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If you want to add some level of accent, beauty and attractive scent to your home, then pick out one of these best houseplants that starts with the letter D.
However, not only are these houseplants good enough for decorative purposes, but you can rely on them to also upgrade your health, provide clean air and further boost your overall well-being.
Some of the houseplants below are low in maintenance which makes them the perfect pick for you if you are a beginner. Having said that, let’s walk you through the best houseplants that start with D on our list.
The Benefits Of Houseplants
There are numerous benefits of having houseplants in your home. They have been scientifically proven to improve psychological well-being and physical human health.
Some of the psychological benefits of a houseplant include
A. It helps to improve the mood.
B. It reduces stress
C. It helps to increase the level of pain tolerance.
D. It improves the level of productivity.
Furthermore, the physical health benefits of this houseplant include
A. It helps to reduce the level of blood pressure.
B. By keeping houseplants within the hospital environment or wards, will help to reduce the post-operative pains of patients.
C. It also helps to reduce fatigue and headaches by 20%-25%.
Houseplants That Start With D
Below are the different types of houseplants that can add some colour and beauty to your space, your home or office. It has some eye-catching foliage and flowers to go around. However, maintaining these houseplants doesn’t require much. Just follow the care instructions we have provided for each of the houseplants and it will bloom.
1. Dracaenas
The first plant on our list is the dracaena which is a genus of tropical broadleaf evergreen shrubs and trees. It has a spear or grass-shaped leaves with thickened cane-like main stems. However, there are still some species of this plant that have rhizome-like roots.
Furthermore, some dracaena plants can grow up to 20 ft or more but as an indoor plant, it might remain under 8ft tall. When this plant is grown outdoors, it may produce yellowish-white flowers that come with berries. That’s what makes the plant stand out as it is rare with other houseplants.
Additionally, it has different species such as the dracaena fragrans(corn plant), dracaena deremensis, dracaena marginata (dragon tree), and dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo).
Beware of this houseplant as it has a toxic liquid known as saponins which makes it harmful to cats and dogs.
Dracaenas Care Instructions
Caring for this plant includes following these instructions which include
A. Light Conditions
Dracaena plants tend to thrive best in bright, indirect or filtered sunlight. However, they can tolerate a short period of direct sunlight exposure. Avoid keeping in full sunlight as it will cause burns to the leaves of the plant.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
The best suitable soil mix for your houseplant is any peat-based commercial potting mix, with slight acidity. If the plant is grown in a landscape as it will help to
If grown in the landscape in tropical regions, the soil should be rich and well-drained.
C. Watering Frequency
Feed your plant with the right amount of water and ensure that you consistently keep your soil moist during the growing season which is the spring and fall. However, during the winter season, water for two weeks and allow the soil to dry out as the plant will be dormant.
Water the plant thoroughly each week and avoid over watering the plant which will cause the root of your plant to rot. Use a pot with a drainage hole or you can keep them on a tray or basin to drain out excess water.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
Most dracaena species thrive at relative room temperatures of 70°F to 80°F. However, a temperature below 50°F will cause damage to the plant.
Furthermore, it enjoys a high humidity level which can become a problem in the winter months if not balanced. Try to mist the plants or use a room humidifier to keep the humidity at the right point.
E. Fertilizer Requirements
Feed your plant monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer which is especially for houseplants for use during the spring and summer seasons. Once it is winter season, avoid fertilizing as the soil will be dormant and can’t absorb nutrients.
F. Pruning
Prune your plant if you choose to during the active growing periods. It will help to control the shape and height of the plant. Also, get rid of any other dead cells on the plant.
G. Repotting
Repotting your plant by placing a saucer or tray beneath the pot, which allows you to fully drench the plant with each watering.
However, replace the top 2 to 3 inches of potting mix with the fresh mix to replenish nutrients yearly.
Additionally, repot your new plant into a slightly larger container when you start noticing the lifting up or when roots begin to emerge through the drainage holes.
H. Propagation Methods
The best method of propagating your plant is by rooting stem cuttings, which is best done in spring when the plant is beginning to actively grow.
Steps on propagating your plant include
a. Using sterilized sharp pruners. Cut an 8-inch length of the stem and remove the leaves.
b. Dip the bottom end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Afterwards, plant the stem into a small pot filled with moistened potting mix.
c. Place the planted cutting in a spot exposed to bright indirect light and keep moist until leaves begin to sprout from exposed nodes. This can take as much as three weeks.
d. Repot the new plant when it fills its starter container. However, you can leave a cutting in a container of water and allow it to develop a good network of roots, and then plant it in a potting mix.
