Introduction
Growing houseplants is a fun and rewarding hobby. But it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re new to plant parenthood, especially if you’re not sure how to start. This guide will show you everything you need to know about getting healthy plants, choosing the right pot for them, and keeping them happy for years to come.
For a first time plant parent, it can be daunting to know where to start.
For a first time plant parent, it can be daunting to know where to start. But this guide will help you get started on the right foot!
- Knowing what type of plant you want: It’s important to think about the space you want your plants in and how much light they need. Also consider whether or not they like direct sunlight or prefer more indirect light. If you live in an apartment or condo, there are plenty of great houseplants that do well indoors—even if they don’t get natural light!
- Where do I buy my plants? There are many great places where you can pick up your very own potted baby: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target (in stores), Amazon Prime Now / Grocery Delivery Services… The list goes on! Just make sure that whatever site/store/website sells them ships quickly and delivers carefully so as not damage their little faces too much before reaching their new home–especially if it’s their first trip out into the wild world of being grownup plants! 😀
Buying your plants.
- What to look for when buying plants:
- Look for healthy, green leaves and sturdy stems. If the plant is wilted or has yellowed leaves, it’s probably not a good buy.
- Plants should have some kind of vase or pot in which they can stay with you after purchase—either one that came with the plant, or a new one if yours isn’t sufficient (more on that later). If not, you’ll need to buy one before bringing your new friend home!
- Where do I get plants?
The obvious answer is anywhere that sells houseplants! You could start with a local nursery or garden center, like Home Depot for example; but there are other options too if these don’t appeal to you: Secondhand stores often carry old plants of all kinds at affordable prices; Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods also have sections dedicated specifically towards houseplants; And finally (but perhaps most exciting of all), online shopping websites like Etsy provide access 24/7 365 days per year!
Choosing the right pot.
When choosing a pot for your plant, it’s important to think about the following:
- Size. Do you want a large or small plant? You’ll need to choose a pot that’s the right size for that type of plant. If you buy a small plant and put it in a large container, it may not get enough water and nutrients. If you buy one too big, its roots could become entangled and start to rot.
- Color. Does this match my home decor? Does this go with my couch? Are these colors going to clash with my kitchen cabinets? Always consider color when choosing something like this; it’ll help make your home look great!
- Texture/materials used in construction – Is this made of plastic or ceramic? This will affect how well your indoor garden gets watered (and how long), so make sure whatever material is used is sturdy enough not just now but also later on down the road when things get more crowded between pots as well as dirt beneath them!
How much water do houseplants need?
How often you need to water your plants depends on the plant. Some plants require more frequent watering than others. To know if a plant needs water, stick your finger in the soil and see if it’s dry down to the bottom of a pot (it’s very important that you do this at least once a week). If moisture remains after removing your finger from the soil, don’t give it any more water until you test again—and if there’s no moisture left in your pot, proceed by filling up its entire container with water until it can absorb no more.
If you’re unsure whether or not to water your houseplant or how much water it will need, invest in an inexpensive moisture meter ($10-$20) and use that instead of guessing based on how long it’s been since they last got watered.
How much light do houseplants need?
You need to provide your plant with enough light to keep it healthy, but not so much that the leaves start to burn. This is why you should pay attention to the amount of light your plant is receiving.
Light is measured in lumens (lm). The more lumens a bulb emits, the brighter it appears and vice versa. Different plants have different needs for light, so you’ll want to check out what their needs are before deciding on the best place for them indoors (or outside if you live in a place where they grow well outdoors). For example:
- A Venus flytrap requires only about 200-300 lm of light per square foot of space in order for its leaves not to curl up or turn brown from lack of sun exposure; however other plants might require upwards of 3000 lm per square foot depending on what kind they are!
What is right potting soil for houseplants?
What’s the best potting soil for your houseplant? There are a lot of variables, but here are some guidelines to follow when choosing your first soil.
- What is potting soil?
Potting soil is a mixture of organic matter and fertilizer that you use to plant your new plants in. It’s important to choose a good quality potting mix as it will help keep your plants healthy and happy. If you’re planting succulents or cacti, use regular potting mix as they thrive in alkaline environments; for ferns, orchids and other tropical plants use “Florida” or “Orchid” mixes which are slightly acidic so that they don’t get burnt by the sun (but still retain enough nutrients).
How often should I repot my plants?
Repotting a plant is necessary to keep your houseplants healthy. There are several reasons for repotting:
- The roots of the plant have outgrown its pot and are not getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy.
- Repotting gives your plant room to grow more leaves, flowers, and other parts that can absorb light and help the plant thrive.
- It allows you to change out soil in an old container with fresh soil that may contain beneficial microbes that will help keep your plants healthy.
How often should I repot my plants? You should repot every two or three years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. This is because if you don’t repot them they will eventually become root-bound which means their roots have filled up all of their space in their pot so they cannot get enough water or nutrients!
House plant care.
When you first start your plant, it will need to be watered daily. Once you get a feel for the watering schedule, you can begin to reduce the frequency of waterings.
Fertilize once a month or so with a slow-release fertilizer or houseplant food like Miracle-Gro Liquid Plant Food. Watch your plants closely and adjust accordingly if they are looking droopy or yellowing around their leaves.
Light is important too! Make sure that there is enough natural or artificial light in the room where your plants are located (the sunnier the better). If not, try using grow lights on timers to increase productivity during winter months when natural sunlight isn’t as strong as it would be during other times of year.
Temperature: Houseplants thrive under typical household conditions—a temperature range between 65°F – 80°F/18°C – 27°C with relative humidity levels between 40% – 60%. However some varieties such as cactus & succulents prefer cooler temperatures below 65°F/18°C while others prefer warmer temperatures above 80°F/27°C like African Violets & Jade Plants do so make sure you check out our list below before buying one because these types of plants won’t do well if their environment isn’t conducive to whatever particular needs they require! Humidity levels should also be kept at around 50% so having an oscillating fan near by might also help keep things fresh while providing good air circulation throughout your home.”
If you want to grow healthy house plants, you’ll need the right information and supplies
If you want to grow healthy house plants, you’ll need the right information and supplies.
- Know how much water your plant needs. If you’re planting a new succulent or cactus, for example, it’s best to wait until the soil is dry before watering again. This will prevent root rot by preventing too much water from collecting in the soil. The amount of time between watering depends on what type of plant you have and how hot it gets where you live—some plants need more frequent watering than others!
- Know what potting soil to use when repotting your plants (or at least asking someone who knows). It’s important that they’re using good quality potting soil with no peat moss; these types of blends can contain chemicals that aren’t safe for some people to handle without proper protection or training, so make sure yours comes from somewhere reputable before ordering online or purchasing at a garden center near home!
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been useful for you in learning about the basics of houseplants. Remember to ask your nursery or garden center employees any questions you may have, and don’t be afraid to experiment! We are always here to help with any questions or advice on caring for your plants.