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Indoor plants impose a wide variety of demands on light, temperature, air, humidity, soil, nutrition and water.
Light is an absolute necessity for house plants and light intensity is one of the most important factors controlling the quality of plants. Higher light levels require application of more fertilisers, whereas lower light intensity requires less nutrients.
If plants are desired for the darkened wall of a corner opposite a window, they should be brought to a lower light area gradually.
Many indoor plants thrive in a slightly lower than average room temperature than those favoured by many people, in the range of 15 – 18 degrees centigrade. Even cooler conditions are also preferable for some of the most popular house plants, whose growing temperature is as low as 12 to 14 degree centigrade. During the resting period, most plants require a lower temperature.
Humidity is also an important factor for healthy growth, which is often messed up in homes. Many house plants are originally from moist areas and they have arrived home via a green house where high humidity is maintained or a glass house where both temperature and humidity are controlled.
Keeping the pot inside another moisture retentive container helps to provide a little more humidity for the plant. Regular mist spraying on the foliage will also make up for the lost humidity in the air.
Pots can be especially chosen to suit individual plants and interior furnishing. Plastic, non porous pots could be selected, which would need less frequent watering. New clay pots should be soaked in water for several hours before use. All pots should have a drainage hole at the bottom and should be kept on a plastic or glazed ceramic saucer to collect water and protect the surface underneath.
Growing media play an important role in the successful growth of house plants. The potting medium used to grow house plants can range from 100 per cent organic matter to approximately 50pc organic and 50pc inorganic matter. The key factors in selecting potting media include aeration, moisture retention and nutrients and nutrient status.
Fertilisation directly influences the growth rate and appearance of the house plant. Potting media used for growing house plants are normally low in micronutrients and thus most fertilisers used should contain at least the minimum micronutrient level.
House plants should not be watered daily, it should only be done when required. Overwatering of plants in the low light areas of the house may cause the plants to loose foliage or rot. The plant should be watered thoroughly with water no colder than room temperature. Excess water should be then allowed to drain from the pot and discarded. Water is not required again until the soil is dry to the touch. Leaves of indoor plants can be wiped with a wet cloth or sponge or sprayed occasionally to remove dust.
The common pests of house plants can be combated by spraying or dusting with insecticides. When giving this treatment, the plants should be taken to a cellar, conservatory or outdoors in mild weather; the plants should never be treated inside your living space.
