Contents
Houseplant Care and Basics
How to Buy Houseplants
Houseplants and Light Conditions
How to Water Houseplants
How to Fertilize Houseplants
Temperature, Humidity, and Air Flow
Houseplant Pots and Repotting
How to Maintain Houseplants
How to Propagate Houseplants
How to Take Houseplants Outdoors
Common Houseplant Diseases
Common Houseplant Insects
Types of
Houseplants
Flowering Houseplants
Foliage Houseplants
Succulent Houseplants
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Temperature, Humidity, and Air Flow
Light, water, and fertilizer aren’t the only factors important to houseplant health. Temperature, humidity, and air circulation in the area where the plant is located in your house also make a big difference.
Temperature
Houseplants are generally well suited to the temperatures maintained in most houses. Even so, houseplants can be categorized in three groups depending on their daytime temperature needs.
- Cool: 55–65°F (13–18°C)
- Moderate: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Warm: 75–85°F (24–30°C)
Night Temperatures
All houseplants benefit from a drop in overnight temperatures of about 10°F (6°C). This drop typically happens naturally after the sun goes down. During the winter, though, you may want to lower your thermostat overnight so that the temperature drops a bit.
Household Sources of Heat and Cold
Many houses have sources of heat or cold that significantly raise or lower the temperature in that part of the house and can harm plants even if the house in general stays at a constant temperature. In particular, keep in mind:
- Heat sources: Radiators, central heating vents, ovens, fireplaces, computers, other appliances
- Cold sources: Central air conditioning vents, drafts from windows or doors
Plug up all drafts and try to keep houseplants away from other sources of cold or heat.
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water in the air. Though all plants create a layer of humid air around their leaves as a protective boundary, different plants need different humidity levels to thrive.
Humidity is measured as a percentage that conveys the amount of water in the air. The humidity in a typical home is 35–40%, which suits some houseplants, though most prefer humidity above 50%. The humidity requirements of houseplants fall into three categories:
- Low (average home): 35–40%
- Moderate: 40–50%
- High: 50% or greater
If a plant needs a more humid environment, there are a few ways to provide it:
- Grow the plant in a humid part of the house, such as the bathroom.
- Use a humidifier or mist plants with a spray bottle.
- Create a microclimate, an area of your home with its own climate designed to meet your plants’ needs.
How to Create a Microclimate
- Group plants close together: The natural humidity of each plant increases overall humidity in an area. This simple approach usually works well, and groups of plants often look nice together.
- Use a misting tray: Put potted plants on a tray of pebbles filled with water. The water will evaporate into the air surrounding the plants and keep it humid.
Air Circulation
Good air circulation can help foster growth, encourage blooming, and prevent disease. To increase air circulation, open a window or install a ceiling fan. Too much air circulation, though, can reduce the humidity in a room.
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