Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Whether you are looking for plants to help humidify the air in your home, prefer low-maintenance greenery, or simply want some natural decor that will bring vitality into your living space, there is an indoor plant that’s right for you.
When it comes to what kind of plants to get, Tim from plantcarer.com says to choose aesthetically pleasing variants that have functional value in your home. Many of these plants even purify the air of common household toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
Choosing plants based on your natural living space will ensure you pick a suitable plant for where it lives. Here are some tips that may help.
What Type of Soil is Needed?
Some plants like the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) can grow in average potting soil, while other plants like the aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) require sandy soil to thrive. To find the type of soil your plant needs, check for it on the care instructions label on the pot or on the tag that came with it when you purchased the plant.
Watering Scheduling
Because plants like the spider plant do well in normal potting soil, they can be watered using a watering can or with a hose. If you are unsure whether or not your plant needs water, use your finger to test the soil’s moisture level. Then water should pool at the base of the plant’s pot when it has enough to drink.
Temperature Preferences for Indoor Plants
Many houseplants need warm temperatures to thrive. Tropical plants like begonias (Begonia spp.), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium), and flowering ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) grow well in temperatures above 70 degrees. In contrast, other plants like the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) can withstand slightly cooler temperatures.
Light Levels for Indoor Plants
If you plan on letting your houseplant go for a few weeks without watering it, then look for one that can handle low light levels. Plants like the elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) do well in slightly darker rooms. Plants like ivy (Hedera helix), English Ivy (Hedera helix), and peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.) can tolerate low light levels for longer periods.
Humidity Preferences of Indoor Plants
Some plants like the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) are naturally used to growing in more humid environments, while others like the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) prefer drier air. Knowing your plant’s preferred humidity level will help you set up its environment. Low humidity can be corrected by setting your houseplant near a humidifier or by misting its leaves regularly.
The After-Care
After you find your indoor plants, you need to keep them healthy. So, you should also check the color of its leaves. The best way to do this is by using a miniature flashlight to illuminate the underneath of the plant’s leaves –this will cause them to reflect light that can show any discoloration or signs of nutrient deficiency.
When it comes to taking care of indoor plants, never ignore yellow or brown leaves. Tim from plantcarer.com says that this can indicate that your plant is not receiving enough light, the wrong type of soil, or doesn’t have enough humidity. If you take care to provide all three necessities for your houseplants, chances are good they will reward you with years of beauty and provide air-filtering benefits as well!