Gardening Tips - Caring for Your Houseplants

Tips for Gardening

It is only natural for gardeners to bring some of their beloved plants indoors, and caring for houseplants can provide an entirely new dimension to the gardening hobby. Houseplants can also allow non-gardeners to share in the joy of nurturing and growing plants, without the need for setting aside an outdoor space, or working in the hot garden all summer long.

No matter what your level of expertise with plants in the great outdoors, however, it is important to keep in mind that growing plants indoors poses a whole new set of challenges for the gardener.

Many of the elements provided by nature in the outdoor garden - things like sunlight and water must be supplied instead by the professional gardening expert when the plants are indoors. It is important to understand the problems that can arise and to take the steps necessary to address them. plants as well, while others are specific to potted plants.

It is important to know what to look for, and how to address each of these problems in order to help your houseplants grow and thrive.

Problem 1 - The Pot Bound Plant

This is one of those problems that are specific to potted plants and houseplants. While outdoor plants have the Luxury of letting their roots grow in all directions in search of food and water, the roots of the houseplant can only so far. If the plant becomes too large for the container in which it is planted, the roots can begin to circle around inside the pot, resulting in an unhealthy pot-bound plant.

One of the telltale signs that a plant is becoming pot bound is if the soil begins to dry out more quickly than usual. The plant may still appear to be healthy, but if the soil dries more quickly than in the past the plant may have become pot bound. The solution to this problem, of course, is to move the plant to a larger pot.

The plant should be moved to a pot that is an inch or two wider than its current home. Moving the plant to a much larger container could cause root rot, so be sure to choose an appropriately sized container.

Problem 2 - Pests

Pests are of course a problem for garden plants as well, unfortunately, these pests often follow plants indoors, where they cause the same problems that can occur in the garden. Some of the most common houseplant pests include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.

It is important for the homeowner to continually check each houseplant for signs of pest infestation, and begin treatment at the first sign of a problem. If you need to get rid of those pests, check our directory for pest control services in Dubai.

Problem 3 - Excessive Heat

Heat can be a big problem when it comes to growing houseplants, and many homeowners think that plants like the extra warmth. While it is true that many plants do not like to get too cold, placing houseplants too close to a Source of heat, such as a radiator or baseboard, can cause damage. These plants will dry out very quickly, and the foliage can quickly become dehydrated.

Problem 4 - Drafty Conditions

Placing a houseplant in a drafty area can also result in an unhappy and unhealthy house plant. It is important to keep your houseplants away from common sources of drafts, such as open or poorly sealed windows, frequently opened doors, or unheated rooms. If the leaves begin to droop, it could be a sign that the plant has caught a chill from the draft and needs to be moved to a more suitable location.

Problem 5 - Insufficient Light

While outdoor plants have the sun to look to for the light they need, indoor houseplants do not have this option available. Other than the sunlight that filters through the window, most houseplants live their lives without direct access to the rays of the sun. It is important, therefore, for the houseplant owner to consider the lighting needs of each plant, and to take steps to address them.

One of the classic signs of a plant that needs more light is small leaves. If the new growth on the plant's foliage appears spindly, or if the new leaves are markedly smaller than the established ones, the plant may be starving for light. When placing the plant for more light, keep in mind that the direct rays of the sun can actually burn the foliage.

It is a good idea to place the plant near a sunny window, but not close enough to be burned by the sun's rays. The exceptions to this rule are sun-loving plants such as cyclamen, geraniums, and gardenias, which thrive in direct sunlight.