an area that gets the kind of light your houseplant needs. Many indoor plants succeed in indirect sunlight, while some of them need a little direct sun every day to survive. Make sure you distinguish what kind of sunlight your plant needs, and choose a place that will fit the bill.
Aside from finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that might damage it. You should keep your plant away from cold drafts, hot air blowing on it from your furnace, too much moisture or humidity, or too little moisture. If that sounds like a challenge, then it’s definitely a challenge. But with a bit of planning and creativity, it is possible to locate an appropriate spot for your plant to develop well.
Step 3: Water Correctly
Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the common reason for their death. It can be problematic to know how much water to give your plant, how many times to water it, and so on. A fundamental guideline is to keep the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. Too much water may result in unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, most likely, the death of your houseplant. To inspect the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil’s surface is dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (never water a plant on the leaves), and go gradually until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.
If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, a wide range of assortments of watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to check your houseplant once in a while. Also, there are both high-tech and low-tech options that can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, ensuring a long and healthy life.
Step 4: Groom and Feed
All plants need extra nourishment regularly and also need to be pruned or trimmed. Different plants have different nutrient needs, so be sure to look into what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You may also find useful tips at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant looking its best, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, and so on. This will encourage your houseplant to create new leaves or blooms and keep your plant looking and feeling healthy, too.
Even though caring for a houseplant can be a challenge, it is not difficult to do. With some thorough planning and research, you can comfortably maintain your houseplant and benefit from its natural beauty for many years to come.
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