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Indoor plant care guide

Indoor Plant Care Guide: Tips to Keep Your Houseplants Healthy & Green

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Indoor Plant Care Guide: Did you know? Caring for indoor plants does not require any special expertise. Indoor plants are easy to care for – they do not need much attention. Yes, you read that right. In fact, over-caring can actually harm them. 

Healthy indoor plants

In this article, we will explain how to take proper care of indoor plants and highlight some common mistakes that should be avoided.

Indoor Plant Care Guide

1. Understand the location and sunlight requirement 

Indoor plants grow best when placed in areas where they receive at least one of three types of light: bright light, indirect sunlight, or direct sunlight.

Note:

  • They are not suitable for dark, enclosed spaces like bathrooms or kitchens where natural light is limited.
Indoor plants in bright light area

In bright light conditions, you can place popular plants like: Snake plant, Spider plant, ZZ plant, Lucky bamboo, Syngonium. These plants can also grow well in indirect or direct sunlight. 

  • Other great indoor options you can include like: Areca palm, Dumb cane (dieffenbachia), Peace lily, Satin Pothos, Golden Money plant, Aglaonema, Rubber plant, Betel leaf plant, Monstera, and more.

Note:

It is important to note that plants cannot survive in completely dark spaces – not even with grow lights. Although grow lights can support plants growth, they still require some ambient light to be effective.

  • In complete darkness, even with grow light, indoor plants are unlikely to survive. 
Indoor plants under grow light

2. Awareness before buying Indoor plants:

plant nursery

(i) Buy from a trusted nursery:

  • Always purchase indoor plants from a reputable and well-known nursery. Though they may be a little expensive, the quality and health of the plants are worth the extra cost.

(ii) Choose a healthy plant:

  • Look for plants that are healthy and in a good condition. A plant that already looks stressed or weak may struggle to survive once you bring it home.

(iii) Prefer locally potted plants:

  • Opt for plants that are already growing in the local soil of your area, as they’ll adapt more easily to the environment.
  • If you find a healthy plant that isn’t in local soil, you can still buy it — just be prepared to give it a little extra care.

(v) Avoid repotting 

  • Most indoor plants do not respond well to frequent repotting. It’s best to choose a plant that is already in a sturdy and  in a suitable pot.
  • Try to avoid buying plants that come in plastic grow bags or damaged containers.

3. Selecting the right pot for indoor plants

Clay pots are often the best choice for plants, thanks to their breathability and natural look. However, when it comes to indoor decor, many people look for pots that also enhance the aesthetic of their space. While clay pots are simple and understated, they can easily be painted or decorated to match your home’s style.

Avoid using cement pots indoors — they’re quite heavy, can damage flooring, and are difficult to move around. 

Ceramic pots are a beautiful alternative and can elevate the look of any indoor space, but not all plants thrive in them. Only very hardy plants like the Jade plant or Syngonium typically do well in ceramic pots.

ZZ in high quality quality pots

If other options are not available, high-quality plastic pots can also be used for indoor plants. 

Grow bags are not recommended for indoor plants.

Note:

  • When it comes to pot size, always choose a pot that is just one size larger than the plant’s current pot.
  • Avoid placing indoor plants in oversized pots, as this can lead to overwatering and hinder their growth.

4. Pot plates and stand for indoor plants

Always place trays or plates under your pots to catch excess water and dust. This helps keep your floors clean and dry. Avoid placing large plants like Areca palm on stands, as they can become unstable and may topple over during cleaning.

Pink Aglaonema indoor

Position smaller plants near windows where they can get enough light, and place medium-sized plants on low tables for better support and visibility.

Note:

  • Try not to move or disturb your plants frequently while cleaning. Most indoor plants thrive best in a stable, undisturbed environment.

5. Soil Mixture for indoor plants

The soil mixture for indoor plants should be light, well-balanced, and not too compact. Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants receive less sunlight or airflow, which means their soil tends to stay moist for longer. That’s why the soil mix should prevent excess water retention and promote healthy root growth.

Compact soil of Areca palm – not good for the plant
  •  A well-draining, balanced soil mix is the key to keeping your indoor plants happy and thriving.

6. Avoid Frequent Watering 

 Indoor plants generally do not require frequent watering, so it’s important to check the soil before giving water.

Steps to check soil moisture of indoor plant

  • First, touch the top layer of the soil—if it feels sticky or moist, there’s no need to water yet. 
  •  If the top layer appears dry, insert a stick deep into the soil and then pull it out.
  • If the stick comes out dry and free of any soil clinging to it, this means the soil is dry and it’s time to water.

7. When to give fertiliser to indoor plants

Indoor plants grow slowly, so they do not need frequent feeding. Give  organic fertilizer once every two months is enough to keep them healthy.

You can use:

  • Food sticks,
  • diluted seaweed fertilizer, and
  • Prime Plus can be used effectively,
  • Natural alternatives like onion peel water,
  • Mustard cake and neem cake are good organic fertilizers as well, but they should be finely sieved before use.

