Bringing plants indoors requires a little bit of fundamental knowledge, creativity, and patience. We have created The Plant Underground Houseplant Bible as top concepts houseplant owners need to know for healthy, thriving plants indoors.
#1
Environmental awareness
#3
Research natural habitats
#2
Plant awareness
#4
Light conditions
#5
Equilibrium light & water
#6
Root health
#8
Acclimate
#7
Drainage
#9
Air flow & humidity
#10
Plant diversity
We recommend reading through each topic backwards from #10 to #1. Click any icon above to be taken to the section.
#10
Plant diversity
Diversity between the species and within the species are both necessary for natural selection. This means two plants of the same species could have different needs!
#9
Air flow & humidity
Most homes are settled around 40-45% relative humidity levels (water in the air), whereas a lot of tropical plants require a minimum of 60% relative humidity. When relative humidity is increased, air flow should be increased to prevent mold, bacterial/fungal leaf spot, and to help the growth medium dry a little. Some plants have even higher humidity level requirements, such as calatheas, some begonias, or some anthuriums. Plants with intense needs may require far more humidity-controlled conditions such as terrariums to thrive.
#8
Acclimate
If you just brought a plant home, or just moved a plant from one spot to another- give it some time to acclimate. The plant is trying to adjust to the new environment. Sometimes the new environment is drastically different than the last, which can add stress to the transition period. The more you mess with a plant in stress, the worse it generally gets.
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See "Bringing a new plant home"
#7
Drainage
Drainage holes and well-draining growth medium is crucial for most indoor plants. Each time you water, ensure water is freely moving through the soil and out of the pot. This movement of water removes salt and mineral buildup from the soil and ensures the entire root ball is provided adequate water. Stagnant water in an non-draining pot leads to increased bacterial growth that can lead to root rot.
#6
Root health
Healthy roots are fundamental to healthy plants. Most houseplants require airy, loose soil full of air pockets to deliver oxygen to the roots. Add extra perlite, pumice, bark, or other chunky additive to soil. Decide if the roots need alternating wet and dry conditions. Lightly aerate as needed.
#5
Equilibrium
Water & Light
A plant creates its own food by converting light energy into chemical energy (stored as glucose) and uses water in this process and other biological processes. Each plant is different in how much water it needs for these processes. Higher light conditions, active growth, and fast metabolisms requires more water; whereas lower light conditions, slow growth, dormancy, and slower metabolisms requires little water. Don’t water on a schedule, but instead when the conditions require it.
See, "How do I know when to water?"
#4
Light conditions
When creating adequate light conditions consider the intensity of light, wavelength of light (color), duration of light, and the obstruction of light.
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Intensity. Don’t rely on ill-defined language such as “low light” or “bright light.” Intensity of light can be measured in LUX or Footcandles; you should assess the light intensity at different times of the day in different spots. If a plant has a large view of the sky from a window or skylight, it’s likely receiving good light.
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Color. Light from the sun is full-spectrum- plants use different wavelengths in this light to do different things. When supplementing light, consider full-spectrum bulbs that have been tested on plants.
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Duration. The duration of hours of daylight available for your plant matters, too! When winter hits the Pacific Northwest, 6 hours of daylight is not enough to sustain tropical plants and supplemental light may be needed.
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Obstruction. Is anything obstructing your light source? Walls are a big one!
#3
Research natural habitats
Research your plant. What is the plant’s natural habitat? Desert, rainforest, grassland, arctic tundra? Strive to re-create this environment in your home to the best of your ability: light conditions, soil type, nutrients, temperature, humidity. Accept that not all plants can or should live indoors.
#2
Plant awareness
Plants often tell us what they need, if you’re tuned in to listen. This is a skill that comes with patient practice. Drooping leaves, stretching stems, holes and tears, dullness, color changes, firmness, and more. By noticing the subtle changes with your plant you’ll find it’s easier to respond to it’s needs.
#1
Environment awareness
Develop a sense of awareness about your home or office environment. Specifically: light conditions, humidity levels, temperature fluctuations, air flow, seasonal shifts. Do any of these conditions change or have they changed? What can you do to augment your environment for your plant's needs?
Want to learn more?
Check out our in-home consults and other blogs.
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