No matter what houseplants you have at home, they all have similar basic needs.
The right approach to indoor plant care will keep them in tip-top shape.
If you don’t consider yourself a green thumb, indoor plant care can feel a little overwhelming.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
However, most of your plants won’t need constant attention to stay healthy.
It’s best to water on an as-needed basis rather than by a set calendar schedule.
Avoid splashing onto leaves and stems, which can encourage diseases and leaf spotting.
Place African violet leaves in a jar of water to root new plants.Credit: Julie Maris Semarco
Overwatering is one of the most common causes of houseplant death.
Adjust Humidity Levels
Many popular houseplants, such as pothos andcalathea, prefer a somewhat humid environment.
Note that succulents and other desert plants are an exceptionthey like a dry environment.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Fertilize Houseplants Periodically
Like overwatering, it’s important toavoid overfertilizing your houseplants.
Too much fertilizer can burn their roots and stunt their growth.
It’s also a good idea to use a fertilizer that includes micronutrients to avoid deficiencies.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Propagate Houseplants When Needed
Several types ofhouseplants benefit from being propagatedby division or other methods once in a while.
It helps to rejuvenate an overgrown plant and encourage fresh growth.
Plus, it’s an inexpensive way to get more plants out of the ones you already have.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Other houseplants, such asspider plantand strawberrybegonia, reproduce by sending out runners with new plantlets at the end.
Repot Overgrown Houseplants
Not sure if yourhouseplants need repotting?
Check the root systems.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If the roots are circling the inside of the container, it may be time to repot the plant.
If the plant has outgrown its pot, you cantransplant it into a slightly larger container.
Spring and summer are the best seasons for repotting your houseplants.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Repotting and propagationcan go hand-in-hand.
Remove Dust From Plants
Almost all houseplants look better with regular cleaning.
The main reasons for pruning houseplants are to make them look better and keep them from getting too large.
Similar to propagating, cutting overgrown houseplants back to 4 to 6 inches tall helps rejuvenate them.
These are where the new growth will start.
Also, remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems to help prevent the problem from spreading.
Pinching means removing stem tips, either with your fingernails or pruners.
Pinch out the tip of a stem and the topmost leaves to encourage the growth of side buds.
Plants that grow rapidly often look best with frequent pinching to keep them compact and fuller.
While you’re at it, be sure to remove yellow, brown, or withered leaves.
Use a narrow-blade hand pruner or sharp scissors to make a clean cut without tearing the plant’s stem.
Control Insect Pests
Several insects commonly attack houseplants.
Insecticidal soap is an easy-to-use, effective treatment for most soft-bodied pests such as aphids and spider mites.
A forceful spray of water from the hose helps knock down the population of these pests, too.
No matter what treatment you use, be consistent.
You typically seefungus gnatsin large numbers whenplants are overwatered.
In extreme cases, you may want to try repotting your plant into fresh soil and a clean container.
Some diseases spread by insects, so keeping the insect population in check helps prevent these problems.
