Extension Agent, Agronomy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Castro/ Hale/Lamb County Don’t let the winter weather keep you bundled up and out of the garden. Your houseplants are ready to take center stage! Caring for indoor plants is a great way to stay connected to gardening during cold months, boost your mood, and bring a little life and colors indoors. A little attention to these natural air purifiers will keep them healthy and happy.
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.... but not too much or too intense. Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, near a window, not in the window! South and westfacing windows provide the most light, whereas northfacing windows provide less light. Not sure if you are providing enough light or not? If plants stretch or look unnaturally elongated, they need more sun. Scorched and crispy leaves could indicate too much sun. So how much sun is needed? It depends!
Water is just as important as light. Most people overwater their plants. I, however am on the opposite side of the spectrum, and while it is recommended to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, I don’t think they mean until it turns back into dust or the plant is drooping over the edge of the container! How much water is enough? Slowly begin adding water to the top of the soil and when it begins to run out the bottom (be sure to have a dish), that’s your sign to stop watering! Humidity can also be beneficial to plants. Purchasing a simple misting spray bottle can also be helpful.
Indoor plants aren’t immune to pests. Common houseplant pests include spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, and mealy bugs. Be sure to regularly inspect the underside of leaves and watch for sticky residue and fine webbing. Catching these problems earlier will make it much easier to manage and less likely to spread to other plants. A simple solution if you suspect houseplant pests is wiping leaves with water or using insecticidal soap. Always read and follow label directions with any pesticide.
Winter is also a good time to inspect roots and repot plants that have outgrown their container. It’s also a great time to trim and propagate plants from new cuttings, clean dusty leaves, or simply rearrange.