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Caring for houseplants is akin to nurturing tiny ecosystems. Rarely do houseplants thrive without some degree of human assistance, but if you thought you had a green thumb only to kill every houseplant you adopt, well, you're not alone. Managing your potted plants is often a complex quest. They need enough light exposure (but sometimes direct sunlight and other times indirect light), a balance of water (but not excess water, and not too little), drainage holes, air circulation, as well as regular fertilizer for houseplants.
Monitoring the health of your houseplant lies in deciphering their silent cues. Yellowing leaves and drooping stems are both signs that may signal distress, but remember that between occasional setbacks, witnessing new growth and vibrant foliage is so rewarding. To learn more about houseplant care, we connected with Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms.
We started by asking him what his favorite houseplant is, which, like many plant enthusiasts, are the plants that spark joy. "For example, I really love Albo Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum Albo-Variegata)," he shared. "It’s quick-growing, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and each leaf is different in terms of how it’s streaked and splashed with white, so there’s an artful aspect to it. It’s really gratifying to watch it grow over the months. Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas Raven) is another plant that’s great for my well-being because it looks good and is so accepting of different growing environments. It’s a relatively slow grower, so it’s almost a special event when it puts out a new leaf. And the leaves have this really cool transformation quality as they mature—they start out lime green and mature to purple-black."
What can you do to monitor the health of your houseplants?
"The best and most important thing you can do to monitor the health of your houseplants is to pay attention to them," recommends Hancock. The tips he recommends are really simple, but are often something we tend to overlook:
- Look at both new and old growth to ensure it’s healthy. Some issues affect new growth first, whereas others might affect old leaves first.
- Look at the potting mix if it’s visible. The color of the potting mix is often a clue as to how moist or dry it is. But also see if there are salt crystals or mold starting to develop/grow on the surface of the potting soil. If you notice poor soil, it's time for fresh potting soil.
- Don’t be afraid to slip the plant out of its pot and look at the roots to ensure they’re healthy. (On most plants, healthy roots are firm and white or cream in color; if they are discolored or mushy, then there may be a problem with root rot.) Looking at the roots can also tell you whether a plant is ready for repotting. (Ideally, you’ll want to repot into a larger container when you see about 75% roots and 25% soil.)
What are the benefits of caring for plants?
I think any gardener can agree that there’s an inherent sense of connection from nurturing a plant. Hancock points out how that feeling can be fulfilling, especially when you’re stressed. "I know, logically, that my houseplants aren’t happy to see me when I come home from work, but subconsciously, just knowing they depend on my for their well-being makes me happy to see them. It’s also a reminder/feeling that we’re connected to something larger than ourselves, both a reason to look outwardly but also a tie-in to nature. And especially for those who live in urban areas, having nature in your home or office is grounding."
He adds, "Plants are important in our spaces for many reasons, but scientific studies have shown that caring for plants promotes productivity and elevates serotonin, lowers stress levels, and can even bring down our blood pressure. Ultimately, being around plants contributes to a happier, more fulfilled state of being. Other studies point to plants helping us heal and resist illness (people in offices with lots of plants, for example, tend to have fewer headaches, sore throats, etc.)."
"Plants Will Never Go Out of Style"
"Plants add a certain sense of style to our indoor spaces, and there’s also something about being comfortable/proud of your space," reflects Hancock. "Houseplants are an easy and inexpensive way to add that, and given they can grow for decades (getting bigger and better with time), they’re also a great investment. Plants will never go out of style!"
FAQ
How often should you water your potted houseplant?
If only there were a simple answer. It depends on several factors including the type of plant, size of the pot, soil type, and the indoor environment. A good rule of thumb is to water your houseplant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt. Monitoring for other signs, such as drooping plant foliage or brown, crispy plant leaf edges, can be a leading indicator for many plants.
Do you need to fertilize houseplants?
Yes, but the frequency depends on the growth cycle and the plant itself. Always take into account the recommendations for your plant species and the type of fertilizer. A water-soluble fertilizer is great for many indoor plants.
How often should you fertilize houseplants?
There isn't a firm rule on whether you should fertilize every three weeks or every two months, but a good rule of thumb is to add fertilizer when they're having a growth spurt. If you see a boost in plant growth, do your healthy plant a favor and give it a little extra boost of fertilizer. It will likely need less fertilizer in the winter months.
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