Common Houseplant Care

In recent years, houseplants have become more and more popular since they are a great option for those who do not have room for outdoor plants or vegetables, yet still want to channel their green thumb.

Before you introduce any houseplants to your home, you’ll want to determine environmental factors such as lighting, temperature and space, as well as the time commitment you may need to make to care for your plants. Pets can also be a consideration when making your plant selection.

Lighting

One of the most obvious aspects to consider prior to selecting your new houseplants is lighting. If you do not have good window access, you will need to consider using grow lights for your new plants. Many grow lights have a timer so you can select how long the light will be on for the plant to photosynthesize.

Lighting requirements found on plant labels can sometimes be confusing. Plants that require high or direct light include most succulents and cacti. South or southwest-facing windows would be ideal for these plants. Medium light plants do well in areas with east-facing windows or west-facing windows. Medium light plants are often found in office spaces where they are under fluorescent lighting.

Monstera, spider plants, and rubber plants are common medium light plants. Finally, low light plants do well if they have some distance from the window or if the window is under a porch. North-facing windows provide ample light for low-light plants. These plants are often grown for their foliage rather than flowers. Some examples include snake plant, pothos and philodendron.

However, there is a more scientific method than simply estimating the amount of light a plant gets. Light is measured in units such as lumens or foot-candles. A foot-candle is the amount of light from a single candle that falls on a one-square-foot surface, one foot away from the candle. A foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot. By measuring the amount of light a plant receives, you can better select locations in your home that will be suitable for plants.

Watering and Container Selection

Another common question regarding houseplants relates to watering. Improper watering is one of the top causes for houseplant decline. Watering and container selection can go hand-in-hand. As a rule, containers must have some type of drainage hole, whether you use a plastic liner or a terra cotta pot. Plastic liners can easily be disguised by placing the entire pot in a decorative planter.

When watering, be sure that you are soaking the soil thoroughly, as evidenced by water running out of the drainage holes. For most plants, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Bottom watering is another common watering technique. . This can be done by placing the pot in a container or sink with water in it and allowing the water to soak into the potting mix. This ensures optimum moisture throughout the potting mix.

When repotting plants, size up by only 1-2 inches. Extra soil can cause extra moisture, leading to root rot. If your plants do have some root rot or extra soil, it may be beneficial to remove the plant from its pot to fully inspect the roots. Root rot is evident by smell or by soft, brown roots. Healthy roots should be white and vigorous. If roots are tight and wound together, the plant is root-bound and will need to be repotted. This can also be evident by an increase in the number of times the plant needs watered. When repotting root-bound plants, be sure to break up and prune the roots so that they do not continue to wind together. When root pruning, remove about one third of the old roots.

There are some plants that have pots specifically designed for them. For example, you can find pots that are made for African Violets. These pots, often called self-watering, are usually in two pieces, one is a reservoir for water, another wicks water and maintains the correct moisture level for the plant. This allows you to avoid watering the plant from above. Another example is for orchids. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on something, such as a tree or a rock outcropping. Their roots need a good bit of air circulation to keep from rotting, so orchid pots have holes in them to increase air movement and water drainage.

Potting Medium Selection

The selection of potting medium or mix should largely depend on the type of plant you are potting. For example, cacti and succulents will need a different mix than ferns. There are several acceptable, commercially made potting mixes available for houseplants, and you can use them for the basis of your mix if you choose to make your own. Be sure to research the needs of your individual plant to best determine the soil mix that will fit its needs.

Common Pests and Diseases

As with any plant, there is potential for pests and diseases with houseplants, even if they are continually kept indoors. A good practice is to “scout” plants prior to purchasing for insects, and to quarantine new plants in an area away from your current plants for a week or two. For many pests, a good spray of water can remove them. Be sure to check under the leaves for pests as that is where many like to hide.

• Aphids are small insects that feed on the branch tips and underside of leaves.
• Mealybugs appear “cottony” and are somewhat sticky to the touch. They are often found on cacti and succulents, as well as poinsettia and African violets. They cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be picked off or you can use a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol.
• Whiteflies are gnat-like and white. They feed on leaves and cause them to turn pale yellow or white.
• Thrips are extremely small insects that feed on foliage and flowers, causing them to distort and discolor.
• Spider mites are small and oval-shaped. These feed on the sap from plants. They may cause plants to have a speckled or mottled appearance and produce webbing.
• Fungus gnats are more of a nuisance in the adult stage. However, the larvae feed on organic matter and the roots, which can cause a reduction in plant vigor. They can often be controlled by reducing the amount of moisture in the media and avoid over-watering.

Some of the more common diseases that affect houseplants include root rot, powdery mildew, gray mold and leaf spot fungus. Other disorders are often due to environmental factors, including over/under watering, excess salts in the potting media and temperature.

Choosing Your Houseplant

Generally, look for healthy plants that are free of pests at the time of purchase. You will also need to consider the environment that the plant is going to be introduced to. Is it drafty? What type of light is available? Will you be gone for several days at a time? These are just a few of the considerations you will need to take prior to purchasing a plant. Cost can also be a factor. If you want to start small, consider rooted cuttings or small plants which will cost less than a larger, more mature plant. Below are a few common and easy-care houseplants.

Sources:

Houseplant care – gardening solutions. UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/houseplant-care.html

Light for houseplants. UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/light-for-houseplants.html

Trinklein, D. H. (2017, July 1). Caring for Houseplants. Caring for Houseplants | MU Extension. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6510?p=1

Weisenhorn, J., & Hoidal, N. (2024). Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds. UMN Extension. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lighting-indoor-plants#low-light-plants-1622110

WVU Extension Master Gardener Manual, chapter XVII, pg. 6-12. Indoor Plants.

Jennifer Friend, WVU Extension Agent—Harrison County

September 2024

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