Extension

Oklahoma may have been covered in snow recently, but gardeners can still use their green thumb by growing plants indoors.

 

Just as gardening outside in nature has its challenges, indoor gardening does, too. A few of the easier plants to grow indoors include pothos, snake plant, spider plant, ZZ plant, peperomia, heartleaf philodendron, ponytail palm, peace lily and dragon tree. These low-maintenance houseplants are great, especially for beginning gardeners.

 

Like most outdoor plants, indoor plants also go into a rest stage. This stage shows up as reduced growth or even leaf loss, most usually caused by shorter days and reduced light levels inside the home. Although the days are getting longer, it really isn’t enough to be noticeable right now.

 

During this reduced-growth period, indoor plants won’t need much water and little to no fertilizer. It may appear the plant is struggling, and gardeners often think more water and fertilizer are the answer. Unfortunately, overwatering and adding more fertilizer can cause further problems. Unless the plants are growing in greenhouse conditions, water only when the top half inch of soil is dry. Avoid using fertilizer.

 

Although the people in the home like a cozy fire or the heater set higher, this can be problematic for plants. Also, a cold draft from open doors can cause issues. To remedy these situations, place plants away from doorways, heating vents and the fireplace. The ideal temperature for indoor plants is between 65 and 75 degrees F, with a humidity level of 50% to 60%.

 

Managing humidity in the home can be challenging. The 50% to 60% that plants like is higher than what most people prefer. Homeowners can control humidity with a humidifier or by setting plant pots on a tray of water filled with gravel or pebbles. Avoid allowing the water to touch the bottom of the pot, as it can be wicked into the potting medium, keeping the plant too wet and resulting in root rot. A transparent polyethylene bag can be draped over plants that are extremely humidity-sensitive or in poor condition.

 

During this reduced growth period, it is a good time to check to see if plants are root bound. If they are, transplant them to a pot that is only 1 or 2 inches larger in diameter. People don’t like to feel restricted in their clothing, and plants are much the same way with their root systems. Other options for root bound plants include pruning the roots or dividing the plant.

 

While by nature, plants are meant to grow in the ground and spread out their roots, some plants grow well indoors and add a touch of nature to a home.