Bring your green thumb indoors in the cool winter weather
KEEPING indoor plants happy is not as difficult as people think, however you need to pay attention to their basic needs such as food, water and the amount of light they need in order to thrive.
Of course, each plant requires different amounts of each — this counts for both inside and outside plants.
Here are some tips that will help your green thumb inside as well as outside.
Know your plant
When it comes to finding out what fertiliser to use, how much water is needed and howmuch light is best suited for the plant, the first thing you need to do is find out about your plant.
If you don’t recognise it, then simply take a picture of it and show your local botanist or nursery assistant who will explain the plant’s needs.
Water
Depending on the plant’s needs, water must be carefully administered to each plant to make sure there are no problems with the root system.
There are different types of indoor plants that require different amounts of water — for example, succulent plants have adapted to go long periods of time without water.
Typically plants receiving too much water suffer as air is forced from the root zone, limiting the amount of oxygen in the plant.
Those receiving insufficient water have visible changes such as leaf colour changes, a burnt looking edge on the leaf and the overall growth of the plant.
These situations are easily prevented by just administering the correct amount of water for your particular plant.
Food
Any fertiliser can be used on indoor plants as they have no particularly special needs however, fertiliser made specifically for indoor plants is always better.
Head down to your local nursery and ask them what they believe to be the most suited all-round fertiliser for your plant.
Light
Indoor plants need to be placed in a specific area depending on their needs.
Some plants need half shaded light, others need full light and some can thrive in both.
The access to light can help determine whether the plant is healthy or unhealthy and in turn can help the plant fight diseases.
By following these tips your indoor plants will become healthier and look great.
HOT TIP
Doing your research before buying a plant is very important.
Being able to ask a reliable nursery assistant is wonderful, but if you have an idea of what you’re after, it makes it easier for everyone.