Plants brighten up any home by adding life to even the
dullest surroundings. While living in a rental without property or a yard of
your on can feel drab, a little indoor greenery will breathe new energy into
your space. However, caring for indoor plants can be daunting, especially if you
live alone in your apartment and have a busy schedule! Read on for tips on how
to keep your apartment plants thriving.
Make sure to water
properly: Every plants has its own aquatic needs. Not every type of
greenery is created equal, and the amount of h2o required to keep your indoor
plant thriving will depend on its breed. While most plants require watering at
least once a week, do proper research to determine just how much water your
plant needs, and stick to a watering schedule so you don't forget. Most people
simply sprinkle their plants with hydration when they randomly remember to do
so, which is obviously ineffective. Plants are like any other living thing-they
require your attention and care!
Keep the leaves moist:
Watering your plants' soil isn't enough to keep them healthy. While it is
essential for strengthening the roots and stems, the leaves need love too. Fill
a spray bottle with water and spritz leaves and blossoms with a light shower
periodically. If your apartment is particularly dry, you may want to mist your
thirsty plants more often. During the winter, when the heat is running and your
apartment has a tendency to be very dry, you can also keep your plant in the
bathroom for a few days here and there to soak up some steam.
Add
drainage material: Ample water is important, but you don't want to
drown your plant. Make sure your pots have holes in the bottom, and add drainage
materials like rocks or gravel to collect excess moisture. This will prevent
root rot and keep your plants healthy and happy.
Give them the
sunlight they need: Depending on your rental, you may lack sufficient
sunlight sources. Plants vary on their sunshine needs, so be sure not to
purchase a sun-loving plant if your place can't accommodate it. Most plants come
equipped with informative tags that say full sun, partial sun or shade. The
direction your apartment receives sun is important too--full sun plants require
unblocked or unfiltered southern or western sunlight. If your apartment gets
mostly northern or eastern light, you will fare better with partial sun or
shade-suited botany.
Avoid extreme temperatures: While
most plants prefer warmer temperatures, their specific needs will vary. However,
extreme highs or lows can be detrimental to most greenery, so try to keep your
plant in a spot where temperatures are mild. Avoid drafty places-while you will
likely want to keep your plants near windows or glass sliding doors to receive
sunlight, avoid placing them next to an A/C unit. Additionally, if there are any
extreme temperatures changes outside, you may want to consider moving them just
a little distance away from doors and windows. Spots that receive excessive heat
(such as close to a heating vent) should also be avoided.
Pick a
spot and stick to it! If you are prone to Feng Shui habits of
constantly rearranging your living space, it could wreak havoc on your plant's
well-being. Plants prefer consistency, and too much shifting can disrupt them.
If they are thriving and receiving enough sunlight where they are, no need to
disturb them!
The best plants for apartment living
Not all plants are suited
for indoor lodgings-especially those that tend to be small, restrictive and
inhabited by busy tenants that lack the time and focus to properly care for
them! The following plants are best suited for the less-than-optimal conditions
of apartment living:
- Cacti: The cactus can survive the harshest desert conditions, so it
should be able to withstand any unfavorable condition your apartment creates!
Fluctuating temperatures and your lack of memory won't do much to destruct this
tough, spiny specimen-it needs only minimal water and can go days without a
drink. The only thing it absolutely requires is bright sunlight, so stick it in
front of a window and don't forget to water it when the soil goes completely
dry.
- African violet: Another low-maintenance indoor plant, the African
Violets is both beautiful and simple to care for. They will bloom about nine
months out of the year, making them a lovely addition to any home. They only
require moderate, indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. Over-hydrating your
African violet is one of the easiest ways to kill them, so like cacti, only
water them when the soil is dry.
- Chinese evergreen: This non-fussy plant can thrive in varying degrees
of sunlight and requires minimal care. They often last for years and are known
as one of the easiest plants to care for.