GARDENING
Taking care
of your indoor plants
Indoor plants should be an essential component of every interior design . Greenery brightens up indoor spaces and are known to have mood-boosting qualities . There is something about bringing the green from the outdoors to the indoors that brightens up our homes and workplaces .
Kefiloe Manthata Senwes Journalist
To take good care of indoor plants , follow these simple guidelines : how often to water it by doing research on its specific type .
The good news is , for all the brightness and beauty they add to your interior décor , indoor plants are very low maintenance . All plants require water , light , and food , but the trick to success is to practice moderation . Indoor plants are popular because they are relatively easy to take care of , provide health benefits and can be used in a variety of indoor décor themes . They are a great option for those who have little yard space for an outdoor garden or for those who live in climates with severely cold winters .
Good indoor plants will tolerate lower light and humidity . Also , they will be less likely to deal with pests . Plus , they usually do not grow too much . Some of the best indoor plants include :
• Aglaonema
• Succulents
• Dracaenas
• Philodendrons
SOIL
Soil is not actually an accurate descriptor for the growing media used for indoor plants . A potting mix is your best bet at getting the required amount of equal parts peat moss , vermiculite , and compost . Orchids are the only indoor plants that require specific nutrients to grow and thrive . Make sure that the potting mix you get is specifically tailored to suit the needs of the plants you intend to grow . Change your soil regularly for optimum growth .
WATER Keep potting soil moist , but not wet . If your soil is either too dry or over watered , it can damage the plant ’ s roots and prevent the plant from growing . In some cases , under or over watering your plant can also kill it . Plants with lush , thick leaves require more water than plants with waxy or leathery leaves . There is no specific frequency that works for all indoor plants . Instead , what you must do is determine what kind of plant you have and follow guidelines on
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Plants get energy for growth through a process called photosynthesis , which can only happen with light . Some houseplants need less light than others , but even lowlight indoor plants grow weak and spindly without the light they need . Light-starved plants are also more prone to pests and disease . If you have a certain space or a certain plant in mind , research its light needs before you buy .
Remember to check for houseplant pests . Houseplant pests , such as mealybugs , scale insects and spider mites , can wreak havoc on your indoor garden . Even if you thoroughly check for pests when purchasing plants , some insects lay dormant and show up later , when you least expect them . Look for insects , holes in leaves , and sticky substances excreted by pests as they feed on a weekly basis . If you find pests , isolate the affected houseplant immediately to safeguard the rest of your plant family .
SENWES SCENARIO | SOMER � SUMMER 2020 43