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12 Practical Tips for Indoor Plants in India

• Bratati

There is no plant called indoor plants.

By that I mean to say there is no plant which can be healthy in dark rooms or less light rooms. Indoor plants are those plants who survive less light and love shade.

Principally, we must keep indoor plants where they get either sunlight, or indirect sunlight or bright natural light. Not referring to grow lights etc. In most places in India we are blessed with natural light, we need to just adjust our plants according to our own climate.

1. Choose the Right Plants:
 

Opt for indoor plants that survive easily in the Indian climate. Plants like Areca palm, Lucky Bamboo, variety of pothos are good indoor plants. Though we ‘plantohlics’ are so addicted that we tend to buy unusual or interesting plants - often because they come from a different country.  Before buying exotic plants - consider factors like humidity, temperature, and sunlight availability.

For example multiple sources might say Peace Lily is a good indoor plant, but not everywhere on earth. Kindly check genuine information about the best indoor plants for your climate. Best way is to identify Indoor plants in India is knowing its natural habitat. Like Button rose grows easily at the hills, is your climate close to that, or can you create similar environment for the plants close to their natural habitat.   

 2. Provide Adequate Sunlight:
 

The most common mistake gardeners make about indoor plants is they trust sellers, who often eye wash saying every plant as indoor plants because more and more urban gardeners are looking for indoor plants. The thumb rule is to avoid colourful plants indoors. Basically chose foliage plants and place them where they get enough sunlight, bright natural light. Keep near windows with indirect sunlight.
 

Rotate plants regularly to ensure all sides receive equal sunlight. Else tend to bend on one side. 

3. Watering Schedule:

Watering is most important for indoor gardening. We need to understand the specific water needs of each plant. Plants line coleus needs frequent watering where as succulents need very less water. In India's varying climates, adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

Keep digging soil about an inch avoiding the roots, water alternate days for most of the plants. Over watering kills more plants than underwatering

4. Use Well-Draining Soil:

You use fertiliser or not, vermicompost etc or not is not so important but the soil should definitely be well drained. By well drained soil we mean how much time it takes the water to flow down the hole at the bottom of the planter. If it is taking too much time, or not coming out at all, that needs immediate attention.

In case of Indoor plants the evaporation is lesser, so remain careful 

5. Control Indoor Humidity:

Humidity is very important for indoor plants. Humidity means the amount of water vapour in the air. In different parts of India, humidity is different. And ofcourse the humidity is different outdoor and indoor. Yes, your air conditioner also remove humidity from the air.
 

   IT is good to use  water-filled trays or use a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels for the plants.
 

6. Air circulation:

Let the plants breathe. Make sure they are not in closed room all the time. Open windows and let the air circulation happen. You can also prevent fungal diseases by allowing air circulation around the plants.

7. Pruning and Deadheading:
‘Plantohlics’ often forget to prune, they let the plant grow taller. But as we scold our child a little for their good, we need to prune our indoor plants too for their vegetative growth. 

Regularly prune dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth of your indoor plants

Remove dry flowers, dry stems, dry leaves  to redirect energy into the overall health of the plant.

8. Fertilize Wisely:

We need not fertilise too often. I am a fan of using kitchen compost and organic ways to keep indoor plants healthy.

Also , the timing. You can avoid using fertilisers during winter season, when most of the plants are at dormant stage.  Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
 

Adjust fertilization based on the plant's specific requirements. Not the same for all and at same time use for every plant. Less is more. 

9. Pest Management:
 

Aphids and spider mites are most common for indoor plants. Keep a close eye on them, carefully check the back side of leaves also. Develop a habit to remove pests naturally when things are not too serious.
 

Use natural remedies or mild insecticides to control infestations.

10. Temperature Control:

Protect plants from extreme temperatures, especially during heatwaves or cold spell. Avoid using infront of AC, consider moving plants away from drafts or heaters.

11. Planters for Indoor plants:
 

Choose planters wisely. For indoor plants - ceramic planters, metallic planters are also fine as the temperature does not matter much. If you love Nature, this is good if you use sustainable and natural products like clay, wood, cloth, bamboo cane planters. You even can consider recycled plastic containers and do some DIY planters.

Planter Size does matter for plants so use them as required. It is suggested to repot plants when they outgrow their containers.Ensure proper drainage holes and choose pots that allow for root expansion.

12. Educate & Update Yourself:

Stay informed about the specific needs of each indoor plant in your care. You can always take help from Plantohlics - Gardening Ideas and more (India) Facebook Community. YouTube and generic information most of the times confuse because gardening is very local thing. You can get plant-specific tips from Plant Specific Guidance

Plantohlics Special Gyan on Indoor plants to keep your plant babies happy : 

Take turns. Keep 4-5 sets of plants. Keep 1-2 sets out in airy place outside in light and perfect condition for about a fortnight. Bring them in and keep the other set out.  Also can keep all the plants atleast 2/3 days a week in the balcony with bright light and late afternoon sun.