If you are like numerous people, you do not have a good track record keeping houseplants alive. For those who are a bit foliage-challenged, caring for houseplants can seem like a problematic and mysterious task. However, it doesn’t have to be. By using some basic strategies, you can stop killing your houseplants and start enjoying their natural beauty in your Virginia Beach rental home.
Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants
To grow healthy houseplants, start with the right kind of plant. There are several houseplant varieties, most of which are pretty sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, get the one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that appear to be dry, wilted, or spotted. When you move your plant home, do a little research, and ensure that you have the correct size and style of pot, along with some high-quality potting soil. Many plants require a small container to grow, so choose a pot slightly larger than your plant currently needs. In addition, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Also, it is necessary to place something to catch the drainage, though, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.
Step 2: Get the Light Just Right
Just like in real estate, with regards to houseplants, location matters. Select a location that delivers the kind of light your houseplant needs. Several indoor plants flourish in indirect sunlight, while others require a little direct sun every day to thrive. So you need to determine what kind of sunlight your plant needs, choose a spot that will suit their needs.
Aside from finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that can destroy it. It’s recommended to 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, it might be. But with some planning and creativity, you can quickly figure out where you can put your plant to prosper.
Step 3: Water Correctly
Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the leading cause why they wilted. It can be hard to know how much water to provide your plant, how often to water it, and so on. The standard guideline is to maintain the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. Putting lots of water may result in unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, eventually, the death of your houseplant. To determine the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (do not water a plant on the leaves), and pour until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.
If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, many different watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to check your houseplant regularly. In addition, both high-tech and low-tech options can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, which ensures a long and healthy life.
Step 4: Groom and Feed
All plants need extra nourishment every so often and also need to be pruned or trimmed. Different plants have exact nutrient needs, so it is critical to figure out what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You can also look for helpful information at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant looking good, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, etc. This will encourage your houseplant to grow fresh leaves or blooms and make your plant look and feel better.
Even though caring for a houseplant can be troublesome, it is not impossible to do. With some careful planning and research, you can easily manage your houseplant and appreciate its natural beauty for many years to come.
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