Growing indoor plants is a fun and rewarding hobby. Depending on what you decide to grow, you can experience a ton of great benefits. Lavender can help reduce stress and give more restful sleep, scientific studies have proven that rosemary boosts your memory, and aloe vera can treat burns and psoriasis. To learn some tips for starting an indoor garden, check out the beginner’s guide to taking care of indoor plants.
Soil
Soil protects your plant’s roots, keep it upright, provide a nourishing medium for your plant, and aid in delivering air and water to its roots. Although you may produce your own soil with some trial and error, most people purchase soil from their local plant store or garden center. Sterilization ensures that no bugs, fungi, or mold grows in bagged soil. It is common to come across dirt labeled “Succulent Soil,” a light, well-draining soil ideal for cacti and succulents. This is crucial since you don’t want your succulents or cacti to sit in water. Your soil is the single most important factor when it comes to taking care of indoor plants.
Potting
Choosing the correct type of pot for your plant is vital, but it is not always necessary from the beginning. For example, a plant will grow in its original black plastic pot for a long time, and most people choose to leave it there or place the black plastic growing pot in a nice wicker basket or something similar. A common thing novice plant owners do is use a plant container with a hole in the bottom to allow runoff into a tray.
Food and Fertilizer
You have to refresh soil on a regular basis, and the easiest way to do so is by giving your plant fertilizer or plant food. The most common mistake, though, is giving a plant too much or, in certain situations, not enough. More fertilizer would seem to help a plant grow, but it may hinder specific nutrient uptake in some cases. One example is phosphorous, which aids in protein synthesis, cell division, and growth. By investing in indoor plant food, you can know your plants get all the necessary materials to stay healthy.
Whether you want to have an emergency supply of aloe vera or you’re looking for a fun passive hobby, getting some indoor plants is a great way to pass the time and add some life to your home. Remember to choose the right soil, keep an appropriately sized pot, and regularly feed and fertilize your plant.