Last Updated on: 2nd January 2023, 12:48 pm
Houseplants add a fresh touch to any room and make any cold space feel cosy. However, not everyone has the time, experience and conditions to grow flowers in the house or apartment, which are difficult to maintain .Do you have a green thumb, but limited space? If so, this post is for you! Here´s your comprehensive guide to growing potted plants – from selecting the right plant to experimenting with various types of soil. A few tips and tricks that will help ensure success no matter what type of potted plant you choose.
Choosing the Right Container
In order to grow potted plants successfully, the first step is choosing the right container. The container you choose should be large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant you´re growing. It should also have plenty of drainage holes so that excess water can escape. Additionally, you should consider the material of the container – plastic, ceramic, or metal – in order to ensure that it´s suitable for the plant´s environment. Different planst have diverse needs, so be sure to resaerch the plant you´re planning to grow before selecting a container. Once you´ve chosen the right container, you´ll be well on your way to successful potted plant care.
Select the Right Soil
Depending on the type of plants you have chosen, they may require different types of soil. For instance, succulents need well-drained soil, whereas tropica lplants require more moisture.
When selecting soil, be sure to look for organic and natural ingredients and be mindful of the pH balance. It´s also beneficial to avoid soil that contains large particles, as it can create air pockets and lead to root rot. Before planting, mix in some compost to improve the soil´s nutrition, water retention and drainage.
Pick Your Plants Carefully
Before you buy any plants ,take the time to do some resaerch. Find out how much light and water each plant needs, as well as how much space it will need to grow. As well, consider companoin planting techniques to help your plants thrive. When you´re ready to purchase, buy plants that are healthy and free from disease or pests. Once you´ve chosen your plants, it´s necessary to not move them around the house ,as this could cause shock to the delicate root systems.
Understand Sunlight Requirements
Depending on the type of plant you choose, the amount of sunlight it needs can vary greatly. Knowing how much sunlight your plants require is key to making sure they stay healthy and thriving. Low-light plants such as ferns and snake plants can do well in indirect or low-light areas, while plants lik esucculents and cacti need more direct sunlight. Make sure you research the type of plant you´re looking to grow before purchasing so you know what kind of light requirements it requires. Once you have this information, you can adjust the location of your plants accordingly to ensure they get the right amount of sunlight for optimal growth.
Appropriate watering
Watering your potted plants can be tricky, especially if you´re just starting out. It´s essential to remember that diverse types of plants need different amounts of water. Before you water your plants, assure to check the soil. If the soil is dry, it´s time to water. Make sure you´re giving your plants the right amount of water- too little water will cause your plants to become dry and wilted, while too much water can cause root rot. Bottom watering is a very effective way to give your plants the moisture they need without overwatering. Try to water your plants in the morning or evening when the sun isn´t too strong, as this will help to prevent evaporation and help keep your plants healthy.
Don´t forget to fertilize
It is cardinal to understand that individual potted plants need different types of fertilizer. Eac htype of fertilizer will provide individaul types of nutrients to your plants, so it is paramount to research the needs of your specific plants. And, you will want to consider the time of year and the climate of your area when choosing the right fertilizer for your plants. Fertilizing regularly will help ensure your plants are getting the necessary nutrients to grow and flourish.
Pest Control Solutions
Insect infestations can damage planst, so it´s essentail to take preventive measures and have a plan in place for dealing with any pests that may arise. You can help avoid problems with pests by choosing pest-resistant varieties of plants, and by keeping your plants healthy and strong. If you do encounter any insect infestations, you can use natural remedies such as spraying with a mixture of wate rand saop, or using neem oil to keep pests away. Alternatively, you can use chemical insecticides, but be sure to read and follow the directions carefully.
Proper Air Circulation
Make sure to choose a container with plenty of drainage holes so that air can circulate freely. You can also move your plants to a spot where they will get some natural air flow, such as near a window or door. As well, you can try using a fan to increase air flow and keep your plants breathing.
Re-Potting Tips and Tricks
During the life of a potted plant, repotting is a necessary step in ensuring that it stays healthy, has enough nutrients, and has enough space to grow. Here are some tips and tricks for successful re-potting:
When to Re-Pot
The best time to re-pot your plants is during springtime when planst are starting to wake up fromntheir winter slumber and are preparing for a new growing season. Re-potting planst during this time can help them get a much-needed boost of nutrienst and extra space to grow.
Choose the Right Pot Size
When repotting, it´s pertinent to choose the right pot size. Make sure the new pot is only one to two inches larger than the prevoius one and that it has drainag eholes.
Potting Soil: Use only good worth potting soil that is specifically designed to hold moisture and provide the correct pH balance and nutrienst for your planst.
