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 techniques for growing plants in pots.
Before you do anything else, inspect the area where you plan to grow your plants. The potted plant should receive natural light, several hours per day. If you have the budget for it, you can also use artificial lighting. There are special indoor lights and lamps that can be used to replace natural sunlight. Ensure that your home’s temperature is ideal for the plant, since this is the easiest factor to control.
When growing a potted plant, you should match it with the appropriate container. The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot should be. 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. Although it’s possible it will grow large enough to fit the pot, putting a small pot in a large pot usually doesn’t look good. Alternately, you could grow your plant in a smaller pot and then transplant it to a larger one when it grows to large for the smaller one. You can also choose from various styles and sizes. The diameter of the container should be half the height of the plant. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot so the roots will not drown.
Look for the proper soil or growing medium next. Because it doesn’t properly drain, garden soil is usually unsuitable. Additionally, insects or fungi that might be harmful to the plant could be in the garden soil. Instead choose a packaged potting soil that will aerate the roots and help the plant retain moisture.
Several factors can affect when you should water the plant. Sun, rain, wind, heat and the type of plant you’re growing are among these factors.
You should regularly water most plant, although not to the point of drowning. However, aloe vera and other desert plants may do better when you allow the soil to dry out rather than flooding them with water. Because of this, people who find it difficult to remember to regularly water their plants may find desert varieties more suitable. 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. 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.
In general, you should fertilize potted plants every two weeks. Watering a plant 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.
As a note, some plants are poisonous to animals or humans. If you have pets or children in your home, ensure you do proper research on a plant before you bring it into an environment where they can access it. (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. Even if you house it indoors, insects can still find ways into the home and destroy your plant. Use one of the organic pesticides on the market 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. Potted plants can provide herbs for teas or natural remedies, edible fruits and vegetables, fragrance, or simply decoration.
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 how to live greener and more eco-friendly lives. Learn more about sustainable living at her blog on Green Living.
Original Article: How to Grow Plants in Pots.
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