Growing plants indoors can be enjoyable, but you will need to know the proper lighting, soil and temperature and commit the time and effort to do it successfully. Additionally, you can grow pot plants in several ways.
Before you do anything, you should inspect the area in which 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. If you have the budget for it, artificial lighting is another option. Special indoor lights and lamps are available that you can use to replace natural sunlight. Temperature is the easiest factor for you to control, but be sure that your home’s temperature is right for the plant.
When you grow a potted plant, it’s important to choose a container of the appropriate size. If a plant is large or will grow large, your container should be able to accommodate it. A big plant in a small pot can become unhealthy. Its roots won’t be able to breathe properly and this can stunt its growth. A small plant in a large pot will usually not look good, but it might grow to fit its 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. As a general rule, the container’s diameter should half the plant’s height. Further, make sure the pot has drainage holes in its bottom to prevent the roots from drowning.
Look for the appropriate growing medium or soil type next. Because it doesn’t properly drain, garden soil is usually unsuitable. It might also contain insects or fungi that can be harmful to your plant. Instead choose a packaged potting soil that will aerate the roots and help the plant retain moisture.
The appropriate time to water the plant 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.
Potted plants dry up more quickly than their counterparts that grow in the ground. You can determine if the plant needs to be watered by sticking your finger into the soil. If it is dry, then it needs to be watered.
Potted plants generally require fertilizers every two weeks. When you water a plant, it flushes the nutrients from the growing medium. 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.
Note that some plants are poisonous to humans and/or animals. Before you bring a plant into your home, thoroughly research it if you have children or pets in your home. (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. Insects can enter your home and destroy your plant even if you house it indoors. There are several organic pesticides you can use to combat this problem.
Growing potted plants can be worthwhile and rewarding whether you grow them in a window box, on a balcony or patio, or in an outdoor garden. Whether for decoration or fragrance, as edible fruits and vegetables, or for teas and natural remedies, potted plants have endless uses.
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 to live more eco-friendly lives. Learn more about sustainable living at her blog on Sustainable Green Living.
Original Article: Grow Plants in Pots Easily.
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