Home Plant Guide
Step 1: Pick The Right Spot For Your New Plant
Most people make the mistake of choosing their plants before knowing where they should be placed.
Before you decide which plant to buy, you should choose where you want the plant to grow.
It is because different plants do better in different spots, depending on the amount of sunlight and space available.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a location for your plants:
Space
When people place plants, the most common mistake is trying to squeeze them between objects.
Blocking the air flow of plants between furniture pieces is a sure way to damage them. Plants cannot breathe properly when this happens.
Conversely, good air circulation ensures that plants live longer, have stronger stems and are healthier as a result.
A well-designed air flow can improve temperature control as well as CO2 replenishment in your plant. In addition, airflow reduces humidity and lowers the incidence of certain diseases.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
- You shouldn’t place your plants in a corner or behind furniture. Don’t forget to give your plants plenty of room to grow.
- If possible, keep a 6-inch distance between your plants and your furniture.
- Plants should be placed close to hallways, by windows, and on top of tables for good air circulation.
- If the room has no windows or little air circulation, choose a hardy plant (like an iron plant) which will do well in this environment.
- To give your plants a chance to refresh, you can also bring them into a windowed room from time to time.
Humidity
There are some plants that need more humidity than others.
A/C and heating units often dry out the air in indoor locations, resulting in low humidity levels. Plants should be kept away from radiators and air conditioners because of this reason.
If you plan on growing tropical plants (such as Bird of Paradise, Cut-leaf Philodendron, Bella Palm, or Rhapis Palm), you will need to mist them daily to keep the soil moist.
If you think it’s too much work, you’re better off choosing a plant that requires less humidity.
Temperature
The temperature is a very important factor in plant health. Regarding temperature, the most important thing to remember is:
- A climate controlled environment causes the soil to dry out more slowly.
- Radiant or central heat dries out soil (and the plants themselves) more quickly.
- This is yet another reason not to put your plants near radiators or air conditioners.
- It also explains why you do not need to water plants as often during the summer (when the A/C keeps your home cool) as you do during the winter (when the heat is blazing inside).
Step 2: Choose The Right Plants For Your Home
What Size Plants Should You Buy?
If you’re buying a plant, this is usually the first question you should ask. Several factors should be considered when determining the size of your plants:
- What will happen to the plant? It is generally recommended that floor plants be taller, while plants positioned on a table, desk, or window to be shorter.
- It is important to keep in mind that you will see your plant grow. As a result, you’d be best served by choosing a plant that’s a little smaller than what you ultimately intend to purchase. (In addition, if you live in a small apartment, you may not want a high-growing plant.)
- The bigger something is, the heavier it is. Bigger plants are heavier, so moving them around is a bit of a challenge. It is easy to pick up and move small plants whenever you like.
- What kind of look are you going for? Are you planning on placing your plant eye-level or at a lower level? Would you prefer a decorative piece or a statement piece? You will need to answer these questions in order to determine the size of the plant.
- You should be aware of the surrounding objects’ sizes. Plants on top of giant tables might look silly, while plants right next to tiny tables may dwarf them. Make sure the size of your plant is proportionate to the rest of the room.
Plants are divided into two size categories:
Desktop Plants
Small plants are perfect for decorating windowsills, shelves, or tables. The light and portable design allows you to find the perfect place in no time.
Floor Plants
It is best to place these plants near seating areas, entryways, or large counters. Their height makes them perfect for next to any chair or couch. The perfect filler for completing high empty corners and open spaces. The plants stand out in any room and add a sense of style.
What Light Level Does Your Home Have?
When choosing plants for your home, be sure that they will thrive in the light you provide. You will end up harming the health of your plants otherwise.
Keep in mind that the light level will be determined by the exact location of your plant. (For instance, a southwest-facing window will have a lot of light; an east- or west-facing window will have a lot of light, and a north-facing window will have a lot of light.)
In order to find a plant that will thrive in the exact location where you intend to place it, you need to first determine the light level:
Bright-Light Plants
These plants require strong light most of the day to thrive properly.
Medium-Light Plants
These plants are recommended for windows facing east or west that receive filtered or indirect sunlight.
Low-Light Plants
Plants that grow in low levels of natural light are a great choice for spaces that don’t get much sunlight, such as foyers, windows facing north, or landings where fluorescent lights are mostly used.
If You Have Pets
Plants can be toxic to animals in some cases. Therefore, if you have a furry friend at home, you should choose one of the pet-friendly plants to keep your plant and your pet happy.
Step 3: Caring For Your Plants
Plant care is also something you should consider before purchasing a plant. The reason for this is that some plants require more attention than others.
Watering Your Plants
Water your plants the most difficult part of plant care. It’s also the most common method by which people kill their plants.
You must water your plants frequently to prevent them from drying out.
However, if you overwater your plant, it can also die! (This occurs more commonly than you would think.)
Checking the level of the soil before watering is the best advice. It depends on the type of plant you have how often you should water it.
Each plant requires a slightly different care routine. Plants come with instructions on how to take care of them.
Fertilizing Your Plants
Most people are aware that they need to water their plants, but many overlook the importance of fertilizer.
The plants will take nutrients out of the soil, and over time, the soil will become depleted.
Your soil is kept nutrient-rich by using fertilizer. This helps your plants grow and thrive.
Wiping Your Plants
A moist paper towel should be used to wipe your plant’s leaves once every few weeks.
The dust on the leaves of your plants can do a lot of damage. The leaves can be clogged by these substances, blocking light absorption and preventing transpiration. Plants can become drab because of this, and their health can be negatively affected.
Trimming/Clipping Your Plants
Keeping your plants healthy requires cutting back dead leaves and trimming overgrown stems regularly. Plants will grow to their full potential and look healthy and fresh if you do this.
Going on Vacation
If you are going on vacation, keep the temperature of your room between 69F and 72F.
Make sure you leave the internal doors open too as this will promote better air circulation. Also, help your plants thrive by leaving some of the blinds open.
Depending on where your plants are placed, you may want to move them into a room that gets more light and ventilation while you are away.