I. Common Problems Of Dracaenas
Some common problems of this plant Include
a. Pests
The common problem of this plant is the infestation of pests such as thrips and mealybugs. They can be destroyed by applying neem oil or Insecticidal soaps on them. Clean off the affected areas to avoid further spreading.
b. Disease
Another problem with this plant is diseases such as fungal leaf spots. It is a result of allowing the soil to be overly moist. To resolve the problem, observe your plant and allow it to dry out completely. Regulate your watering.
Other Problems include
Avoid the use of fluorides and built-up salts while watering your plant. Preferably try watering with non-fluoridated water. Deep water once each month to flush out salts.
c. Browning Leaves
This can also occur if the indoor humidity levels are too low. So try to mist the plant regularly or use a room humidifier to rectify this.
d. Excessive Sun Exposure
Placing your plant at a spot where it will be exposed to too much direct sunlight will cause scorched leaves. Remove your plant from the current spot and move it to a place with less direct sunlight exposure.
2. Dieffenbachias
This is a tropical perennial houseplant that has several species. It is commonly known as a dumb cane. It has pointed, ovate leaves in a variety of combinations of green, cream, and white colours.
A mature, well-grown dieffenbachia can reach 10 feet, with its leaves about 20 inches long. However, the plants will rarely reach this size when kept in indoor conditions. It is mostly 3 to 5 feet.
Additionally, it is also a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 2 ft in height within a year if planted through rooted cutting and providing it with the essential growing needs such as adequate sunlight, proper watering, good soil mix and many more.
Furthermore, it produces a harmful substance all over part which is toxic to humans and pets. So avoid keeping it if you have pets.
Dieffenbachias Care Instructions
To maintain your plant, follow the instructions below
A. Light Conditions
As a popular houseplant, it thrives when placed in a shady condition or bright light during the winter season. However, preferably, place it in a spot with bright indirect sunlight, especially when it is actively growing. Rotate your plant periodically to ensure all sides receive equal growth chances.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
Grow your plant in a fast-draining and well-aerated potting mix. However, ensure that the drainage holes are good to avoid the root of your plant from rotting as a result of excess water at the bottom of your plant.
C. Water Frequency
During the growing seasons (spring and fall), ensure that you are regularly moist the soil and avoid drying the soil out completely. Water it twice a week to avoid overwatering.
Furthermore, during the winter season, reduce the amount of water that you feed on your plant. Ensure that the top of the soil fully dries out before you water your plant again.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
This plant likes being kept in a room with warm conditions ranging from 65°F to 75°F. However, if the temperature drops below 60°F or if the plant is exposed to cold drafts, it will likely lose some of its lower leaves and assume a palm-like appearance. So always watch out for the temperature and the humidity level of the room.
E. Fertilizer Requirements
Feed your plant regularly, precisely every 4-6 weeks with balanced, diluted fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20. Before applying, ensure that you read carefully the Instructions on the product label. However, some growers swear by a routine of using a weak diluted fertilizer at every watering.
F. Pruning
Prune off all the dead cells on your plant and reduce the height of your plant if it has grown more than taller than expected. This can be done with the use of sterilized, sharp cutting tools. Cut from the top to open a new plant growth.
G. Repotting
If you notice that the root of your plant is been stressed out through the root sprouting out from the holes.
To repot your plant by following these steps:
a. Lift the plant as a whole, and knock away any old soil and dead material from the roots.
b. Place it in a larger container with some added fresh soil.
After repotting your dieffenbachia, give it some time to adjust to its new setting. Always wear gloves to avoid contact with saps.
H. Propagation Methods
Propagating through three methods such as through root division, slump and cane cutting. To propagate during using them, you must follow these steps:
To divide by root division:
a. During repotting in the spring, divide offsets, leaving some roots intact.
If you take this route, make sure not to damage the root systems of the parent plant in the process, and use a sterilized tool to avoid spreading disease.
b. Plant each offset in a pot filled with fast-draining potting mix and water well.
To propagate a stump:
a. Remove the top of the plant and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.
b. Plant in a pot with a fast-draining potting mix. New leaves will sprout from the stump. Once new leaves appear, remove the older leaves.
