Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can damage plants in a short period of time. Paying
attention to houseplant care when transporting plants prevents damage
when when you take the following precautions:
Light provides the energy source plants need to manufacture
food (photosynthesis). It is essential for healthy, thriving plants.
The lighting requirements for houseplants typically fall into three
categories: low, medium, and high.
Low Light Plants
– Philodendrons, Ferns, and Ivy.
Medium Light Plants
– Spider Plants, Dracaenas, and Palms.
High Light Plants
– Hibiscus, Poinsettia, Kalanchoes.
Lighting requirements for tropical houseplants vary by species. Use
lighting requirements as your guideline for the selection and placement
of your plants.
Watering houseplants properly, a basic element of houseplant
care, keeps them healthy and
vibrant. Both over-watering and under-watering can lead to poor plant
health, decline, and possibly death.
Remember, the amount and frequency of watering depends on many
factors, such as species, size, location, and soil mix. Check your
plants regularly.
Temperature
– In general, tropical foliage houseplants thrive best in temperatures between 70-80
degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 60-69 degrees Fahrenheit at
night. Tropical flowering plants will grow in the same daytime
temperature range; however ideal nighttime temperature is 55-60 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Humidity –
Most tropical houseplants require humidity to maintain health. You can
increase humidity by:
Soil
– An ideal soil mix ensures good water drainage and root aeration. If
you decide to use commercial potting soil, be prepared to add sand or
perlite to ensure proper drainage and plant growth.
Repotting –
Spring is the time of new growth and an ideal time for repotting your
plants. Increase container size gradually (1-2” in diameter is usually
sufficient). Fast-growing plants may need to be repotted more often.
Fertilization
– Most houseplants can be fertilized every 3 to 6 months. You can water
your plants with a diluted fertilizer solution, or administer a
time-release fertilizer.