Learn my three top tips for healthy houseplants. If you only pay attention to three things, these are the most important things for keeping your houseplants healthy and happy. This video explains about watering, lighting and the proper pot size.
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Hello and welcome to Healthy Houseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by an Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the comment section below. You’ll also see in the description below any links to videos I mentioned in this video.
Today I’m going to tell you the top three secrets to healthy houseplants. If I were asked during public speaking engagements or while answering questions for articles, I would say that if I had to come up with the top three things to prioritize with your plants to keep them healthy, these are the top three. This doesn’t mean that other factors aren’t important because they are, but especially when you are starting out, or even just when you have a lot of plants, you want to make sure to keep these things at the top of your mind to have healthy, happy houseplants.
The first and number one secret is correct lighting. This is critical; you just need the right lighting for houseplants. Some houseplants thrive in lower light, while others can do well in a range of lighting conditions. For example, the beautiful plant here in a mixed planter loves any kind of lighting and is very easy to grow. I also have a video on easy-to-grow plants as well. There are other plants that require medium to bright light, like the Croton, which is in this container with the Pothos.
If you do not provide a houseplant with enough light, what happens is that houseplants have a storage of light. When they don’t receive enough light over time, they will use up all their light stores and start to cannibalize themselves. They will dump their lower leaves first, and any flowers or fruit if they are growing indoors, as a reaction to signal that they need help. It’s really important to ensure that you have the correct lighting for your plants.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is such a thing as too much light. If you notice burn spots on your leaves, they can turn black or brown, especially on the inside of leaves. This is different from leaf tip burn, which is caused by salts. Browning on the leaves is typically due to excessive light exposure, especially for leaves near hot windows, such as western-facing windows, which are notorious for burning plant leaves.
If you live in a region like Arizona or the Southwest, this will be a more significant issue. Therefore, find out the right lighting conditions for your plants before placing them in your home. If you do not have bright enough light in your living space, consider using full-spectrum lighting. Full-spectrum lighting simulates daylight and is available in various bulbs that can fit into almost any fixture. Providing the right light will help your plants thrive.
The next important factor is the correct size pot. It’s critical to use the right pot size for your plants. The ideal ratio is one-third pot size to two-thirds plant size. This means that if your plant is in a decorative outer container, the actual soil and plant in the pot should adhere to the one-third/two-thirds ratio.
Most often, plants end up in pots that are too large, which can lead to root rot due to excess wet soil around the roots. When the roots become waterlogged, they can succumb to fungal pathogens, resulting in root rot. At this point, the plant stops drinking water, and you may think it needs more water when, in fact, the roots have died back due to overwatering.
For instance, this philodendron might seem like it needs a bigger pot because it’s growing long, but it is actually in a perfect-sized pot for now. It’s important to wait until the plant is bigger and fuller before considering repotting. I have a whole playlist on when to repot and how to do it. Keeping this in mind is a significant reason why many plants struggle.
The third and final critical aspect is proper watering. Watering at the right times and in the right amounts is essential. Wait until your houseplants are approaching dryness, and then thoroughly water them. Some plants, like succulents, even prefer to dry out completely.
Watering your plants a little bit at a time can lead to problems, as only a portion of the roots will receive water, resulting in root dieback. This can create an environment that leads to root rot. I recommend using a moisture meter, which I have a video on how to use. There are also other methods to check if your houseplants need watering.
For instance, when using a moisture meter, the readings typically indicate a range from very dry (red) to very wet (blue), with a green reading in the middle being ideal. After watering, a plant will initially read in the blue for a few days before reverting back to the green as it approaches dryness.
Drowning your plants is another major issue. If you don’t provide enough water, many plants will eventually recover, but this can cause significant damage and take months or even years to return to their previous health.
So remember, proper watering, pot size, and lighting are my three top tips to keep in mind for healthy, happy houseplants. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and please ring the bell if you’d like to be notified when we upload new videos.
Top Three Secrets to Healthy Houseplants
What is the first secret to healthy houseplants?
The first and number one secret is correct lighting. It’s critical to provide the right lighting for houseplants. Some thrive in lower light, while others require medium to bright light. If houseplants do not receive enough light, they will eventually use up their stored light and start to cannibalize themselves, shedding lower leaves and flowers as a sign that they need help.
How can too much light affect houseplants?
Too much light can cause burn spots on the leaves, which may turn black or brown, especially on the interior of leaves. This is different from leaf tip burn, which is caused by salts. Browning of leaves is typically due to excessive light exposure, especially for leaves near hot windows, like western-facing ones.
What is the correct pot size for houseplants?
The correct pot size is crucial for plant health. The ideal ratio is one-third pot size to two-thirds plant size. Most plants often end up in pots that are too large, which can lead to root rot due to excess wet soil around the roots. When the roots are waterlogged, they may succumb to fungal pathogens, leading to root rot and the plant stopping its water intake.
When should I water my houseplants?
Proper watering is essential. Wait until your houseplants are approaching dryness, then thoroughly water them. Some plants, like succulents, prefer to dry out completely. Watering in small amounts can lead to root dieback, creating conditions for root rot.
What should I do if my plants are struggling?
If your plants are struggling, ensure they have the correct lighting, proper pot size, and appropriate watering. Drowning your plants or not providing enough water can cause significant damage and take a long time for recovery.
What resources are available for indoor gardening tutorials?
For more information on indoor gardening, be sure to check out our video tutorials, which cover various topics, including lighting, potting, and watering techniques. Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share for more updates!
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