Indoor plants improve air quality and contribute to our overall well-being. With a wide variety, indoor plants have become essential elements in decoration. Whether you are looking for a plant that flourishes in the shade, one that requires little attention, or one that purifies the air, there is an indoor plant for every situation. Discover the types of indoor plants, their distinctive characteristics, and the care required to keep them healthy.
Characteristics of indoor plants
Plants are categorized as indoor or outdoor based on their light, temperature, humidity, and space requirements. Here are some key reasons why some plants are better suited for indoors and others for outdoors. Through this information, you can choose the right plants for your home or garden and ensure they thrive in the environment you provide them.
Light needs
Many indoor plants are native to tropical or subtropical forests, where they receive filtered light through the tree canopy. These plants adapt well to the lower, more consistent light levels typically found indoors. In contrast, outdoor plants often require direct sunlight and higher light levels to photosynthesize effectively. Some need several hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature tolerance
Indoor plants are usually more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and prefer a more stable environment, typical of the interior of a house. Most of these plants do not tolerate extreme temperatures , neither too cold nor too hot.
It is worth noting that outdoor plants can withstand a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. They are also able to withstand seasonal changes and, in many cases, survive frost or intense heat.
Humidity
Some indoor plants require high humidity levels, similar to those in their natural habitats, such as rainforests. Humidity inside homes can be more easily controlled to meet these needs.
On the other hand, outdoor plants can adapt to different levels of humidity, depending on the region where they grow. They can withstand periods of drought or heavy rain, depending on their species.
Space and growth
Indoor plants are generally smaller in size and grow slowly, making them suitable for pots and small spaces. Their compact size makes them easy to maintain indoors.
As for outdoor plants, these can grow to much larger sizes, including trees and shrubs that need more room to spread out. These plants often require deep and wide soils to develop their root systems.
Adaptation to artificial conditions
It is important to note that plants that can be kept indoors have evolved or been selected to thrive in artificial light conditions and controlled environments. However, outdoor plants are adapted to natural conditions and often rely on interaction with other elements of the ecosystem, such as insects for pollination.
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Types of indoor plants
Many plants are ideal for indoors due to their ability to adapt to typical home conditions. Here are some of the most popular ones, along with their basic care:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Light: Prefers bright indirect light, but can tolerate low light.
Watering: Water when the top of the soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Humidity: Tolerates low humidity, but grows best in moderate humidity.
Care: This is a very hardy plant. Prune to maintain its shape and stimulate growth.
2. Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Light : Tolerates from low light to bright direct light.
Watering: Water infrequently. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
Humidity: Not demanding regarding humidity.
Care: Ideal for beginners due to its durability and low maintenance.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Light: Prefers bright indirect light.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Humidity: Likes humid environments.
Care: Prune regularly to control growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Light: Bright indirect light.
Watering: Water when the top of the soil is dry.
Humidity: Prefers humid environments, but adapts to typical home humidity.
Care: Clean the leaves regularly to keep them free of dust.
5. Ficus Lyrata (Ficus lyrata)
Light: Bright indirect light.
Watering: Water when the top of the soil is dry. Avoid waterlogging.
Humidity: Prefers humid environments.
Care: Turn the plant occasionally to ensure even growth and clean the leaves regularly.
6. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Light: Low to medium indirect light.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy.
Humidity: Prefers humid environments.
Care: Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
7. Aloe Vera
- Light: Bright light, including some direct sun.
- Watering: Water deeply, but allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Humidity: Tolerates low humidity.
- Care: Ideal for sunny spaces and easy maintenance.
- 8. Calathea
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Humidity: High humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidifier.
- Care: It is sensitive to water with chlorine and fluoride, so it is best to use distilled or rainwater.
General care tips
Light: Know the specific light needs of each plant and place them in the right place.
Watering: Avoid overwatering, as most houseplants prefer well-drained soil.
Humidity: Some plants need more humid environments. Consider grouping plants or using a humidifier.
Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Cleaning: Keep the leaves free of dust to facilitate photosynthesis.
Pest Check: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and treat them appropriately if necessary.
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