To propagate with cane cuttings:
a. Pieces of the cane can be sprouted by laying them horizontally in damp potting soil.
b. As the pieces take root, leaves will gradually sprout.
c. Plant each rooted piece in its pot filled with fresh potting mix.
I. Common Problems Of Dieffenbachias
The common problems include
a. Pests
The most common problem is the infestation of pests and diseases such as spider mites. This can be removed through the application of Insecticidal soaps or neem oil with added humidity.
b. Leaves Turning Yellow
Overwatering or underwatering your plant can turn the leaves yellow. So ensure that you always check the soil moisture. If it’s wet, hold off on watering for a week or more. However, if it is dry, then you need to top up the water to the plant and cut off the yellow leaves.
Furthermore, always ensure that you feed your plant with the right amount of fertilizer as a lack of it can cause the leaves of your plant to turn yellow.
3. Devil’s Ivy
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical vine native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific.
It is commonly grown as a houseplant with boasting pointed, heart-shaped green leaves that are sometimes variegated with white, yellow, or pale green striations. This set of plants can grow and live for years when it is provided with the basic care needs.
Furthermore, the devil’s ivy plant is toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. So keep off to avoid consumption.
Devil’s Ivy Care Instructions
Caring for your plant is simple. Follow these steps to give your plant a new look.
A. Light Conditions
It thrives in a sun or shade environment. When grown indoors, it uses bright but indirect light. However, the variegated plants sometimes lose their leaf pattern and revert to all-green foliage if they don’t receive enough light. So moving them to brighter conditions usually restores the variegation.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
Devil’s Ivy plants thrive in well-draining potting soil that can be on the dry side or even rocky. Its average room temperature is from 6.1 to 6.8. It is tolerant of a range of conditions, from neutral to slightly acidic.
C. Watering Frequency
Devil plant’s soil dries out completely between waterings. If left in continually damp soil, the plant’s roots will rot. However, ensure that you water the plant thoroughly in the fall and spring months. Reduce the amount of watering in winter.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
You should be kept in temperatures that are consistently above 50°F. These plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.
It grows best in high humidity, but they’re also very tolerant of low-humidity conditions. If you like, you can increase humidity around the plant by keeping it in a typically humid area of the home, such as a bathroom, or grouping the plant with other tropical houseplants to create a more humid microclimate.
E. Fertilizer
Feed your plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer once per month during the spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant goes dormant.
F. Repotting
When the plant roots are sprouting out, then it is a sign that your plant needs repotting.
To repot, the best container is one or two sizes larger in diameter and depth. Use fresh potting soil and water well after repotting to help the plant recover. If possible, wait until the spring or summer months and repot when the plant is in active growth for best results.
G. Propagation
The best method of propagation is through stem cutting. However, follow the steps below to propagate your plants.
a. Using a sterile, sharp cutting tool, choose a healthy stem with at least three leaves, and cut it at an angle about a half-inch or inch below the lowest leaf.
b. Remove the lowest leaf from the stem (you don’t need to remove the other leaves).
c. Place the stem in a vase or jar of water, but do not let the remaining leaves touch the water.
d. Once the cutting has sprouted new roots that are several inches long, likely over a few weeks, transplant it into a pot with potting soil as soon as possible so it can begin to develop a strong root system.
e. Put the pot in a spot with bright indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet.
H. Common Problems Of Devil’s Ivy
This plant can experience common houseplant problems, including pests and diseases.
a. Drooping Leaves
Pothos leaves drooping or wilting are a sign that the plant is stressed, often by lack of water. So therefore, ensure that you give your plant a deep watering and monitor the soil moisture to avoid letting the soil stay dry for too long.
b. Pest
The most common pest that infests your plant is the mealybug. To get rid of this pest, you should clean off the insects away with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
4. Dendrobium Orchids
This species of plant is one of the largest among all other groups. Native to Southeast Asia. They grow and can tolerate all manner of climates and are also often growing on tree branches.
As an epiphyte, it grows on other plants but doesn’t take nutrients from the host. They vary in appearance and are known for their profuse blooms which come in different pastels. Some Of the species bloom all along the lengths of the stems while others bloom from the top of the stem.
Furthermore, as a fast-growing species, the best time to plant and grow this plant is either at the beginning of the growing season or after the orchid has stopped flowering.
Dendrobium Orchids Care Instructions
This is a large genus of plants with different species making it difficult to generalize its care needs. However, below are the general care instructions for the plant.
