The Perfect Spot for your Houseplant – 7 Great Tips

We are shaped by our surroundings in ways we never expected. For plants, the same holds true. The perfect spot for your houseplant may not be as obvious as you think. While you may be drawn to the sunniest spot in your home, your plant may prefer a shady corner.

The best way to find out is to experiment. Start by placing your plant in a few different locations and observe how it responds. Does it start to wilt in direct sunlight? Does it develop brown spots? Or does it seem to thrive in a particular spot? Once you’ve found the location that seems to work best for your plant, stick with it.

Moving it around too often can be stressful for the plant and cause it to stop growing. In addition to light levels, temperature and humidity are also important factors to consider when choosing the perfect spot for your houseplant. If possible, try to find a spot that mimics the conditions of its natural habitat.

For example, tropical plants prefer warm, humid environments, while cacti and succulents prefer drier conditions. By finding the right location for your houseplant, you can help ensure that it stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Finding the right position in your home for your houseplants may take some trial and error. Still, these top recommendations can help you get started.

Microenvironment

Your house is a micro-environment in and of itself. In order to determine where a plant will thrive in your location, you’ll need to think about the microenvironment. Being close to a sunny window may provide all three of these benefits, and it may be dark and chilly in a shady nook.

In spite of the fact that we want our plants to “look” beautiful, we must prioritize their health and well-being above all else. Because plants generally look amazing no matter where you put them!

Choose a location in your house that is fairly comparable to the natural habitat in which your plant lives. Look for a sunny and dry site if your plant is a cactus. Consider an area with diffused light and high humidity, similar to those found on the forest floor, if you have a leafy fern.

Seasonal Changes

Keep in mind that your home’s environment is always changing based on where you reside. Your houseplants’ location and maintenance might be influenced by the weather outdoors and the time of year. Summer and winter plants have distinct maintenance requirements. Below we’ll go through a few of the seasonal differences.

Humidity Levels

In general, most houseplants can withstand low levels of humidity at home. Still, many—especially tropical plants, which are the majority of typical houseplants—will thrive in higher humidity levels. Grouping your plants, using a humidifier, or adding pebble trays may all help to raise the humidity level in your house.

As long as there is a window or grow light, you may also install humidity-loving plants in areas with naturally greater humidity levels, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Having dry air is a particular issue in the winter when heating systems and the cold outside air drastically reduce the humidity levels in the home.

If you see any crunchy leaves on your plant during the winter months, don’t be alarmed; just remove them to let your plant put its energy into producing new, strong growth.

Cool & Warm Drafts

In addition to humidity, houseplant location in relation to your heater, radiator, or forced-air vent should also be considered in the winter. Stable conditions are preferred by plants; hot and cold winds may have a negative impact on their health and well-being.

When using an air conditioner or a heater, keep plants at least three feet away from the vents that blast hot air. Floating plants are an option if you have an air conditioner in your window or if your single window is near a radiator. You may also use a radiator cover or a wooden box to build a shelf for your plants.

The Outdoors

You’ve got a yard, right? You’re in for a treat! You and your houseplants may enjoy the summer sun on a patio, balcony, or even a fire escape with the approval of your building management. Your plants will suffer if you can’t tolerate the heat for a few hours.

There is certainly less light and heat in the interior environment since they have been used to it. If you do decide to bring your houseplants outdoors, look for a shady site to put them.

The Effects of Sunlight

The days are longer, and the sun’s beams are more intense during the summer. If you water your houseplants less in the spring and summer, they may notice that their potting mix is drying up more quickly than in the autumn and winter.

This is a good time to move any houseplants away from the windows or pull a thin curtain to help soften the light. Throughout the summer, windowsills that were shaded during the winter may get direct sunlight. Likewise, you may want to relocate some of your indoor plants closer to your windows in the winter and vice versa.

To ensure that your plants receive the correct amount of light when the seasons change, take a look at where the sun shines inside and relocate them accordingly. You can extend the life of your houseplants by making just a few simple tweaks.

Plants are Living Things

Even though your houseplants are a treasured aspect of your home design, remember that they are not furniture. Living things that react to you and your environment, as well as to the seasons, are what plants are. To keep your plants healthy, provide them with the necessities and switch up the landscape every now and again. A happy house is filled with happy plants.

Perfect Spot for your Houseplant – FAQ

How do I know if my houseplant is getting enough light?

If your plant is not getting enough light, it will start to stretch or grow tall and thin. The leaves may also be smaller than normal, and the stems may be weak. If you think your plant isn’t getting enough light, try moving it to a brighter spot.

What is the best way to water my houseplant?

The best way to water your houseplant is to soak the pot in a sink or container of water until the top inch of soil is wet. Allow the excess water to drain off, then empty the catch tray beneath the pot. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

How often should I fertilize my houseplant?

Fertilize your plant every two to four weeks using a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. During the winter months, you can fertilize your plants less often. If you see any leaves turning yellow, reduce the fertilizer you use.

What is the best way to clean my houseplant’s leaves?

To clean your plant’s leaves, gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use a plant misting bottle filled with water to lightly spray the leaves. Avoid getting the leaves too wet, as this can cause leaf spots or other problems.