Caring for houseplants is not always as easy as it may seem. The benefits of plants in a home cannot be overestimated. They brighten up your home and give it a natural feel.
Houseplants can help you get rid of airborne toxins keeping your indoor air quality at its best. Keep reading to learn about some unexpected hacks and tips for healthy houseplants.
1. Have a Sponge Inside the Pot
Place a sponge at the bottom of the pot to keep them from drying. Plants need water to remain healthy. A sponge soaks up excess water and may come in handy when you forget to water your houseplant. You can use any sponge for this hack. Place it at the bottom of the pot before pouring in soil. The sponge may also be a great way to prevent soil leakages.
2. Use Water from Cooking for Irrigation
Leftover water from boiled eggs and vegetables can do wonders for your houseplant. The water is rich in minerals that promote healthy growth. Let the water cool and use it as home-made fertilizer. Consider using pulverized eggshells in your plants’ soil for an extra dose of calcium.
3. Proper Lighting
Plants require sufficient light to grow. South-facing windows get more light than north-facing ones. Pay attention to the amount of light that different windows get at different times. If your houseplant has foliage with bright colors, it requires more light than those with dull-colored foliage. Turn the pot regularly to promote even growth. Foliage grows in the direction of light. If you don’t turn your pot every few days, the plant may grow unevenly.
4. Bury a Bottle
Bury a small water bottle in your pot if there is enough space. Make a small slit on the bottle. Dig a hole in the soil and plant the bottle standing straight. Ensure that the top of the bottle is at the soil level and fill it with water. The water will slowly seep through the soil and nourish your houseplant. If there is no room for a water bottle, consider watering with ice cubes. Place a few ice cubes on the soil surface. As they melt slowly, they will water your plants. Ice cubes are an excellent choice for plants that don’t require lots of water.
5. Use Coffee
Coffee is great for your plants. The acid is great for most acid-loving houseplants such as gardenias and ferns. If you have leftover tea or coffee, use some water to thin it out. Use the mixture to irrigate your houseplants. Coffee grounds work just as well. Paper coffee filters are great for lining the bottom of your pots. They prevent spillage of dust, soil, and water.
There are lots of unexpected ways to take care of your houseplants. Even though there is no hack to take care of all your problems, you may incorporate a few of them to solve different problems. Try a few of them and choose the one that works for you.
About the Author