8. Pesticides 

There is usually no need for pesticides if you take care of your indoor plants as mentioned above. Pests do not usually attack healthy plants. However, if the pots are kept in dark rooms or areas with poor ventilation, the risk of pest infestation increases.

As a preventive measure,

  • Spray neem leaf concoction on your plants once a month,
  • Take the plant outside before spraying and cover it thoroughly.
  •  If neem concoction isn’t available, you can use a plant protector spray.

If there is pest attack:

  • Check your plants, identify the problem and do proper treatment.  
  • During the rainy season, it is helpful to water the plants with a mild fungicide solution once or twice a month to prevent fungal infections.

9. Pruning tips for Indoor plants

Only remove the dead or damaged parts of the plant—there’s no need for heavy pruning.

  • During extreme heat or cold, some leaves may show signs of stress -simply trim off those affected areas to maintain the plant’s health. 

Also, read:

5 Common Mistakes That Are Killing Your Indoor Plants

Happy Gardening!

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Pruning of Plants: Why, How & When

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Understanding the objective of Pruning

An Important Gardening Activity 

Just as plants need fertilizer and water from time to time, pruning is also necessary to ensure their health and vitality. Pruning involves selectively removing parts of a plant such as branches, buds, or roots to promote growth, improve structure, and enhance overall health.

The timing of pruning depends on the specific plant species and its growth cycle. Generally, the best time for pruning is during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. However, some plants may require pruning at different times of the year to achieve specific goals.

There are so many reasons for the pruning and it depends on different parts of the plants. In this article, we will know why, when, and how we should do pruning of different parts of plants. Also, we will discuss some of the most commonly asked questions on pruning which are as follows;

1. What is the pruning of the plants?

2. What is the right time to do the pruning of the plants?

3. Why do we need to do the pruning of the plants?

4. What are the right techniques to do the pruning?

What is Pruning?

When we cut the leaves, stems, branches, roots, flowers, or any part of the plant to give it a shape and for the growth of the plant, that process is called pruning.

  • It is the process of selectively removing parts of plants to control plant growth and development in a particular pattern.
  • Pruning is one of the main contributing factors to keeping garden plants healthy, and beautiful and producing more vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Purpose of pruning of plants

1. Sunlight Access:

  • Pruning creates space within the plant canopy, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper and reach the lower leaves and roots, promoting overall photosynthesis and plant health.

2. Strength and Structure:

  • By selectively removing weak, damaged, or overcrowded branches, pruning strengthens the plant’s structure, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting better air circulation.

3. Aesthetic Appeal:

  • Pruning enhances the visual appeal of plants by maintaining their shape, removing unsightly or overgrown parts, and promoting symmetry and balance in their appearance.

4. Fruit Production:

  • Pruning stimulates the growth of new fruit-bearing branches and encourages the development of larger, healthier fruits by redirecting the plant’s energy towards fruit production.

5. Increased Yield:

  • Proper pruning techniques can increase the yield of vegetables, fruits, and flowers by optimizing the plant’s resources and maximizing the production of desirable parts.

Methods of pruning in plants

Before embarking on pruning, a thorough inspection of the plant is crucial to determine which parts need attention and where cuts should be made. Careful consideration must be given to avoid causing harm to the plant.

Here are some important methods of pruning in plants:

1. Pruning of leaves

(i) When leaves start turning yellow or brown:

  • It is essential to prune leaves when they start turning yellow or brown. This action should be taken promptly to maintain the overall health of the plant.
  • Removing these diseased or dying leaves prevents the spread of infection and redirects the plant’s resources towards healthier growth.

(ii) In case of infection:

  • If any leaves show signs of infection, such as discoloration, spots, or mold, immediate pruning is necessary.
  • This prevents the spread of disease to other parts of the plant and promotes faster recovery.

(iii) Remove bottom leaves:

  • Pruning the bottom leaves of the plant is beneficial for several reasons. These lower leaves often retain moisture, creating a favorable environment for pests and fungal diseases.
  • Additionally, since these leaves receive less sunlight, they contribute less to the photosynthesis process.
  • By removing them, the plant can allocate its energy more efficiently to the upper, healthier leaves.

It is important to prune the damaged leaves of the plant because once the leaf is damaged it won’t get recovered for sure.

Moreover, damaged leaves consume the plant’s resources without contributing significantly to its growth. By removing them, the plant can focus its energy on producing new, healthy foliage, ultimately promoting its overall vigor and vitality.

2. Pruning of branches and stems

Timing of Pruning:

It is advisable to prune stems and branches when the plant is young and still relatively small in size.

  • Pruning at this stage encourages the plant to develop a healthier and denser growth pattern.
  • Starting pruning early helps shape the plant effectively and prevents it from growing spindly or overly tall without branching out.
Why pruning of stems and branches is important?

Pruning branches and stems is crucial for several reasons.

