It is very comforting to realize that indoor plants are increasingly being woven into our daily lives. Flowers greet us everywhere, opening their eyes in the morning, and greeting us with patterned begonia. And violet can make company during breakfast. On the way and to the office, everywhere we are pleased with flowers. And surely, our dear reader, You are also caught in the network of «floramania», is there such a word?
So… no one doubts that flowers are living organisms, and as a result, care and maintenance are very individual. But do not be afraid, it is not so difficult: «No, nothing is impossible, for a man with intelligence». The right content is the key to a healthy and beautiful plant. Let’s go over the key points.
Lighting. Any flower needs light, it’s all about intensity. Light lovers are colourful (Syngonium or Calatheas) and blooming (begonia or pelargonium). For example, an aspidistra can withstand a shadow. Epipremnum and philodendron will also not be offended if you put them in the far corner of the room. Most plants prefer scattered light, place them near the windows, in the summer it is good for the air, and in the shade of trees, they will reveal their beauty in all its splendour. In winter, so that they do not lose their decorativeness, increase the daylight with phyto lamps. In order not to get into trouble, still find out what your beauty will prefer?!
Watering. Water is an important component of the life of our green friends. It is necessary to use only sludge or filtered water at room temperature. Ferns, cypress, tradescantia, and citrus enjoy water and spraying. But succulents and cacti will easily survive drought. Watch out for soil moisture in the flower. Soil moisture indicators can help you with this. An adult plant with a powerful root system quickly absorbs water, especially in hot months, and frequent watering, two or maybe three times a week is only to the benefit. Water in this period should be in the evening or early in the morning, before the heat. In winter, the flowers «fall asleep» and water them once a week or even once every two weeks. And some pets will need irrigation once a month. But, if the room is hot, it is not necessary to dry. You should be especially careful in the off-season when the central heating is turned off. The water should be watered after drying the earthen coma, and the water temperature should be 36-40 degrees. Your assistant can be a smart system of auto watering, it will do everything for you.
Humidity. Since most of the colours we have are «foreigners», the attitude to this component can be radically opposite. Fittonia, cyperus, and touch-me-not at high humidity reveal all their beauty. Krassola opposite loves a dry climate. The lack of moisture can be filled by using a humidifier, flowers like and «bathing». Even succulents are transformed after such a procedure. Do not expose the plant to sunlight after a shower, the leaves may get burnt. In winter it is very important, as heating strongly dries the air. An additional source of moisture during this period can be a pallet with pebbles, which they fill with water and put plants at it. Especially if the flowers are near a source of heat. You need to spray the leaves 1-2 times a day.
Temperature. Camellia and azalea feel good on a glass balcony at a temperature of 10 to 15 heat. This temperature is also good for bonsai. Conifers can grow at lower degrees, and withstand -10 Celcius. Well-known cacti, from the flowering bougainvillaea to the deciduous yucca, can tan in the sun, of course, with appropriate adaptation. And yet, avoid sudden changes that our pets are so afraid of. Carefully ventilate the room. With a sharp temperature difference, your Benjamin ficus can fly around. Most plants develop well at moderate temperatures, ranging from 18-22 heat. Earthen cum in winter on a cold windowsill 1-2 degrees below the general temperature, so keep the «legs» of your flowers warm and put the pot on a pallet with pebbles.
Ground. It should correspond to the plant, it is better to buy already finished substrate or to make up appropriate components yourself if you feel the strength in yourself. Soil can be alkaline, acidic, neutral, well-permeable water and oxygen, and be sufficiently moisture-intensive. Before planting a plant, be attentive to its needs, and apply the soil that this, a specific representative. Transplantation and prevention are carried out during the growing season, from March to October. Young plants are transplanted once a year. Adults, as required. The latter can be changed to a new layer of soil only in the pot for 5-10 cm, depending on the size of the plant.
Fertilizers. All plants from April to October need fertilization, blooming in winter also want to eat. They make fertilizer every two weeks, beforehand, in 2-3 hours you need to moisturize the soil, so as not to burn the roots. Only a healthy plant is fed. A versatile complex fertilizer is suitable for any plant. But it is better to choose purposefully: for orchids, lianas, succulents and cacti, palms and ficus, etc. Fertilizers are released in different forms: liquid, in the form of powder and crystals. There are also fertilizers of prolonged action in pellets. They give away useful substances at each watering slowly, and you will free yourself from additional manipulations, as you need to use only freshly prepared solutions during the day.
Pests and diseases. Even observing all rules, our flowers are not immune from diseases and parasites. After purchasing the plant, quarantine it for 2-4 weeks. Treat newcomers with fungicides and bio-stimulators to better deal with stress. In the future, monitor the growth, periodically inspect the plant, carry out prevention fungicides, and keep them clean. Wipe the leaves from dust, and spray, especially in the heating season. Arrange, from time to time, a warm shower.
Of course, this is brief information, but the main thing to start with. Your desire and curiosity are the best assistants. These feelings will not be deceived, even if you are wrong, the mistake will not be fatal, because we will not leave you alone with the problem. Help to understand all the nuances of care and maintenance.
