Watering of course is essential for your indoor plants to thrive. Over and under watering your plant can be very harmful so you need to learn first when to water and second how to water.

As a general rule plants with very thin leaves or very large leaves are going to require more frequent watering. The best way to determine whether your plant needs water is to feel the soil. Do not go by looks or by how dry the surface soil feels. You will need to get your hands dirty. Since indoor plant roots cover the bottom two thirds of the pot, put your finger into the soil approximately one third into the pot. For example for a standard 6 inch pot you need to feel the soil about 2 inches down. When this part of the soil feels almost dry it is time to water. Read the rest of this entry »

You should always select a specific plant species with placement in mind. All indoor plants comes with general guidelines on how much light they will require to thrive — high, moderate or low. If you have your plant near a window use this info as a guide. Southern facing windows get the most intense light and northern facing get the least (about a quarter of southern facing). Both east & west get about half as much as southern facing windows. You should also consider the decor you have in the room. Shiny, reflective surfaces will intensify the light & heat while dull and dark surfaces will do the opposite.

Although plants need light, preferably sunlight, to grow they also need some period of darkness daily. Select a spot that will give them at least eight hours of sleep. Read the rest of this entry »

Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.

1. Watering Overwatering kills most houseplants. Looks can be deceptive, so to see if your soil is dry enough to water, try the finger test. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If the soil is damp, don’t water it.

2. Feeding Foliage plants usually have high nitrogen needs, while flowering plants, K2O is needed. Slow release fertilizers can be mixed with the compost. However, certain plants like cacti and orchids need special fertilizer. Feed plants during their most active growth period. Read the rest of this entry »

According to the principles of Feng Shui, strategic placement of objects can mean the difference between health and illness. Placing houseplants in the main living areas of a house, for example, can enhance the flow of energy through the entire structure. Similarly, placing houseplants in the bedroom can mean better sleep for the occupants of the house.

There are several reasons why houseplants can promote better sleep.

a) Healthy plants are a source of cleaner air; because plants release oxygen, they can bring the air quality of a room up several notches. Some plants produce more oxygen during the night; these are snake plants and bromeliads, aloe and orchids. Placing these houseplants in the bedroom will enhance night-time sleep. Read the rest of this entry »

Indoor house plants can be a beautiful addition to any room in your house or even your office. Plants are believed to help bring peace and ambiance to any space by keeping you in touch with nature. This alone is a good reason to surround yourself with a little of the outdoors. The fact that house plants help fight indoor pollution is a extra plus which can assist in keeping us all healthier. Since plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen; the direct opposite of what humans do; they actually clean the air.

You can also use house plants to liven up a room or for an easy decorative touch. Although foliage plants are the most common house plants you can also find some very colorful flowering plants. The placement of a beautiful flowering plant in an empty corner or entry way can make a huge difference that will amaze you. Read the rest of this entry »