Houseplant care is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that can brighten up your home and improve your well-being. Having plants around can reduce stress, purify the air, and boost your mood. To get started, you need to choose the right plants for your space and conditions, learn how to water, prune, and repot them, and enjoy watching them grow and thrive.
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Houseplants Care
as a hobby
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A beautiful plant is like having a friend around the house.
Beth Ditto
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We curated content to familiarize you with houseplants care as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
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Houseplants can improve your health and well-being. Studies have shown that houseplants can reduce stress, boost mood, enhance productivity, and purify the air. They can also lower blood pressure, improve memory, and prevent allergies.
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- 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.
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How to break the ice and make a start.
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.
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Houseplants can reflect your personality and style. Houseplants can be a way of expressing yourself and creating a unique and cozy atmosphere in your home.
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How do I choose the right houseplant for my home?
The right houseplant for your home depends on several factors, such as the amount and quality of light, the temperature and humidity levels, the size and style of your space, and your personal preferences. You can use apps like Planta that help you choose the right plant for you and your house, according to your location, the type of room and light, and your experience and goals. You can also ask for advice from nurseries and plant shops near you.
How do I take care of my houseplants and prevent them from dying?
There are many resources and guides available. The handiest solutions are probably plant apps that provide advice, help you track your care routine, set reminders, and even use your phone camera to troubleshoot issues.
A soil meter is a must-have tool for monitoring your plants’ health and keeping them alive.
How do water my plants while I’m away?
Keeping your houseplants hydrated while you’re away can be simple with a bit of preparation. Here are some effective tips:
- Self-Watering Pots or Spikes: Invest in self-watering pots or watering spikes that slowly release water into the soil over time.
- Grouping Plants Together: Place your plants together in a shaded area to create a humid microclimate, which reduces water loss.
- Ask for Help: If you’ll be away for an extended period, consider asking a friend or neighbour to check in and water your plants.
What’s the difference between a pot and a planter?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, pots are typically smaller, round containers designed for a single plant and usually have drainage holes. Planters are generally larger, come in various shapes, can hold multiple plants, and may or may not have drainage. Think of pots as individual plant homes and planters as mini-gardens.
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Houseplants can offer endless variety and challenge. Houseplants are not boring or static; they are constantly changing and growing. There are thousands of different types of houseplants to choose from, each with its own characteristics and requirements. You can always learn something new and try something different with houseplants.
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| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Fields | Environment, Home and Interior Design, Plants, Science and Technology, Sustainability, Wellbeing |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Fine Motor Skills, General Knowledge, Memory, Patience, Perseverance, Planning, Problem Solving, Research, Responsibility |