Many of the most common houseplants are actually native to tropical climates, which are located near the equator. Conditions in these regions are generally warm and humid, but they can vary. Plants from these areas that have become houseplants will grow best under the care of someone who understands how their native climates affect their growth. Here are some tips about how to successfully grow tropical plants indoors.
Most tropicals are native to locations that have both wet and dry seasons. The wet season is the growing season, when new foliage and sometimes blooms will sprout. In any location, a houseplant will generally need more water during the more humid half of the year, whether this is winter or summer. This mimics the wet season.
The most common problem people have when caring for houseplants is over-watering. If soil is not allowed to become dry between waterings, the roots of a plant will rot. Different kinds of tropicals may need watering differently, so it is important to find out the needs of a specific species. The pot in which a plant is growing should have plenty of drainage. A plant can generally be watered safely when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Light requirements for tropicals can also vary. Most require bright light for at least five hours out of the day, but direct sunlight is usually not preferable. Indirect light, away from a window and any draft, is usually ideal. Some species might want direct sun, though, and others will like extremely low light better.
All tropicals are accustomed to higher humidity than is found in most homes and other buildings. Humidity of 40-80% is generally good, although they can tolerate lower levels during the dry season. A humidifier can be used to elevate the humidity in a room where tropicals are growing. Another way is to occasionally mist the leaves of a plant with water.
The soil in which tropicals are planted should be of a lower density than most potting soils. Mixing in some sand can help, or pre-mixed nursery soils can be purchased. Using some fertilizer helps the plant to receive the nutrients it needs, but the soil will need flushing out sometimes to prevent salt build-up. It is also important to make sure that soil is pest-free.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
It is definitely possible to grow beautiful tropical plants indoors. The best way is to learn about where the plant comes from and its favored climate. If these favorable conditions are replicated, the plant will be vibrant and healthy.
Most tropicals are native to locations that have both wet and dry seasons. The wet season is the growing season, when new foliage and sometimes blooms will sprout. In any location, a houseplant will generally need more water during the more humid half of the year, whether this is winter or summer. This mimics the wet season.
The most common problem people have when caring for houseplants is over-watering. If soil is not allowed to become dry between waterings, the roots of a plant will rot. Different kinds of tropicals may need watering differently, so it is important to find out the needs of a specific species. The pot in which a plant is growing should have plenty of drainage. A plant can generally be watered safely when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Light requirements for tropicals can also vary. Most require bright light for at least five hours out of the day, but direct sunlight is usually not preferable. Indirect light, away from a window and any draft, is usually ideal. Some species might want direct sun, though, and others will like extremely low light better.
All tropicals are accustomed to higher humidity than is found in most homes and other buildings. Humidity of 40-80% is generally good, although they can tolerate lower levels during the dry season. A humidifier can be used to elevate the humidity in a room where tropicals are growing. Another way is to occasionally mist the leaves of a plant with water.
The soil in which tropicals are planted should be of a lower density than most potting soils. Mixing in some sand can help, or pre-mixed nursery soils can be purchased. Using some fertilizer helps the plant to receive the nutrients it needs, but the soil will need flushing out sometimes to prevent salt build-up. It is also important to make sure that soil is pest-free.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
It is definitely possible to grow beautiful tropical plants indoors. The best way is to learn about where the plant comes from and its favored climate. If these favorable conditions are replicated, the plant will be vibrant and healthy.
About the Author:
Bring relaxing aura in your office room with tropical plants so look for the most elegant artificial plant online.
No comments:
Post a Comment