Houseplants Care

• Aerial roots: Roots that grow above the soil or water, usually from the stem or leaves of a plant. They help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Examples of plants with aerial roots are orchids, monstera, and pothos.
• Bottom watering: A method of watering plants by placing them in a tray or container filled with water and letting them soak up the water from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This helps prevent overwatering and root rot. Examples of plants that benefit from bottom watering are African violets, begonias, and ferns.
• Bright indirect light: A type of light that is bright but not direct, meaning that it does not shine directly on the plant or cause shadows. This is the ideal light for most houseplants, as it provides enough energy for photosynthesis without burning or scorching the leaves. Examples of places with bright indirect light are near a window with a sheer curtain, under a skylight, or on a shaded balcony.
• Dormancy: A period of reduced growth and activity in plants, usually triggered by changes in temperature, daylight, or water availability. During dormancy, plants conserve energy and resources by dropping leaves, slowing down metabolism, or stopping flowering. Examples of plants that go dormant are bulbs, succulents, and deciduous trees.
• Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air, measured as a percentage. Humidity affects how plants transpire, or lose water through their leaves. Some plants prefer high humidity, meaning more than 50%, while others prefer low humidity, meaning less than 40%. Examples of plants that like high humidity are calathea, philodendron, and peace lily. Examples of plants that like low humidity are cacti, snake plant, and spider plant.
• Leggy: A term used to describe plants that have long, thin stems and few leaves. Legginess is usually caused by insufficient light, which makes the plant stretch towards the light source. Leggy plants can be pruned back to encourage bushier growth. Examples of plants that can become leggy are basil, mint, and ivy.
• Propagation: The process of creating new plants from existing ones, either by seeds or by cuttings. Propagation can be done for fun, for experimentation, or for increasing your plant collection. Examples of plants that can be easily propagated by seeds are sunflowers, marigolds, and tomatoes. Examples of plants that can be easily propagated by cuttings are jade, rosemary, and begonia.
• Root rot: A fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, causing them to become soft, brown, and mushy. Root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which creates anaerobic conditions for the roots. Root rot can be prevented by using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Examples of plants that are prone to root rot are dracaena, dieffenbachia, and fiddle leaf fig.
• Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil. Plants are instead fed a nutrient-rich water solution, often with their roots suspended in a breathable medium or misted with the solution.

A few easy ways to overcome any inhibitions you might have and grow your first roots are:

• Use the Planta app to choose your first plant, according to your location, the type of room and light, and your experience and goals.
• Buy a home garden kit with everything needed: seeds, soil, pots, and instructions.
• Grow plants in just water (without soil). All you need is an empty jar.
• If you prefer a more immersive and inspirational first step, visit a nursery or plant shop near you, enjoy the atmosphere, and ask for advice.

• Houseplants: to support human health / RHS Gardening
• 7 Science-Backed Benefits of Indoor Plants | Healthline