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Would you like some fresh air at home?

Plants, on an average, need eight to ten hours of sunlight for proper growth...
Last Updated 16 April 2015, 16:36 IST

Did you know that the air quality in your home could be worse than the quality outside? Yes, as much as this scenario sounds weird, it’s very much possible. Improper ventilation, high usage of artificial construction materials, indoor air contaminants – all contribute to lessen the air quality in your abode. So, what’s the solution? Fortunately, you don’t have to resort to greater artificial methods to correct such situations. All you need are some houseplants that infuse freshness in the air. Plus they have the added attraction of being aesthetically pleasing, too.

A houseplant is the one that is grown inside a residence or office to enhance the aesthetics and air quality. These plants are grown in pots and are mostly tropical or semi-tropical. A few factors that need to be considered while growing houseplants are humidity, moisture, light, temperature, soil type, fertilisers and pest control.  

Doing it right

Water is vital to any plant’s growth. While watering a plant, it is advisable to check the soil inside to see if it is wet. Remember overwatering or lack of water can be detrimental to plants. Controlled drip irrigation through plastic or bamboo pipes is your best bet here. This can also be programmed if you are staying away from your home for a number of days.
Succulent plants such as jelly bean plant, have an edge over others as they retain water for long. Watering daily is not necessary as different plants have different water needs. A tray should be kept beneath the pots to prevent the floor from getting wet. Do ensure that you clean the tray regularly, though.

Light intensity and its duration are other important factors that need to be considered. On an average, eight to ten hours of sunlight would be ideal for plant growth. Position your plants closer to the windows and doors, as they are the direct sources of light and air. If the light streaming in isn’t enough, you can move the plants outside for a short while everyday.
Skylights also help in giving the plants just the right amount of light. Consult your local gardener for the right grade of soil. Some quantity of sand could be mixed to facilitate drainage of water. Currently, you can also find soil-lessmixtures, containing moss or coir, that could be used in special cases where drainage is vital. Choose odourless fertilisers and pesticides, and use them sparingly.

Indoor plants could be grown in various sizes and shapes of pots depending upon the plant to be cultivated. There are several varieties of indoor plants that could be grown - aloe vera, areca palm, english ivy, jade plant, jelly bean, peace lily, rubber tree, shamrock plant and snake plant, to name a few. It may be noted that some of these could be toxic to children and pets. Any gardening expert could tender advice on these plants.

Indoor gardening could be as interesting as outdoor gardening. Periodical maintenance like pruning may be needed. Repotting has to be done with care so as not to damage the roots. This activity could turn out to be a good hobby with the added advantage of keeping the indoor air clean and fresh.

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(Published 16 April 2015, 16:36 IST)

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