Need a quick trick for decorating your Sierra Vista home in a way that promotes health and wellness for the entire family? Houseplants. Incorporating houseplants into your interior design improves air quality and reduces stress. Plants are also visually appealing and add beauty and vitality to your living space. Here are some tips for choosing and caring for houseplants.
Choosing Plants
What Kind of Light Do You Have?
Determine the amount of natural light available in your home and choose plants that thrive in those conditions. For low-light areas, consider plants like pothos, snake plants or peace lilies. For bright indirect light, options include spider plants, philodendrons and ZZ plants. High-light areas can accommodate plants like succulents, cacti and certain varieties of ferns.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Some plants require minimal attention, while others may need regular watering, pruning or fertilizing. Choose plants you have the time and energy to care for. If you’re new to houseplants, start with easy-to-care-for varieties like pothos, spider plants or snake plants.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Consider the size and layout of your home when selecting houseplants. Choose plants that fit the available space and complement your existing decor. Tall, upright plants like fiddle leaf figs or palms can add height to a room while trailing plants like ivy or philodendron can be displayed on shelves or in hanging baskets.
Do You Have Children or Pets?
If you have pets or young children, research the toxicity of houseplants before bringing them into your home. Some plants can be harmful if ingested, so it’s important to choose pet-friendly or non-toxic varieties.
Caring for Houseplants
Remember to Water Them
Pay attention to the watering needs of your plants and water them accordingly. Most houseplants prefer slightly moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry and allow excess water to drain away.
Some Plants Need Humidity
Some houseplants, especially tropical varieties, benefit from increased humidity. Mist your plants regularly with a spray bottle or place them on a tray filled with pebbles and water to create a humid microclimate. Humidity-loving plants love bathrooms.
Get to Pruning
Remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage healthy growth and maintain the appearance of your plants. Prune as needed to control size and shape and repot plants when they outgrow their containers.
Feed Them
Feed your plants regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause nutrient imbalances and damage roots.
Pests Get Inside
Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as aphids, mealybugs or spider mites, as well as common diseases like powdery mildew or root rot. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and adjust care practices as needed to prevent future problems.
Keep an Eye on Them
Finally, pay attention to your plants and observe their behavior and appearance. Notice any changes in growth, foliage color or overall health, as these can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed.
