Growing plants indoors can be an enjoyable hobby, but it will require some time and commitment, and you will need to know the proper soil, lighting and temperature for the plant you wish to grow. Additionally, there are several methods of growing plants in pots.
Before you do anything else, inspect the area where you plan to grow your plants. You must place the potted plant in an area where it will get several hours of natural sunlight every day. You can also use artificial lighting if you have the budget for it. Special indoor lights and lamps are available that you can use to replace natural sunlight. Ensure that your home’s temperature is ideal for the plant, since this is the easiest factor to control.
Match your potted plant with an appropriate container. If a plant is large or will grow large, your container should be able to accommodate it. Stunted growth of the roots and the inability to “breathe” properly can result from putting a big plant in a small pot. Similarly, small plant will usually look odd if placed in a large pot, although it may grow large enough to fit the pot. Instead, you should start your plant in a small pot, transplanting it to a larger one when it outgrows the smaller size. You can also choose from various styles and sizes. The diameter of the container should be half the height of the plant. Ensure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom, so that the roots will not drown.
Look for the proper soil or growing medium next. Because it is unable to drain properly, garden soil is typically unsuitable. Further, fungi or insects that might be harmful to the plant could be in the garden soil. Choose a packaged potting soil that can hold moisture while aerating the plant’s roots.
When the plant should be watered can be affected by several factors. Among these factors are the type of plant you’re growing as well as heat, wind, rain and sun.
You should water most plant regularly, although not to the drowning point. However, aloe vera and other desert plants may do better when you allow the soil to dry out rather than flooding them with water. This makes some desert varieties ideal for people who have a hard time remembering to water their plants regularly. The amount of water any plant needs can vary each day.
Compared to plants that grow in the ground, potted plants dry up more quickly. By sticking your finger into the soil, you can determine if the plant needs water. If it is dry, then it needs to be watered.
In general, you should fertilize potted plants every two weeks. You flush the nutrients from the growing medium when you water a plant. Use organic fertilizers if you are growing edible plants or those for medicinal or personal purposes, or if you have children or pets in the house.
As a note, some plants are poisonous to animals or humans. Properly research a plant’s risks before you bring it into your home if you have pets or children. (See Pets and Plant Poisoning for more information on this.)
When you grow a plant in or around your home, you should do what you can to protect it from destructive pests. Even if you house it indoors, insects can still find ways into the home and destroy your plant. Use one of the organic pesticides on the market to combat this problem.
Regardless of the environment (in a garden, inside the home, on a balcony or patio), growing potted plants can be worthwhile and rewarding. Potted plants can provide herbs for teas or natural remedies, edible fruits and vegetables, fragrance, or simply decoration.
As is the case with any gardening project, growing indoor plants does require a bit of study and application of standard practices and proper growing techniques, but this will become easier with practice, and will be well worth the trouble.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live cleaner lives. Find out more about sustainable living at her blog on How to Reuse and Recycle.
This article was originally posted at How to Grow Plants in Pots.
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