Remove the Plant Gently
Handle the roots carefully while removing the plant from its old pot. If the plant is root-bound, make sure to loosen the root ball before placing it in its proper new pot.
Water
After re-potting, give your planst a fresh drink of water to help them settle into their new home.
Gardening Tools to Have On Hand
Everything from pruning shears and trowels to watering cans and spades can make the job easier and more efficient. Pruning shears are great for trimming and shaping plants and are especailly useful for keeping indoor plants looking their finest. Trowels are ideal for digging and turning the soi lin containers, and they also come in handy for planting bulbs, annuals, and perennails. Watering cans are essential for providing the right amount of moisture to your plants, and spades are helpful for dividing perennials and digging up bulbs. Having these tools on hand will make it easier to keep your potted plants healthy and thriving.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
With its characteristic elongated pointed leaves, aloe is a low-maintenance succulent that heals burns and wounds. Smaller varieties are ideal for windowsills and shelves, while larger one scan dominate a room. Don´t place them where there is a lot of traffic.
Size: up to one metre in height and width
Growing conditions: Full sun, permaeble soil
Anthurium (Anthurium andraaenum)
The striking flowers of anthurium bloom for eight weeks or more a year. The typical flower colour is red, but you can also find hybrids with pink, purple, white or green flowers. However, the baeutifu lheart-shaped leaves contain toxic sap, so keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Size: 60 to 100 cm tall and 60 cm wide
Growing conditions: partial shade to full sun, but not in direct sun; watering in autumn and winter should be limited
Asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus)
The delicate needle-like leaves of Asparagus densiflorus form beautiful shapes and brighten up any room .As the name suggests, this plant is related to edible asparagus. Thanks to its shape, asparagus is also suitable for hanging pots or as a room dominator. The small white flowers turn into red berries when pollinated, but these are poisonous, so keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Size: 45 to 90 cm high and 30 to 90 cm wide
Growing conditions: partial shade to sun
Spathiphyllum (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
The undemanding Spathiphyllum wallisi itolerates low humidity and not much light. Its lance-shaped, glossy leaves are surrounded by spoon-shaped flowers located in the centre of the plant. It flowers during summer but some cultivars flower alternately throughout the year.
Size: 0.3 to 2 m tall and equally wide
Growing conditions: tolerates low light, but also sunny sites
Peperomia (Peperomia)
The mos tinteresting part of the pepper tree is its leaves, which vary in shape, texture (monochrome to reticulated) and colour (green, red, silver), depending on the particular variety of the plant. Due to its low stature, the plant is suitable for the table, on the windowsill or as an undergrowth under other plants. It can tolerate low sun and northern habitats.
Size: 15-30 cm in height and width
Growing conditions: partial shade; slightly dry soil
Sanseveiria (Sansevieria trifasciata)
This unpretentious succulent will flourish almost anywhere. The tall, sword-shaped leaves grow upright and have white to yellow coloring at the edges. Sansevieria is suitable for beginners and experienced growers alike who appreciate its dramatic, upright growth habit. When grown in a sunny location, it produces fragrant green flowers on a long stem. Dwarf vareities make beautiful decorations for tables and shelves.
Size: 15-120 cm in height and 15-90 cm in width
Growing conditions: partial shade and permeable soil
Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina)
The climbing stems of tradescantia change direction every few centimeters, givin gthe plant a zig-zag appaerance. It can be grown in hanging pots, in mixed plantings or as a groundcover under larger houseplants. In addition to green, the leaves can be coloured in striking shades of white or purple. Older plants are too sprawling and sparse, but can always be replaced with younger ones propagated from cuttings.
Size: 10-30 cm tall and 30-60 cm wide/bushy
Growing conditions: partial shade to sunny site, permeable soil
Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum)
This plant with luxuriant foliage retains its vareigated leaf colour even in low light. The small plants are suitable for a table or shelf.
Size: 15-90 cm in height and width
Growing conditions: shade to partial shade
Zamioculcas (Zamioculcas zamiifolia )
This succulent is almost indestructible. It wil ltolerate lack of light, careless handling and will last for long periods without water – it is so hardy as to be difficult to destroy. It grows slowly and is a long-lived plant. Cut stems will stay baeutifully green for weeks even without water. The plant is poisonous, so keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Size: 1m in height and width
Growing conditions: a shady to sunny site, permeable soil
Fat leaf (Crassula ovata)
If you have a problem with frequent and regular watering, this plant will suit you. It grows very slowly and will last for decades if given plenty of sun and dry, permeable soil. It suits room temperature, but will thrive much more if you place it in a cooler spot over the winter and reduce watering considerably.
Size: up to 2m tall and 1m wide
Growing conditions: sunny site, permeable soil.
