Tip 1: Choose the Right Plants According to Your Home’s Lighting Conditions
First, assess the direction your windows face and check if anything, such as tall trees or walls, might block sunlight.
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South-facing Windows:
These windows get sunlight all day, making them perfect for most plants. Just make sure to place them a bit farther from the window.Recommended plants: Cactus, peace lily, oxalis, begonias, and dwarf lemon trees that flower or bear fruit.
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East/West-facing Windows:
These windows get moderate light, so you can place plants closer to the window.Recommended plants: Chinese evergreen, pothos, palm trees, dragon trees, tropical fig, and ferns.
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North-facing Windows:
These windows get the least amount of sunlight, so opt for plants that don’t need much sun. You can place them directly on the windowsill.Recommended plants: Golden pothos, spider plant, African violets, snake plant, peace lily, and money tree.
Tip 2: Avoid Direct Exposure to Strong Sunlight
In summer, UV rays can be intense, and just like our skin, plants can get damaged by direct sunlight. To prevent your plants from getting sunburned, use sheer curtains to filter the light or place the plants at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from the window.
Tip 3: Consider Lighting Conditions
If your room doesn’t get much natural light, choose plants that thrive in the shade. If possible, move them to a sunnier spot every week.
Recommended plants: Money tree and pothos, as their dense foliage helps retain water well.
Tip 4: Consider Your Schedule and Travel Habits
When deciding to keep plants, take into account your schedule, travel frequency, and other factors you might overlook. Nobody wants to lose a plant due to neglect, so consider drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti, which can survive if you’re away for a while. However, sometimes over-caring for a plant can be just as harmful!
Tip 5: Overwatering is the #1 Killer of Plants
While you may love watering your plants regularly, the best care comes when you water them only when they need it. Before watering, check the soil moisture. If the leaves are wilting and the soil feels hard and compacted, your plant likely needs water. If the soil is dark and feels sticky, it’s probably moist enough.
Tip 6: Proper Watering Method
When watering, move the leaves aside and water the base of the plant until it starts draining from the bottom. Let the plant sit for 30 minutes to absorb enough water, then remember to discard any excess water in the saucer.
Tip 7: Plant Placement
Group water-loving plants like ferns, ivy, and tropical plants together. You can mist them together every few days. In dry fall and winter, grouping plants helps create a more humid environment.
Tip 8: Ideal Temperature
Like us, plants thrive in temperatures around 86°F (30°C). Try to keep plants away from drafty areas, radiators, and doors, as these places can cause temperature fluctuations that stress the plants.
Tip 9: Fertilizer Selection
If you’re new to gardening, it’s best to avoid using fertilizers, as improper usage can harm plants. Most plants get the water and minerals they need from the air and surrounding plants, while sunlight provides nourishment and energy. Therefore, many plants can thrive without added fertilizers.
Tip 10: Buy Plants from Specialty Garden Stores
Hardware stores and supermarkets are not the best places to buy plants. Visit gardening centers or florists instead. Before buying, inspect the plants carefully for signs of poor health, such as yellow leaves, powdery mildew, leaf spots, or wilting stems, which indicate the plant is unhealthy.