House plants not only decorate our homes and work places. They also clean and purify the indoor air. Many people get frustrated that they have no success growing house plants. Proper house plant care involves these 6 plant needs: 1. Water, 2. Light, 3. Temperature, 4. Humidity, 5. Air circulation, and 6. Fertilizing.

Overwatering is a common mistake in growing house plants, followed by lack of water. The water should be at room temperature and contain no fluorides or chlorides. Fill a watering container before scheduled watering date. Schedule the planned watering time with your lifestyle such as the same day and hour on the weekend.

House plants are native to tropical and subtropical climates. Plants and people have similar environment needs. Do not expose your house plants to large amounts of direct sunlight.

Tropical plants prefer high levels of humidity in the room. Most cacti and succulents prefer low humidity. You have several options to increase the level of humidity. Run a small room humidifier near the plant’s location. Use a spray bottle to mist the plant 1-2 times daily. Place plants on a tray, lined with pebbles or decorative stones, and fill it with water. The water will evaporate moisture into the room to raise room hmidity. The pot should never be left setting in the water.

Group plants close together to increase room humidity. Plants transpire moisture back into the room raising the humidity. Don’t crowd plants too close together. Air circulation around plants is important to avoid disease and pest problems.

Pots and potting media can directly affect the moisture levels. Grow all bromeliads in the same type of pot, either plastic or clay (or ceramic). Plastic pots tend to hold in more soil moisture while clay pots “breathe” and dries out faster.

Feed with a water soluble fertilizer at 1/2 strength, such as Miracle-Gro®, Jack’s®, Daniels®, or Schultz®. Reduce feeding to once monthly over the winter months.