Indoor plants in pots bring color to your home when cared for properly. While the temperatures in the home are often suitable for plant growth, providing the right amount of light and other elements the plants need to thrive may take some effort. When properly cared for, potted plants usually thrive and provide greenery for many years.

Choosing Pots

• Pots come in many sizes and materials. Choose a pot size that fits the plant you are growing. A too small pot inhibits growth while a too large pot may dry out too quickly. Common materials include plastic and clay. Plastic pots retain more moisture than clay and work best with plants that require moist soil. Use clay pots for succulents and cacti, as they require drier soil. Always ensure the pot you choose has at least once drainage hole in the bottom, otherwise the soil may become waterlogged.

Planting in Pots

• Most plants grow well in soil-less potting mixtures, but you can also purchase potting soils formulated for the specific plant type you are growing. Do not block the drainage hole with pebbles before filling the pots, instead line the bottom with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from falling out. The coffee filter doesn’t inhibit water drainage like pebbles do. Leave a 2 inch space between the pot rim and soil surface. This space prevents the pot from overflowing when you water.

Watering Pots

• Every plant has different water needs, so refer to the plant tag for the best irrigation practices for your plant. Generally, water potted plants when the top ½ to 1 inch of soil feels dry. Cactus and other desert plants may require watering only when the soil dries out completely. Water from the top of the pot until the excess drains from the bottom. This ensures that there is moisture in the root zone of the pot. Place pots on a drip tray to catch the draining water, and empty the drip tray after each irrigation.

Lights

• Providing the proper amount of light is often the biggest challenge to growing potted plants indoors. Check the label for the specific light requirements of the plant. Low-light plants grow well with minimal light and thrive in most homes. Medium- and high-light plants must be placed near a window that receives six or more hours of light, or use indoor grow lights to provide the needed light for these plants.

buy led grow lights link: www.ledgrowlight-aquarium.com.au

Fertilizer

• Watering washes fertilizer from the soil, so it must be replenished regularly. A balanced soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 analysis, is suitable for most potted plants. Apply the fertilizer every two to four weeks when the plants are actively growing, usually from spring until fall for most varieties. Fertilizer amounts vary between brands, so follow manufacturer’s instructions on application rates and methods.

Thanks for your read, more information, please visit: www.ledgrowlight-aquarium.com.au