By: Betsy Carreño
Staff Writer
Spring is officially here and what better way to commemorate it than by learning how to take care of a plant? While there are outdoor plants, the focus will be on learning how to nurture an indoor plant.
When first choosing an indoor plant, the first thing to keep in mind is what you want the plant for: aesthetic, aroma, or better oxygen. After coming to this decision, you can make an accurate decision on the best plant for you.
Remember to consider if you want a perennial plant or an annual plant. Perennial plants bloom every year, while annual plants only bloom once.
Next comes choosing a pot. It’s important to choose the right pot to fit the plant. The recommended way to choose the perfect pot is by making sure that the pot is at least one inch bigger than the roots of the plants.
It’s also good to consider how quickly the plant will grow and by how much. The biggest thing to look out for is the root system of the plant, and making sure that it has enough space.
What follows is the soil. Preferably, the best soil for indoor plants keeps an average pH level between 6.5 and 7. It’s also a good decision to buy a specific soil mix according to the plant that you’re buying.
As a rule, fertilizer is not necessary for indoor plants but can be a good advantage to have for your plant to thrive.
Something to keep in mind is where the plant will be. Depending on if the plant prefers a sunny area or more shade, this can help determine where to put the plant.
If you have pets, it’s important to consider which plants are pet friendly. Some plants to keep away from pets are daffodils, irises, and buttercups.
Watering plants can also be complicated. The best way to check if your plant needs more water is by sticking your finger inside the dirt.
If you feel that the soil is dry, then your plant needs more water. If the soil is still humid, then it doesn’t need any more water.
To avoid common plagues for your plant, some of the best things to do is to not overwater your plant and to commonly check your plants for any pests.
The benefits of having a plant are infinite. Not only does it bring more life to the room, but it also helps purify the air and decreases stress in your life.
Nurture a plant this spring and see how much it can grow during the year, you won’t regret it!
