Inside plants can offer many benefits. They may add a special touch to the design of a home and can even help clean the air inside. When plants are inside, you do not have to worry about the fluctuations of weather directly affecting them. The inside temperature can be controlled, which can help indoor plants thrive in any season. It is helpful to know the conditions necessary to keep indoor plants healthy and beautiful.
The amount of light needed varies from plant to plant. Some plants, though inside, need direct sunlight. Others would do just fine with indirect sunlight and may even do poorly in direct sunlight. If there is not enough window space for plants, another alternative to natural light is light from a reading lamp or fluorescent lights. Always check to be sure that you know how much light your plants need.
Temperature should also be considered for indoor plants. Most indoor plants do well in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees F. If they are kept warmer than this, they may have some growing problems. Flowering plants bloom better in lower temperatures, although some plants do grow better in hot, dry conditions. It is also good to protect plants against fumes that may escape from gas appliances so plants continue to receive good ventilation.
Most plants need extra humidity when inside. Humidifiers can help increase humidity. Also, watering indoor plants properly is important because too much or too little water will result in poor plant health. Always check to see how much water your plant may need. For example, some plants need more water when their soil is dry half of an inch down. Well-drained soil is best because it will not hold water too long, which can cause rotting.
Fertilizing, soil preparation and repotting when root systems become too large are also things to think about when taking care of indoor plants. If given the environment they need to grow healthy in, indoor plants can provide a very rewarding experience.
For more information on taking care of indoor plants visit http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-39.pdf; or contact your Elkhart County Extension office for more information.
Ericka Soumare is an extension educator in agriculture and natural resources. Write her at 17746 E. C.R. 34, Goshen, IN 46528; call 533-0554; or fax 533-0254.