Indoor plants require special care given that they are not growing outside under normal environs. It's important for you to know the dos and don'ts of indoor gardening. Below are some key basics that will help you provide a healthy environment and the right conditions for your indoor plants to grow.
Drainage Holes
One survival tip for your indoor plants is ensuring that your pots have appropriate drainage holes. Sometimes, the pots available for indoor plants have tiny holes or few holes at the bottom such that the holes don't allow sufficient flow of water and oxygen. Some of the signs that show that the soil is too wet include a wilted plant, yellowing of leaves and dried up leaves.
Observe the degree of wetness of the soil, and if you notice that the soil is soaking wet, drill more holes on the pot. You can drill your pot using a chisel, but do it carefully without using too much force to avoid breaking or destroying the pot, especially the fragile type such as clay pots. You can also take your pot to your provider and request for more holes to be drilled, if you can't manage to do the drilling. Otherwise, you may want to order a custom-made pot.
Sun Exposure
Most indoor plants do well under limited sun exposure. So ensure that you get to know the amount of sunlight required for the specific plant species you plant. If your house does not get much sunlight, then it's advisable you opt for species that thrive under shade; for example, the white orchids.
If your plants need direct sunlight to survive, then identify a good place in your house that receives ample direct sunlight. One way for you to tell if your plants lack adequate sun exposure is by observing if they are growing towards a particular direction. Plants that need sunlight and are placed in the shade will bend towards the source of light.
Appropriate Growing Medium
The type of soil in your garden may not be appropriate for your indoor plants. So, don't get your plants yet, if you've not identified the best type of soil for the specific species. Inquire from your plant provider the best soil to use for each plant. If you don't have the correct soil type, opt for a mix that is good for your plants and specifically made for indoor potted plants.
A good planting medium should be enriched with nutrients necessary for healthy growth of plants. The mix should also be well aerated to allow for easy drainage of water and at the same time retain sufficient amounts of water for growth.
Indoor potted plants are a great substitute for you if you don't have an outdoor garden, or for some reason, you can't do some outdoor gardening. So, identify your specific needs and create a potted indoor garden that meets your needs.