A. Light Conditions
They thrive best when grown in partial sunlight. However, if you are growing it indoors, then you will need to place it at your room’s brightest window, preferably a south-facing window to bloom well and be beautiful.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
This plant doesn’t grow in typical potting soil but rather in a special mixture that mimics its environment in the wild. So, it is highly recommended to use a commercial orchid potting medium, which generally contains peat moss, perlite, or fir bark.
If you can’t get your hands on them, you can try making your own using those ingredients. Whatever you do, you need to make sure that the medium has aeration and is well-draining.
C. Watering Frequency
Water your plant thoroughly in this growing season and keep the soil moist. However, avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot or even the yellowing of the leaves.
To know your water routines, you need to first examine your plant by simply sticking your finger in the medium. If it feels wet, then you will have to wait until it dries out before you can water it again.
Furthermore, during the winter months, you can adjust your watering routine by adding a few more days in between your usual watering. While at that, avoid your medium from drying out completely.
Additionally, the best type of water for your plant is the use of distilled water or collected rainwater. Avoid the use of tap water as it contains salts and minerals to build up in the old pot.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
It enjoys being in a warm climate and grows best with daytime temperatures of 70°F and 85°F plus a nighttime drop of about 10°C. However, they can tolerate a slightly cooler temperature of 50°F.
A favourable temperature rate for the winter season is 55°F at least for weeks as it will help it to bloom.
Furthermore, the preferred humidity level is between 50% and 70% with a minimum of 45%. However, a lack of adequate humidity can cause the leaves of your plant to turn brown.
E. Fertilizer
Feed your plant regularly during the growing season with balanced orchid fertilizer. Follow label instructions.
By the end of the growing season which is the beginning of winter, you should reduce the application of fertilizer to about half.
F. Repotting
Repot your plant twice a year or 2-3 years, especially when you notice that roots are overgrowing the pot. This is best done in the spring months. However, to repot, you need to follow these steps
a. Choose a pot large enough to accept four to six new canes.
b. Slide the plant out of its old pot, rinse off the root ball, and plant in the new pot with a fresh bark-based potting mix, spreading out the roots as you fill the pot.
G. Propagation
If your plant has at least four canes bearing healthy leaves, you can divide it and follow these steps
a. Use a large stiff knife to cut through the rhizome and root mass, attempting to keep the root mass as intact as possible.
b. Remove all the growing medium from the root mass, and then cut away any long dangling or dead roots.
c. Put the plant in a pot close to the size of its root mass, and cover the roots with an orchid potting medium.
d. Press down the potting medium firmly, and wait one week to water it thoroughly.
H. Common Problems Of Dendrobium Orchid
Below are the most common problems that your plant will encounter.
a. Pests
Mealybugs are the most common pest for dendrobium orchids, often hiding in the junction where leaves meet the canes.
A good treatment is to spray with a homemade concoction consisting of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, with a few drops of dish soap added. However, large infestations may require spraying with a commercial pesticide formulated for houseplants.
b. Diseases
These are not common with dendrobiums, but excessive watering may cause root rot. Petal blight, a fungal disease, can sometimes cause spotting on the flower petals. Ensure that the affected blossoms should be removed.
5. Desert Rose
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a slow-growing plant, only growing about 12 inches per year. It is often used as a bonsai plant because of its thick succulent trunk, thin and delicate leaves, and luscious, deep pink trumpeting flowers. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, and Madagascar.
The desert rose plant is the only Adenium extensively hybridized to obtain different flower colours. It is an indoor or outdoor plant depending on your location.
In many tropical and warmer climates, it’s widely used as an ornamental outdoor plant, and in cooler zones, it is grown indoors. It’s best planted in the spring, and it will die if exposed to frost and freezing temperatures.
However, be aware of this plant as its sap is toxic to humans and pets.
Read More: How To Protect Roses From Frost [6 Frost-Beating Tactics].
Desert Rose Care Instructions
It’s simple to take care of a desert rose plant. Below is the right appointment for you.
A. Light Conditions
The desert rose thrives in a full-sun environment. So, choose a spot in your home so that the plant receives ample light throughout the day, like a southern-facing bright windowsill or sunroom as it is the best.
However, if you live in an area where it can be grown successfully outdoors, the best place to plant the desert rose is in a spot that is not shaded by taller plants but has some protection from high-noon sun, which can scorch the plant’s leaves.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
This is a good naturally dry, desert-like condition that thrives in sandy or gravelly cactus soil. The soil should have a neutral to acidic pH, ideally hovering right around 6.0.
