Indoor Plants - Basic Requirements

There are many types of plants that can be grown indoors. Some need very little care, while others need more TLC. As with anything, the better the preparation and maintenance, the better the end results, but there are a few basic guidelines, which, when followed, will produce happy and healthy indoor plants.

The basic requirements for any indoor plant, is that it needs water and food and they need the correct amount of sunlight and heat and humidity in order to grow healthily. Pot plants like to be re-potted every now and then and checked for disease and pests. The roots must not become matted, or restricted as they draw in the water and minerals from the soil. Every house plant absorbs Carbon Dioxide and gives off Oxygen. This process is known as photosynthesis. 

The amount of light and the intensity of the light, varies from room to room. At 6 feet in to the room and away from the window, the amount of natural light, is about 80% less, than at the window. A plant always grows towards the source of the light, so should be regularly rotated, to ensure equal growth, on all sides of the plant.

Shade loving plants will develop brown, scorched patches on the foliage, if exposed to intense, direct sun. Even the plants that like sun, can be damaged, if the sunlight and heat is too intense. It is best to slowly acclimatize plants, to brighter light. Filtered light is best for most plants, so make use of a net curtain, or a blind, to help filter the sun. This way the plants will get the necessary light and warmth, without being scorched. If there is no way of filtering the sun, then the plant should be situated about 3 to 5 feet away from the window. Most indoor plants grow best in temperatures between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, or 59 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

When referring to a sunny place, what is meant, is that the plant will get direct sunlight for all, or part of the day. The strength of the sunlight will vary according to latitude, time of year and position in the house. Bright light suits plants that are more tolerant, like the Desert Cacti, Succulents, Bromeliads and other sun loving plants like the Passion Flower. The Passion Flower should be pruned well, in spring, to retain its shape. Another is the Hibiscus. This should be placed on a sunny window-sill, for ongoing colourful flowers. Another is the Yucca, which needs full sun all year round.

When referring to a shady spot, what is meant, is a moderately lit area, usually about 5 to 6 feet, from a sunny window. A window that does not receive full sun, or along a wall, would be ideal. The light may not be sufficient in the winter months, so the plant should be moved closer to the source of sunlight until the brighter months.

The Peace Lily is suited to these conditions, but needs high humidity, so mist spray the foliage regularly. The Spotted Dumb Cane is another, that likes shady conditions, but it has a poisonous sap, so keep out of reach of children and pets. Another is the Herringbone Plant, which has leaves in vivid colours, but these will fade, if exposed to too much light.

A dry area is one in which the amount of water vapour in the air, is very low. This often occurs in homes with central heating, which tends to dry out the air. Cacti and most Succulents adapt well to these conditions. The Golden Barrel Cactus, must be watered during the plant’s winter rest period. Other plants, that do well in dry conditions are the Fish-hook Cactus and the rosary Vine, which must get direct sunlight.

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Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/  

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