Moisture
Both under-watering and over-watering can be detrimental to a
houseplant
Light
Humidity
Humidity is slightly more difficult to control than temperature.
The more commonly used houseplants have established that they can
survive in low humidity environments as long as their roots are kept
properly irrigated. Most plants thrive in 80% relative humidity
while most homes are usually kept around 20% to 60% relative
humidity. Besides buying a humidifier, there are a few things that
can be done to increase humidity around houseplants.
Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert the energy
in sunlight to chemical energy, which fuels plant growth. The two
important factors for providing light to a house plant are
intensity and duration.
Soil
Pot types and sizes
Proper pot size is an important factor to consider. A pot that is
too large will cause root disease because of the excess moisture
retained in the soil, while a pot that is too small will restrict a
plant's growth. Generally, a plant can stay in the same pot for two
or so years. Pots come in a variety of types as well, but usually
can be broken down into two groups: porous and non-porous.
Fertilizers
In a potted environment, soil nutrients can eventually get
depleted. Adding fertilizer can artificially provide these
nutrients. However, adding unneeded fertilizer can be harmful to the
plant. Because of this, careful consideration must be taken before
fertilizing. If a plant has been in the same potting mix for a year
or more and is growing vigorously, then it may be a candidate for
nutrient replacement done by using a complete fertilizer at half the
recommended label dilution rate
Houseplants are generally grown in specialized soils called
potting compost or potting soil, not in local natural
soil. A good potting compost mixture includes soil conditioners to
provide the plant with nutrients, support, adequate drainage, and
proper aeration. Most potting composts contain a combination of peat
and vermiculite or perlite. Concern over environmental damage to
peat bogs, however, is leading to the replacement of peat by coir
(coconut fibre), which is a sustainable resource. A nutrient rich
compost can usually be bought wherever potted plants are sold.
Temperature
Most houseplants are tropical species selected for their
adaptation to growth in a climate which ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C
(60 °F to 80 °F), similar to the temperature in most homes.
Temperature control for other plants with differing requirements
needs attention to heating and/or cooling.
Alternative growing methods
Hydro-culture
Sub-irrigation
Indoor bonsai
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