C. Watering Frequency
The desert rose plant has varying water requirements depending on the time of year and temperature.
During its growing season, keep its soil moist but never saturated. Do well to check on the soil periodically and allow it to dry out completely before watering. Also, plant your desert rose in a container that has ample drainage holes. The desert rose can be susceptible to rot if it becomes too moist
In the fall and winter months moisture, watering only minimally once a month.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
Keep your plant in warm temperatures at all times. It will die quickly if it is exposed to prolonged temperatures cooler than 50°F.
The best room temperature must be between 65°F and 90°F. If you’ve planted your desert rose outdoors, it will not likely survive any prolonged frost.
Furthermore, the humidity is not important to the desert rose because it is accustomed to a dry, hot climate.
E. Fertilizer
Feed your desert rose with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half once a month during its active growth period. Do not fertilize the plant during its dormant period.
F. Pruning
Before pruning your desert rose plant, use rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution to sterilize your pruning tools.
Continue to re-sterilize as you move from one plant to the next. Ensure to cut off any cold-damaged growth as soon as new growth emerges.
Additionally, trim long, lanky stems to balance the stem growth and remove the branches that rub or cross other branches, cutting just above a leaf node or where the stem joins with another stem.
G. Repotting
Repot the plant as needed, usually when the roots fill the container and the plant becomes root-bound. This can be once a year or every other year. However, the best time for repotting is in the late winter or early spring, preferably as soon as new growth emerges.
When repotting this succulent plant,
a. Make sure the soil is completely dry before gently removing the plant from the pot.
b. Remove the old soil from the roots and remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. If you make any cuts or notice bruises, you can topically apply a fungicide or antibacterial solution.
c. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting mix, spreading the roots out as you repot.
d. Let the plant dry for a week or so to reduce the shock to the plant.
e. After a week, water the plant but make sure the water drains thoroughly.
H. Propagation
The best method of propagation is through stem cutting and seeds. However, follow these steps below to propagate your plant through stem cutting.
a. Before you get started, have these items on hand: garden gloves, sterilized pruners, rooting hormone, a clean pot, and a well-draining potting mix.
b. Put on garden gloves to avoid the toxic sap of this plant touching your skin. Using your pruning snips, take a 5 to 6 inches cutting from the tip of a branch.
c. Allow the cutting to dry out for a day or two and wet the cut end and dip it in the rooting hormone.
d. Plant the cut end into a well-draining growing medium like perlite or sand mixed with potting soil.
e. Water the cutting daily. However, make sure the water drains out of the soil. The cutting should take root in about two to six weeks.
f. After six weeks, you should notice new growth, or if you try to tug at the stem gently, it should feel rooted in place.
I. Common Problems Of Desert Rose
Desert rose is a relative disease and pest-free plant. The biggest problem affecting this plant is overwatering.
a. Yellowing Leaves Or Leaf Drop
A common sign of root rot is yellowing leaves or sudden leaf loss. A fungus causes root rot which if caught early enough, you might be able to save the plant.
However, the best thing to do now is to remove the damaged leaves and stems and unpot the root ball.
If you notice any blackened, mushy roots, cut away the damaged roots with a sharp knife. Most importantly, ensure that you sterilize the knife between cuts.
Furthermore, apply a fungicide, according to the package instructions, and replant the remaining roots in a well-draining potting mix.
b. Spotting On Leaves
This can lead to distorted growth and a white powdery-looking substance on the leaves, stems, and buds. It will spread out more during the damp nights and warm days.
Mist the plant leaves and apply a fungicide, according to the instructions on the package. Afterwards, prune when stems and branches bunch up and ensure that there is adequate spacing between plants as it will help to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
c. Pests
Spider mites are the most common pest to attack desert rose plants. They feed by sucking sap, primarily from the underside of the leaves. It also causes the discolouration of the plant leaves leading to death. To detect spider mites, shake the infected foliage over a piece of white paper or you will see a fine web on your plant.
To get rid of a small infestation, use a forceful spray of water on the underside of all the leaves and repeat this every several days.
Optionally, you can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil but make sure to apply it to the underside of the leaves and all the lower surfaces of the plant.
6. Damianita Daisy
The Damianita daisy (Chrysactinia mexicana) is known for its ability to adapt and thrive in a variety of different gardening conditions, making it an ideal low-maintenance plant to add some colour to your home and garden.
