Conditions for Growing Houseplants
Suitable conditions are necessary for the proper growth of houseplants .Light, water, temperature, humidity, ventilation, fertilization, and soil are the major factors influencing plant growth, and any wrong proportion of any one of these factors will hinder the right growth of houseplants.
Light is almost certainly the most vital factor for the growth of houseplants. The development of plants and the duration of time they stay active is dependent on the quantity of light they obtain. Light is crucial for all plants since they utilize this energy source for photosynthesis.
House plants can be categorized with relation to their light requirements, for example high, medium and low light necessities. The amount of light a plant obtains indoors is dependent on the proximity of the source of light to the plant. The concentration of light diminishes swiftly as one shift away from the source of light.
Position of windows
- The concentration of natural sunlight that plants obtain is determined by the position of the windows in the house.
- Windows facing south get the strongest light while east and west facing windows obtain nearly 60% of the strength of light received by south facing windows and north facing windows obtain 20% of a window that is south facing.
- A south facing window obtains maximum warmth while eastern and western facing windows are comparatively less warm while a window on the northern side happens to be the coolest.
- Other conditions which has a bearing on the strength of light going through a window are the existence of curtains, presence of trees outside the window, weather, seasons of the year, shadow from nearby buildings and how well the windows are maintained.
- Light colored surfaces which reflect light inside the home or office will enhance the strength of light accessible to plants. Surfaces that are dark will diminish the intensity of light.
Excess water or the lack of water in the right proportion is responsible for a large percentage of tropical plant losses. Certain houseplants thrive in drier conditions in comparison to others. Disparities in soil or potting medium and environment have an effect on the water requirements of houseplants. Pouring water immediately when the soil layer dries, gives rise to over watering.
The majority of houseplants can withstand usual temperature fluctuations. Generally, foliage house plants flourish between 70o and 80o F. at daytime and at night from 60o to 68o F. A number of flowering houseplants favor the identical daytime range but grow finest at nighttime temperatures from 55o to 60o F. The lower night temperature stimulates physiological revitalization from moisture loss, strengthens flower color, and extends flower life.
A temperature that is cooler at night is in reality more advantageous for plant growth than higher temperatures. For proper houseplant growth it is advisable to maintain the night temperature 10 to 15 degrees lower in contrast to the day temperature.