Now that we are well into winter and our home is a refuge from winter chill, rains and snow this time of year is perfect to bring color, texture and life into our indoor spaces. You can create a serene, vibrant and aesthetically pleasing indoor environment. Let’s explore some of the top reasons you should consider adding some greenery inside your home.
Improved Air Quality
Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Plants such as Peace Lilly’s, Spider Plants, and Snake Plants are renowned for their ability to enhance air quality, creating a healthy more oxygen rich environment.
Stress Reduction- A Calming Presence
Incorporating native into your living space has been proven to reduce stress levels. The calming effect of plants contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere, creating a sanctuary on a dreary hectic day.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Throughout time, house plants have experienced varying levels of popularity. The benefits of indoor plants extend far beyond mere decoration. They offer a holistic approach to improve your living environment, promoting health and well-being as well as a connection to nature. Witnessing the growth of your indoor plants can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy. Many indoor plants are easy to propagate, allowing you to share the gift of greenery with family and friends.
Indoor Plant Growth Tips
-Optimizing light conditions
With shorter days and less sunlight it is crucial to position your house plants strategically. Place them near windows to maximize natural light exposure. If your home lacks bright spots, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights to provide necessary light for photosynthesis. Also consider plants that can withstand low light level typical of winter. You could use house plants such as Snake Plants, Pothos, or ZZ’s.
Many full spectrum led lights are available online varying in price.
-Temperature Consideration
It is essential to avoid exposing house plants to extreme temperature fluctuations. Keep plants away from windowsills that may get to cold at night, out of rooms that aren’t heated, and not close to heat sources like heating vents or wood burning stoves.
-Adjusting Water Habits
During winter plants generally require less water due to slower growth and evaporation rates. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering’s. Be cautious not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
-Maintaining Humidity
Indoor heating systems can significantly decrease humidity and cause the air to become dry, which may affect certain houseplants that thrive in higher humidity. To counteract this mist those plants regularly or setting the plant in a shallow tray filled with water to offer a source of relative humidity close to the plant.
-Fertilizing with Caution
Plants usually experience slower growth rate in winter, so they require less fertilization. If you sense that a plant might need fertilization consider diluting your regular fertilizer or using a slow releases formula to avoid overfeeding. Always follow the recommended guidelines for each specific plant.
-Pruning and Grooming
Winter is an excellent time for light pruning and grooming of your house plants. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth. This also allows the plants to direct its energy to essential areas.
-Protecting Against Pests
While pests are generally less active in winter, it is still crucial to monitor your plants for any signs of infestation. Quarantine new additions before introducing them to your existing plant family to prevent potential pest problems.
If you found this inspiring and want to enhance your home and life with plants, Kurt’s Garden has a wonderful collection for all levels of house plant enthusiasts as well as knowledgeable staff. Who can help you find the perfect plant for your environment’s.
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