This low-growing perennial shrub produces thin green leaves with bright, fragrant yellow flowers nearly year-round and attracts butterflies and other nectar pollinators.
Additionally, it is a plant with extreme deer and drought resistance. They have a slow to moderate growth rate, often taking two or three years to reach maturity. They can be grown outdoors year-round but are best planted in early fall.
Damianita Daisy Care Instructions
Damianita daisies are slow-growing but easy to care for. Grow this plant in an area where other perennials can’t survive and it is an excellent use for erosion control, border gardens, ground cover for hot, exposed areas or regular flower gardens.
A. Light Conditions
This plant thrives in full sun for best development and flowering. It can adapt to partial shade. Without sunlight, your plant will become elongated and leggy. It will also develop some fungal infections which will start damaging plants if not treated.
B. Suitable Soil Mix
It can tolerate most types of soil but grows best in poor-quality soil that provides adequate drainage. So choose a well-draining soil, or combine regular potting soil with some perlite or sand. Lack of soil rich in nutrients will cause Damianita daisies to become leggy and flowerless often.
C. Watering Frequency
This plant grows well when planted with water-wise plants such as yuccas, aloes, and even some cacti.
However, regular rainfall will be sufficient for Damianita daisies when planted outdoors. If necessary, supplement infrequent rainfall with a couple of extra waterings a year to help your plant.
D. Humidity & Temperature Requirements
Though, it appreciates plenty of sun and heat, but also tolerates cold temperatures and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Damianita daisies are often planted in parking lots and near walls where the reflective heat is intense as they will have to survive.
Furthermore, the humidity level can either be dry or have humid conditions.
E. Fertilizer Requirements
No fertilizer is required for Damianita daisies as they thrive in low-nutrient soils.
F. Pruning
Regular pruning will help to keep them low-growing and looking compact. It is best to prune the plants in early spring or summer so new growth occurs during the active growing season.
However, cutting back the plant too much will kill it, so make sure to prune carefully and deadhead as it ensures that the plant blooms continually throughout the year.
G. Propagation Methods
Damianita daisies can be propagated through cuttings, division, and seeds.
To propagate Damianita daisies using cuttings:
a. Start by taking softwood cuttings from the plant in the summer. The cuttings should be between four to six inches long and contain at least one node.
b. Remove the leaves and any flowers from the lower portion of the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone.
c. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water immediately.
d. Cover the cuttings and place them in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
e. The cuttings should root within six to eight weeks.
Dedicated Care Tips For Houseplants
If you want lush and healthy plants, invest in good quality potting mix, fertilizer, containers, and tools to take the right care of them. This will be grouped into three parts which include your daily care tip, weekly and monthly tips.
For your daily dedicated care tips for the healthy growth of your houseplant is by ensuring that you provide:
1. Adequate Sunlight
Every morning when you wake up, the first thing that you must do for your plant is to open all the windows and curtains that have enough sun penetration for your indoor plant.
Arrange your plants in a manner that also provides them with continual light throughout the whole day.
Furthermore, place your plants by the windows. It can either be in a south-facing or west-facing window reflection.
2. Misting
It is important to mist your plant especially when the humidity level of the room is poor or less. This should be done mostly in the morning.
However, just make sure the weather is warm enough for misting and they receive enough light and air circulation.
3. Connect
As strange as it sounds, you need to connect to your plant at all times; in the morning, afternoon and night. Learn to spend a few minutes with your plant. They deserve it as babies.
Connect to them, and caress their leaves as it will also help you to identify and discover many changes that you might be ignoring which might cause some damage to your plant. Some of which might include diseases or the infestation of pests. This should be done once a week during the weekends as you will have enough time.
Try as much as possible to dedicate a day to this care and you will thank me later.
For your weekly dedicated care tips, you must carry out these responsibilities to your plant. They include
4. Watering
Before you think of watering your plant, try and observe the plant carefully and properly study the plant ahead of time to enable you to know which of your houseplant will require much watering and the ones that will require water every other week. This is because not all plants feed the same way.
After you must have gotten your answer, then you need to know when to water the plants. This can be best done by poking your finger in the topsoil and checking for moisture. If you feel it dry, then it’s time to water your plants.
Saturday or Sunday should be the best for a weekly watering check as most houseplants tend to respond well once in a weekly watering schedule.
It’s important to note here that how frequently you should water also depends on the climate and weather conditions. To make the process easier, you can create groups of plants according to their watering needs.
