Plant Care
Weak growth and pale foliage are both signs of too much light, lack of fertilizer, or problems with a plant’s roots. If you notice any of these problems, there are simple solutions that could be very helpful.
Insufficient light can lead to small leaves and spindly growth on your plant. These are both signs that your plant needs more light than you’re giving it in order to flourish.
Yellowing and dropping leaves are often a result of poor light, low temperatures, pollution or even pests. If you spot yellowing leaves on your plant look for other signs of these problems.
Brown leaf tips or margins are a sign of soil dryness or excessive fertilizing. Keep on the look out for these signs and adjust your watering and fertilizing accordingly.
Even though it may seem like a good idea, don't place your plants on a windowsill during the winter. The extreme temperature swings — the sun's heat during the day and the cold at night — can be hazardous to your plants health.
The number one cause of plant death is over watering. Plants require a delicate balance of air, water, and light to survive, and waterlogged soil drives out all of the air and suffocates the plant.
Indoor plants have their own preferences for acidity and alkalinity of soil. It is measured as the soil's pH value, and ranges from 0-14. A pH7 value is neutral, a higher number than 7 is alkaline, and a lower number than 7 is acidic. You can find out your soil's pH with a pH Soil Tester; easilly purchased at any plant store.
Surely you’ve wondered what those little white puffs are that you always see mixed in with potting soil. Those are called Perlite, and are actually pieces of expanded volcanic rock with thousand of tiny air pockets. These pockets take up and release water quickly helping to regulate the water, and drainage.
Similar to us humans, plants require more water when they are in a higher temperature, or when the light is stronger where the plant is placed. It’s always important to remember that the same two plants might require different watering schedules, even if they’re only on opposites sides of the room.
When you have your plants in an office setting it is crucial to be aware of the temperature of the room in which the plant is located. The ideal temperature for an indoor plant is between 60 and 75 degrees F. It is key to keep your plant away from hot or cold drafts, and warm appliances. It is important to have good ventilation for your plant too. If your room’s ventilation is lacking, a small fan set on low is all your plant needs.