Growing plants indoors, while rewarding, requires time and commitment as well as knowledge about the proper temperature, lighting and soil for the plant you want to grow. In addition, there are several methods for growing plants in pots.
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 your budget allows, you can also employ artificial light. Special indoor lights and lamps are available that you can use to replace natural sunlight. The easiest factor to control is temperature, so ensure your home’s temperature is ideal for the plant.
When growing a potted plant, you should match it with the appropriate container. If a plant is large or will grow large, your container should be able to accommodate it. Putting a big plant in a small pot can result in the plant not being able to breathe properly or the roots’ growth being stunted. It usually doesn’t look good when a small plant is placed in a large pot, although it’s possible it could grow to eventually 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. As a general rule, the container’s diameter should half the plant’s height. To prevent the roots from drowning, ensure the pot has draining holes in the bottom.
Next you need to find a proper growing medium or soil. Because it is unable to drain properly, garden soil is typically unsuitable. Further, garden soil could contain fungi or insects that are harmful to the plant type. Instead opt for packaged potting soil, which can aerate the roots of the plant and help it hold moisture.
There are a few key factors that can affect the timing of when the plant should be watered. These include the type of plant you’re growing as well as sun, rain, wind and heat.
You should regularly water most plant, although not to the point of drowning. But some desert plants, such as aloe vera, may do better when their soil is allowed to dry out, and is then flooded with large amounts of water. Desert varieties, therefore, are often better choices for people who have a hard time remembering to regularly water their plants. The amount of water any plant needs can vary each day.
Compared to plants grown in the ground, those grown in pots tend to dry up faster. Stick your finger into the soil to determine if the plant needs to be watered. If it is dry, then it needs to be watered.
Potted plants generally require fertilizers every two weeks. Watering a plant flushes the nutrients from the growing medium. Use organic fertilizers – especially if there are kids or pets around the area where you keep the pot, if you are growing an edible plant, or if the plant will be used for personal care or medicinal purposes.
Note that some plants are poisonous to humans and/or animals. 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.)
Always take precautions to protect a plant from destructive pests when you grow a plant in or around your home. Insects can enter your home and destroy your plant even if you house it indoors. 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. In addition to their beauty, potted plans can be used to make natural remedies or teas, provide fruits and vegetables, emit fragrance, or as decoration.
Although study and application of standard practices and proper growing techniques are necessary when growing plants indoors, the process will become easier and is worth the trouble.
About the author: Megan Barlow helps others learn how to live more environmentally friendly lives. Learn more about sustainable living at her blog on Green Living Tips.
Original Article: Growing Potted Plants.