5. Pruning
While watering, keep a pair of gardening shears with you to trim off dead, dying, and diseased parts of plants every week.
Also, you should remove faded flowers or leaves if you see them. But it is important to know that not all plants require pruning or regular pruning. So know what your plant needs before you embark on such an attempt.
6. Rotation
If you are growing indoor plants, you must often bend them toward the sun. This will help to keep to reduce your task in your weekly work routine.
Rotate your plants once a week and move them towards the direction of light depending on how long it is meant to stay. It will also ensure that all parts receive an ample amount of light evenly.
7. Shaking
Always shake your plant as it will help to make the root system strong from the winds as well as other factors that can affect your plants in your absence.
Also, it will help your indoor plant collections to shake off any loose dry leaves to fall off.
For your monthly dedicated care tips, you must carry out these routines and responsibilities to your plant. They include
8. Dusting
Indoor plants accumulate some dust on leaves that must be removed timely as it impedes their ability to photosynthesize and affects the plant’s overall health.
So give your plant some dusting through the use of a soft clean towel or sponge and wipe them off the leaves. However, if you are dusting succulents and cacti, using compressed air from a distance will be a good idea.
9. Fertilizing
Feeding your plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half of its strength is a good idea.
Just make sure that you are not feeding them when you see the symptoms of overfertilization or during the period when they are not actively growing, especially during the winter season.
10. Checking For Pests and Diseases
Always look out for any abnormality in your plant and immediately you notice it, do well to closely examine it. Also, check the undersides of leaves and hidden areas of stem for pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
You can get rid of them easily using an insecticidal soap solution or horticultural oils such as neem oil. Additionally, you can also use some homemade remedies such as baking soda, vinegar or milk. They are also effective.
Just know what works best for the species of plant that you are growing in your garden.
11. Repotting
If your plants have outgrown their containers, it is important to transplant them into one size bigger pot to give them sufficient space to flourish. However, there are a few signs that indicate your plants need repotting. They include
a. Roots growing out of the container drainage holes.
b. The growth of the leaves is substantially slowing down.
12. Winter Check
During the winter season which is the dormancy period of any plant and requires careful approach so as not to kill or damage your plant.
Keep your plants in a warm spot and move them slightly away if they are touching the freezing windowpane to protect them from cold shock.
You can also get a grow light or a cool-mist room humidifier or pebble tray to help keep your plant warm and in the right state till the winter season is over.
FAQs
1. What Is A Lucky Indoor Plant?
Some of the luckiest plants to keep at home are the Jade Plant, Holy Basil or Tulsi, Citrus Tree and Money Tree or Pachira Aquatica.
Other popular plants regarded among the luckiest plants are Peace Lily, Snake Plant, Rubber Plant, Lavender, Blue Singapore Orchid, Eucalyptus, and Desert Rose.
2. Which Plant Is Good For An Indoor Room?
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your room, below are 8 of the best plants to keep in the bedroom.
A. Snake Plant
B. Heart Leaf Philodendron
C. English Ivy
D. Golden Pothos
E. Spider Plant
F. Rubber Plant
G. Gardenia
H. Peace Lily
3. What Are The Names Of Indoor Gardens?
An indoor enclosure, such as a solarium, greenhouse or conservatory, can offer your plants protection from harsh outdoor elements and predators while still maintaining a visually pleasing appearance for your home.
4. What Is A Common Houseplant?
The most common and popular plants found inside many homes include the spider plant, aloe vera, peace lily, jade plant, weeping fig and plenty of others.
5. What Houseplant Brings Luck And Prosperity?
The Ficus Elastica which has rounded leaves is mostly regarded as symbolic of money and prosperity. When placed in the home, the plant fosters fortune, abundance, and an increase in wealth. Additionally, ficus elastica is also one of the 8 strongest houseplants.
- House Plants That Starts With Q
- House Plants That Start With P
- House Plants That Start With O
- Houseplants That Start With N
- Houseplants That Start With L
Conclusion
Maintaining your houseplants requires lots of attention to avoid the infestation of pests and diseases. This also extends to house plants that start with the letter D.
Provide the necessary care that will enable your plant to glow and grow healthy. These cares include proper exposure to the right amount of sunlight, water, soil and most importantly the perfect room temperature and humidity.
However, from the dedicated care tips, we hope you can know how best to care for all your houseplants respective of the species. For more questions or comments, do well to write them in the comment section below and we will respond to you.