“Plants produce auxin hormone primarily at the tips of their stems and branches, which promotes vertical growth.”

By selectively pruning these tips, the plant’s energy is redirected, stimulating the growth of lateral branches. This lateral growth leads to a bushier and more compact plant structure, enhancing its overall health and aesthetic appeal.

Note:

  • Pruning can be done by pinching off excess growth, but it’s crucial to make precise cuts just above the node—the point where leaves or branches connect to the stem.

This strategic pruning promotes new growth at the desired location, contributing to a more balanced and attractive plant shape.

Note: Sanitization of Tools:

  • Before pruning, it is essential to sanitize all pruning tools, such as scissors or pruners, using disinfectants like Dettol or soap.
  • This precaution helps prevent the transfer of infections from one plant to another, safeguarding the overall health of your garden.

3. Pruning of Flowers

Removing Spent Flowers:

Once flowers have bloomed and started to fade, it’s essential to remove them promptly.

  • Flowers typically do not bloom again from the same bud, so by removing spent flowers, the plant can redirect its energy towards producing new blooms or other growth.
  • For example, in the case of jasmine plants, removing the entire branch on which flowers have bloomed stimulates the plant to produce flowers on other branches, promoting continuous blooming.

Completion of Life Cycle:

Remove Manjaris in Tulsi plant

In the case of the Tulsi plant (Holy Basil), when flowers have matured and developed into seeds, it indicates the completion of the plant’s life cycle.

  • At this stage, the plant’s focus shifts from flowering to seed production, and its vitality may decline.
  • To maintain the health and bushiness of the Tulsi plant, it is advisable to remove the flowers once they have matured into seeds.
  • This encourages the plant to channel its energy towards producing new foliage and promotes a more robust growth habit.

Regular pruning of flowers ensures that plants allocate their resources efficiently, resulting in continuous flowering and overall plant vigor.

4. Pruning of Roots

As plants grow, their root systems also expand. However, excessive root growth can lead to a condition known as root bound, where the roots become tightly packed within the container. To address this issue, there are two primary methods of root pruning:

(i) Repotting into a Larger Container:

If the plant’s roots have outgrown its current container, one option is to transplant it into a larger pot. This provides the roots with more space to spread out and grow without becoming constricted.

  • When repotting, it is important to choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and to use well-draining soil to promote healthy root development.

(ii) Root Trimming:

root bound in ZZ plant

Alternatively, root pruning involves periodically trimming the roots of the plant to prevent them from becoming root-bound. This process typically occurs once a year.

  • To perform root pruning, carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim away any circling or overly long roots, and refresh the soil.
  • Additionally, adding fertilizers during this process can provide essential nutrients to support new root growth.
  • After root pruning, the plant can be placed back into the same pot with fresh soil, allowing the roots to continue growing healthily without becoming bound.

5. Pruning for shape

Plants can lose their natural shape due to various factors such as growth patterns, environmental conditions, or lack of maintenance.

  • Pruning for shape involves selectively removing branches and foliage to achieve a desired form or structure. This practice is particularly common in ornamental plants and trees to enhance their aesthetic appeal and promote balanced growth.

For example, when shaping a Christmas tree, regular pruning is essential to maintain its classic conical form.

  • This may involve trimming the branches to create even layers, removing any dead or overgrown branches, and shaping the overall silhouette of the tree.

By pruning for shape, gardeners can transform unruly or shapeless plants into visually appealing specimens that enhance the beauty of their garden or landscape.

6. Pruning to control pest attack

Mealybugs on Hibiscus plant leaves

When plants are affected by pest infestations, pruning can be an effective method to manage and mitigate the damage caused by these pests. Here’s how pruning can help control pest attacks:

(i) Early intervention:

If you notice signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves or insect activity, it’s crucial to take action promptly.

  • Initially, you can try using natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soaps to address the infestation. However, if the infestation has spread significantly or if the affected branches are severely damaged, pruning may be necessary.

(ii) Removing infested branches:

Pruning allows you to remove the affected branches or parts of the plant where the pests are concentrated.

  • By cutting away these infested areas, you can prevent the pests from spreading to other parts of the plant or neighboring plants.

(iii) Preventing further spread:

Broken or damaged branches can attract pests and provide entry points for diseases.

  • By properly pruning these damaged areas, you can reduce the risk of fungal infections or secondary pest infestations.

7. Timing of Pruning:

Pruning should ideally be done during the plant’s active growing period. Additionally, pruning winter plants during the winter season and summer plants during the summer season can minimize stress on the plant and promote optimal growth.

Conclusion

It is important to note that while pruning can help control pest attacks, it should be done judiciously to avoid causing further harm to the plant. Using sharp, clean pruning tools and making proper cuts can minimize the risk of infection and ensure the best outcomes for plant health and pest management. Regular monitoring and maintenance practices, including pruning, are essential components of integrated pest management strategies to keep plants healthy and thriving.

By reading this you will understand why pruning is important. It was all about pruning.

Enjoy gardening!