Caring for house plants properly - that's how it works
Plant is not the same plant - its needs are very different. For our care tips, we have therefore divided the houseplant species roughly:
Succulents and cactuses
© Rudchenko / iStockphotoSucculents and cacti originally grow in areas where it rains little. Therefore, they have thick leaves that can store a lot of water inside.
Palm trees
© fotoblanko40 / iStockphotoPalm trees are characterized by a tall trunk, at the end of which the green bushy wash.
They grow very slowly and love the light.
orchids
© Creativeye99 / iStockphotoMany consider the orchid a queen of flowers. Over 1,000 genera belong to this family. What makes them all special are the beautiful flowers.
ferns
© Alan Lagadu / iStockphotoFerns are among the foliage plants and are at home all over the world. Many species grow quite bushy and often year-round.
How much light does my plant need?
A plant whose wild relationship grows in the desert, of course, needs more light than one that thrives in the rainforest in the undergrowth. Sensitive plants can even harm too much sun. That's why you should know where to find which plant is most comfortable.
A window facing south gets most of the sun during the day. desert cactus feel comfortable here. However, they tend to grow toward the light source so that they become crooked. So if you can, put desert cacti out in the summer. For home plants, it is enough to turn the pot every few days.
leaf cactus, the relatives from the rainforest, do not like it so sunny. They are best kept in a bright but slightly shaded place. Plumper midday sun harms them. If a cactus turns blue or reddish, he probably has had too much sun. You should then move him to a shadier spot where he can recover.
Also orchids They like to have light. However, east or west windows are more suitable for them, in which the sun shines a little bit weaker. In any case, you should look for which orchid genus you have, because some are not suitable for direct sunlight.
Most Indoor palm also tolerate direct sunlight. But if they get brown spots on the leaves, that's a sign of sunburn. Better look for a shadier place. If you place your palms in a darker location during the winter, you should first get used to the sun in mid-light for two weeks in the spring.
ferns are singed by direct sunlight. For this they can be placed in corners that are too dark for all other plants. But they too grow in the direction of the light source. For even growth, turn the pot a quarter every three to four days.
What is the right temperature?
orchids have very different demands on the heat of their environment, so you should always inform yourself individually about the needs of the plant. However, many species of orchids need consistent temperatures throughout the year.
desert cactus get along well with normal room temperatures and sometimes hold out more heat. However, you need a break with lower temperatures.
leaf cactus need a constant temperature throughout the year. It should not be too cold.
Also at Palm trees Do not go wrong with room temperature. Below 14 degrees Celsius, however, it will be too cool for most. Some varieties are hardy and can stay outside. There they only need to be protected from frost.
ferns feel most comfortable at 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, but also withstand temporary temperatures up to 9 degrees Celsius.
How much moisture does my plant tolerate?
ferns are perfect for the bathroom. They like high humidity.
Palm trees get along with relatively dry air, but thrive better when the air is wetter.
For orchids the air must be moist. You can set up a vessel with water to evaporate nearby and spray the plant daily with water below 21 degrees Celsius room temperature.
To humid air like the cacti not so much.
Watering - a lot does not always help a lot
"Much helps a lot" is a wrong principle when casting. Plants do not like dry or wet feet. Especially waterlogging, in which the water can not drain, hurts. Cold irrigation water also scares the plants, they prefer to leave room warm.
ferns Pour until water runs out of the pot into the saucer.When this water has disappeared, water until it stops in the plate. Then pour the runaway water away.
orchids are not very thirsty. They do not have to be watered much and only when the soil has dried.
cacti know heavy downpours and long periods of drought. Because of this, pour it rarely, but extensively, until the earth can no longer absorb. What lands in the pot, pour off. Before the next watering you should let the soil dry out.
Also Palm trees are sensitive to waterlogging. Water regularly, but not too often.
Plants need rest
In winter many plants do not grow at all or only a little. During this time, they hardly need water or fertilizer and often cooler temperatures.
ferns Mostly grow all year round, unless the temperatures are too low. Then they go into a rest period, in which they do not need to be fertilized.
orchids also need a break. During the cold months, therefore, pour less, provide for lower temperatures and do not fertilize.
Palm trees do not like it when temperatures change. Therefore, you should protect them in the winter and not fertilize. Some palm species, however, are frost-resistant and can be planted in the garden.
desert cactus long for breaks. During this time you should make sure that they are in rooms where the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius.
leaf cactus however, always need the same temperature.
When do I have to fertilize my plant?
ferns are fertilized depending on the substrate in which they stand. Depending on the earth, this happens every two or four weeks. In winter, when the fern is cooler and has his respite, is rarely or not fertilized.
orchids are used to nutrient-poor locations and therefore do not need very little fertilizer. Special orchid fertilizers are available on the market.
Palm trees can be supplied with a commercially available plant fertilizer, but do not go immediately if it fails. Over-fertilization is rather harmful.
cacti should also not be overfertilized. During the rest period they do not need fertilizer.
How do I find the right pot?
The roots of ferns They are small, so they love flat bowls or wide pots.
orchids are not friends of frequent moves. But the condition of the pot is relatively unimportant to them - therefore, a normal clay or plastic pot is sufficient.
There Palm trees have a lot of weight at the top, the pots should be big and solid. Clay pots are especially good.
The cacti the pot is not that important. The main thing is that they are poured correctly. As no water can evaporate via plastic pots, special attention should be paid to the right amount of water.
Repot - please only in spring
For all plant species: If possible, transplant in spring.
ferns should always be repotted when the roots completely fill the pot. orchids do not need to be repotted more often than every two years. After that they have to recover first and do not need water. Alternatively, you can spray them with lukewarm water.
Palm trees can spend several years in the same pot. But if the soil is covered with roots, you should repot them. Pay particular attention to the roots: these should not be violated.
cacti Like to change their soil, as they love fresh new substrate. Make sure the soil has dried through and then pour it out for one to two weeks.
Keep diseases and pests away
ferns are not prone to diseases or pests, which makes their care very easy.
It's so easy for them orchids Not. They are often attacked by pests, both in the soil and on the flowers or stems. Pay special attention to what changes in orchids. Fighting pests is very difficult and very different. Ask for your orchid species in the shop.
Palm trees are not prone to diseases. If you are attacked by pests, you need a product from the specialized trade.
Should you join cacti Discover pests, repot the plant and keep it dry for several weeks.
Even plants need love!
ferns, orchids, Palm trees and cacti are living plants that want to be cared for and loved. So look at the houseplants as living things and not as a pure decoration. You do not have to be in the same pot for years, they have different needs and are changing.
Take a look at your plants and see what is good for you. Your houseplant will love her for it.
