What Do Plants Need to Grow?
Nutrients can come from fertilizers, soil and, in some cases, air.
Light
All plants need some amount of light to survive.
Elena Zaretskaya / Getty Images
Light is the energy source used to convert carbon dioxide into food.
Different plants grow best in various types of light and both amount and intensity are important.
Light also affects temperature.Give houseplantsnatural lightby placing them in or close to a window or in a bright room.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Plants with low light requirements may survive under fluorescent lights.
For excellent growth, adda grow light.
If you’re unsureif your plant has enough light or not, try using a light meter to measure.
The Spruce
Air
Like all living things, plants need to breathe.
Providing fresh air for indoor plants can be a challenge, but there are ways exist to improve quality.
Lightly dust or wipe leaves occasionally to improve respiration.
Avoid placing sensitive plants in areas like kitchens where smoke and odors impact air quality.
Keep areas around plants free of tobacco smoke and room sprays.
To improve air circulation, it’s possible for you to place a fan nearby.
Almost all plants benefit from deep thorough watering but do not like to sit in water.
Pots with good drainage holes and soil that drains well are important for good houseplant care.
Self-watering pots, watering stakes, mulches and other specialty materials deliver water slowly and hold moisture.
Nutrients
Nutrients are plant food and combinations of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that fuel functions necessary for survival.
Nutrients keep plants healthy and provide energy for all new growth from roots to leaves and flowers to fruits.
Most houseplants are grown in potting soils which can be combined with other materials for peak performance.
Mixing soil with aged compost is one way to increase nutrient delivery.Fertilizersare another way to feed your plants.
Space
The Spruce
Plants need appropriate space to grow well.
This includes the container used for planting and the location you choose to place it in your home.
The most important thing is to provide adequate drainage.
If you suspect a plant is severely rootbound, move it into a larger pot.
Place plants that climb or drape on ashelf, stand, or in a hanging basket.
When grouping plants together leave enough space between for adequate air circulation.
How to Help Your Plants Grow
The number one thing plants need to grow is light.
No plant can survive without some pop in and amount of light.
Light is the energy source plants use to manufacture and take up water and nutrients.
No, sugar water is not good for houseplants.
Giving plants sugar water can result in weakening them by attracting harmful micro-organisms.
There is no scientific evidence to support the myth that sugar water is beneficial for plants.
Plant growth and development.Oregon State University Extension.
How plants use water.West Virginia University Extension.
Succulents 101.West Virginia University Extension.
Yard and garden: growing orchids at home.Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
How plants use nutrients.West Virginia University Extension.
