Indoor Plant Care
Household plants add that
special green touch to your home. They breathe life into dull environs and are
pleasing to the eye. The green color is good for the nervous system and has a
calming effect . I strongly urge everyone to add a plant to their
home. Even one single plant can freshen up your home and give you that special
connection with nature.
However a few things need to
be kept in mind, before one goes in for an indoor plant.
First pick an indoor plant
carefully. Make sure it is suitable to be kept indoors away from natural light
and can withstand the environment inside a house. Ask your local gardener for
advice. A lot of free information is also available on the web and in gardening
magazines which may be utilized for this purpose.
As a general rule, before
buying a plant, do check that it has a well developed foliage and the leaves are
shining green with no wilting or yellowness. A well developed foliage will
indicate a well developed root system which is very essential for home plants.
Then once you get the plant
indoors, you need to look after it.
Put a small plastic tray
under the pot of the plant to catch excess water. I suggest using clay pots as
they are porous and excess water will flow out. It is essential that
plants that are kept indoors away from natural sources of evaporation are given
just the right amount of water. Never leave a plant standing in excess water and
also avoid leaving the soil dry.
Check regularly ( preferably
daily), if your plant needs water. If the soil is dry , add water . Add just
enough to water it well and do not go overboard.
It is best to water your
plants early in the morning. It is also a good idea to maintain a routine.
Haphazard , untimely watering of the plants will endanger the root system of the
plant and the plant will start wilting.
Add ready made manure (
preferably, specially created for indoor plants), at least once every 45-60
days. If the plant is wilting , check and monitor water levels , availability of
natural sunshine and manure.
It is advisable to keep the
plant outdoors, once every 7 - 10 days. This helps in rejuvenating the plant.
Unless, of course the plant has a source of direct sunlight within the house,
say near a window.
Do not keep an indoor plant
near a direct heat source or in the front of the direct cold air of an air
conditioner. The plant will not survive these harsh extremes.
Avoid letting dust
accumulate on the leaves of the plants . Wash indoor plants preferably once a
week or try spray watering them to get rid of the accumulated dust.
Some basic care can add
value to your home and reconnect you with nature. Get green color into your life
by adding household plants and enjoying the fresh feeling.
Enjoy the Green !
Disclaimer: All information
is provided in good faith and no liability of any kind is accepted.
The information provided, is in the nature of home tips and should
be used with caution.
