Indoor Plants

How much light do indoor plants need?

Succulents and cacti need continuous, daily sunlight. Plants like foliage plants need roughly 8 hours of light per day. The amount of light depends on the plants you are growing, so we suggest doing research on the specific plants you are growing.

What qualities make for a good indoor plant?

There are several qualities to look for when selecting an indoor plant.

• A good root system – This is incredibly important when choosing a plant. It is not practical to pull a plant out of its pot to check its roots but if it is a small plant, this can be done. Healthy roots are thick and light in color.
• Foliage – Here is a good rule of thumb when it comes to plant foliage if you cannot see through it, the foliage is thick enough.
• Check for disease – Some signs of a plant with pests or disease are white dots, sticky residue on the leaves, and a bad odor.

Which indoor plants require low light?

Indoor plants that need little light could be good fits for locations where light is dimmer. Some plants that require low light are:

• Philodendron – A very common indoor plant that rarely attracts pests. It is a hearty plant that is adaptable to various environments
• Pothos or Devil’s Ivy – A plant with colorful and vibrant leaves. This plant does great in a variety of environments, thriving in low light or in bright, indirect light.
• Dracaena – This is another popular indoor plant with long green leaves. This is one indoor plant you will want to prune if foliage gets too long.
• Peace Lily – This plant thrives best when the soil is moist, but not overwatered. If you want flowers to appear on your peace lily plant, move your plant to a darker room.

Which indoor plants are the easiest to take care of?

Below is a list of indoor plants that are easy to take care of:

• Sansevieria
• Philodendron
• Most Succulents
• Pothos
• ZZ plant

Which plants are considered indoor plants?

Plants that require a low amount of light and water to thrive are typically known as indoor plants. Ambius considers these plants as examples of common indoor plants:

• Dracaena
• Hedera Helix
• Sansevieria Zeylancia Superba
• Scindapsus

What are examples of some common indoor plants?

More examples of common indoor plants include the following:

• Aglaonema
• Dracaena
• Ferns
• Philodendrons
• Palms
• Pothos
• Spathiphyllum
• Succulents

What are the best indoor plants?

Good indoor plants will tolerate lower light and humidity. Also, they will be less likely to deal with pests. Plus, they usually do not grow too much (you would not want an indoor plant to grow at a rapid rate). The best indoor plants include the following:

• Aglaonema – It is attractive, tolerates low light, and does not grow too quickly.
• Aspidistra – You should not need to give it a lot of water and it will handle low light. If you would like to take a vacation and do not want to be concerned about your plant, aspidistra is a great one for you.
• Succulents – Make sure you give them bright light.
• Dracaenas – Dracaena is an excellent houseplant, preferring medium to bright indirect sunlight but can survive in low light situations.
• Philodendrons – They adapt to various lighting and water conditions and thrive indoors very well.

How do you re-pot indoor plants?

Unless your indoor plant has become too large for the pot it is in, you typically do not need to re-pot indoor plants. For steps and tips on how to properly re-pot plants, check out our blog on re-potting plants.

How do you care for indoor plants?

Here are some tips that will help you care for indoor plants:

• Keep the potting soil moist – It is important to make sure the soil is neither too wet nor too dry.
• Make sure the plant pot has drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
• Place your plant near a light source, whether it is natural or artificial.
• Determine what species of plant you have so you can more accurately care for it.

How do you prune indoor plants?

If you have no reason to prune plants, do not do it. But, if you notice your plant getting tally and spindly, then we recommend you prune them.

What are some of the common reasons indoor plants die?

Some of the most common reasons plants die are:

• Overwatering or underwatering
• Light Levels (either not enough light or too much light)
• Neglect

How long do indoor plants typically live?

On average, indoor houseplants last 2-5 years. After that, plants stop thriving and it is best to invest in another plant.

Which interior plants improve air quality the most?

All plants can act as air purifiers but these plants are more beneficial than others.

• Red-Edged Dracaena
• Weeping Fig
• Bamboo Palm

How do indoor plants affect people’s moods?

People are often surprised at how beneficial indoor plants are. Not only do plants clean the air, but they also reduce noise levels and stress in the workplace.

Which indoor plants work well for small living spaces?

The plants below are great for those living in apartments or working in a small workspace. Here is a list of small plants great for small spaces.

• Philodendrons
• Succulents, if you have a good light source
• Hedra Helix
• Devil’s Ivy

What is the best kind of indoor plant fertilizer to use?

Go to a garden center and look for a fertilizer with “indoor plant” on the label. You will use less fertilizer for plants inside versus outside, so ensure you use the rate specified for indoor plants. If you are getting fertilizer for blooming plants, look for a fertilizer labeled with the type of plant (orchids, for example) but if it is unclear which one you should pick, it is fine to use fertilizer for houseplants.

How do I get rid of bugs on indoor plants?

Bugs on your indoor plants can be annoying! If you spot pests, go to a garden center, and purchase an insecticidal soap, which usually is contained in a spray bottle. When you notice bugs, spray the entire plant – the undersides and tops of the leaves as well as the stem. Next, wait about two weeks and repeat the spraying. Then, wait two more weeks and spray again.

You will want to spray three times because the soap usually will not eliminate eggs, which could hatch. If your plant is dealing with a severe infestation and you are unable to eradicate the pests, throw out the plant. You can also use a damp paper towel to remove a pest.

How do I know when to water my indoor plant?

Over-watering is a common mistake, and you will want to make sure the plant requires water now or if it should wait until later. Here are some ways to see if it’s time to water:

• Soil probe – This probe will draw out soil, which will help you understand how dry the soil is below the surface.
• Moisture meter – This tool tells you, on a scale, how dry soil is.
• Lifting the plant up – Heaviness signifies the plant has enough water, but lightness signifies the plant is dry.
• Wilting – Wilting typically happens because the plant is not getting sufficient water. Lift the plant to see if it is light in weight or if it’s heavy.
• Tipping – If the leaf edges begin browning and are crispy to the touch, the plant likely needs water. If the leaf edges are becoming brown but feel mushy, the plant has likely gotten too much water.
• Yellow Leaves – Yellow leaves may also signify that a plant has too much or too little water, but this is not always the case.

In conclusion, indoor plants offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they contribute to a positive atmosphere, air purification, and improved well-being. Whether you have limited space or are a seasoned enthusiast, understanding their specific needs and care is key to ensuring their longevity and continued positive impact on your indoor spaces.