Indoor plants offer many benefits for us in homes, businesses, offices, hospitals and almost any indoor space. Other than being beautiful living decorations, indoor plants can improve mood and concentration, increase productivity, improve well-being along with helping to filter, clean and add oxygen to the indoor air. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists indoor air pollution as one of the top threats to public health. Indoor plants help to reduce indoor air pollution and improve the oxygen and moisture levels. Researchers found that people who had surgery improved faster if they had plants in their room or even a view of plants and nature from their window. People also tolerated pain better and needed fewer medications when surrounded by greenery.
National Indoor Plant Week is the third week in September, which is the perfect time of year to honor these superheroes of the plant world. In cooler climates, houseplants that have spent time outdoors need to be moved back inside for winter around this time before temperatures drop too low.
Moving Back Indoors – Late September (or when temperatures start to drop around 50° F. at night) is the time to bring houseplants that have enjoyed the summer outdoors back inside the house. However, a few preparations will help the plants adjust to the change of environment better. Start to move the plants to shady areas to gradually reduce light levels. Clean them up by removing damaged leaves and spent flowers. Check the plants and containers completely for pests that could hitch a ride into the house. Remove harmless pests like spiders or ladybugs by hand or with a dry cloth. Treat plants that have damaging insects like spider mites, aphids, thrips etc. ahead of bringing them indoors as recommended on the product label. Help houseplants to adjust gradually by bringing them in at night and returning them outdoors during the day. Over the course of two weeks, gradually increase the amount of time plants spend indoors until they are indoors full time.
Indoor Location – The light exposure needs vary for different types of indoor plants. Some want a lot of light with indirect or direct sun exposure, some medium amounts of light with no direct sun, and some will be happy in a low light area. Search for plant information online or ask at the garden center to find the light preference for your plant if you are unsure. Houseplants often give you clues when they are happy or unhappy in their current location. Leaf scorching means you should move the plant to an area that has indirect light exposure and no direct sunlight. Little to no growth or leggy growth in its growing season means that the plant would prefer to receive more light. Make gradual light adjustments until the issue is resolved. Avoid placing plants near heat or air conditioning ducts, on or near electric devices that might heat up, or near drafty or chilly windows and doors.
Watering – Check the soil of houseplants weekly for dryness. If the soil is dry about an inch below the surface, water the plant. Be sure not to overwater to the point of soggy soil, which causes root rot and is the number one cause of houseplant death. The moisture requirements also vary with different types of plants, so a little research on your plant will help you learn a good watering routine for the types of plants you have. For instance, cacti and succulents can dry about halfway down before watering again. Also remember that most plants grow and need more water as light increases in spring and summer and need less water in winter when there is less sunlight. Always check the soil moisture with your finger. If the soil is moist wait a few days and check again until it is dry about an inch down for most plants.
Temperature and Humidity – Most houseplants are happiest when temperatures are between 70 and 80º F. during the day and 10-15º cooler at night. Some plants are fine with the normal range of humidity levels in your home. But some tropical plants including orchids and ferns need higher humidity levels. Research the specific types of plants to see if they have special temperature and humidity preferences. You may need to increase the humidity for some plants – especially in winter. To increase humidity, you can use a humidifier, use water and pebble trays and/or group plants together to increase humidity within the grouping.
Re-pot – The best time to re-pot most houseplants is in spring and summer during the growing season. Some may need re-potting more often and some less often. That along with the new pot size and what soil types to use varies for different types of plants, so it is good to research that also.
Fertilize – Fertilize houseplants with an organic indoor fertilizer according to the product label during active periods of growth, which is spring and summer for most houseplants. As always, if you are unfamiliar with a new plant, doing some research online or asking at a garden center will be very helpful.
Pruning – Prune dead and dying leaves off houseplants as they occur. Some plants are more vigorous growers and need pruning to manage the shape or size. It is best to do any heavier pruning in spring or when the plant’s growing season starts. Research the type of plants you have to learn their pruning needs.
Pest and Disease – Monitor houseplants regularly while watering for any signs of pest or disease issues. Research online or call a garden center for help in identifying the issue and finding the best method of control. If you take samples to a garden center, put them in a sealed storage bag to avoid spreading the plant issue. Always follow the instructions on the label when using pest and disease control products.
Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist 