How to Care & Tend to Houseplants
- 1). Pot up your housplants in appropriate containers. Sometimes houseplants are kept in decorative pots that lack drainage holes to avoid messes. However, pots need drainage holes so that the soil does not become too water-logged. Plastic and clay pots are available with drainage holes.
- 2). Place the pot on drainage trays. Most flowerpots come with trays, however, any plate, bowl or tray that can catch the excess water will work. You must empty the drainage tray each time you water the plant in order for the root system to remain healthy.
- 3). Fill the pots with store-bought potting soil, which is sterilized. Outdoor garden soil, even from a well tended garden, likely harbors pests and diseases. Select a soil that is appropriate for the type of houseplant you are potting. Special potting soils are available for African violets and cacti, for example.
- 4). Choose plants that grow well in shade. Indoor plants, even when placed by a window, receive less light than those grown outdoors. Choose leafy plants that grow well in shade and require minimum sun exposure. Plants that require lots of sun such as herbs and vegetables must be able to fit on a counter or windowsill so as to receive maximum daylight.
- 5). Water the plants only when dry. Failing to water can kill a houseplant, but so can overwatering. Use a spray bottle filled with water to clean the leaves of any house dust that may accumulate.
- 6). Fertilize your houseplant regularly. Depending on the type of fertilizer you use, follow the instructions on the package for dosage and frequency. Fertilizing is crucial as houseplants lack the benefits of the garden worms, nutrients and minerals that are found in outdoor garden soil.
- 7). Move your houseplants outdoors for the spring and summer. Make sure any danger of frost has passed. Before the danger of frost in the fall, give your houseplants a shower to remove any insects that might be clinging to the leaves, and move your plants back indoors.
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