Directions on How to Take Care of Different House Plants

Caring for houseplants.

Taking care of houseplants does not have to require a lot of time and effort. A couple of minutes of tending your plants a few times a week, and you are sure to have the loveliest houseplants without exerting ample effort. Houseplants need three basic things: sunlight, water and fertilizer. Not all houseplants are created equal, however, so be sure to follow these steps when caring for the various types of plants in your home.

Things You'll Need

• African violet soil
• African violet fertilizer
• Dish soap
• Nitrogen-rich fertilizer
• Orchid potting soil
• Regular potting soil

Instructions

African Violet

1. 

   African violet

   Check to be sure you are using African violet soil. If you are not, re-pot your African violet using this special soil, as it contains peat moss and vermiculite which help the plant hold onto water for a longer period of time.

2. Place your African violet in a window or other sunny area, where it can be exposed to indirect light.

3. Water your African violet carefully, never allowing water to touch the leaves of the plant, as direct water tends to burn the leaves. Always use room temperature water.

4. Fertilize your plant using special fertilizer intended especially for African violets.

Peace Lily

1. 

   Peace lily

   Place your peace lily in low light, 5 to 8 feet away from windows.

2. Water your peace lily only once the leaves begin to droop a little; however, keep the leaves moist by spraying it daily with a fine mist.

3. Fertilize your peace lily using a tiny dab of dish soap mixed with water. Dish soap provides phosphates, which are essential for plant growth.

Orchid

1. 

   Orchid

   Using orchid potting soil as it contains fir bark, moss, lava rock and fine soil, all of which combine to form the perfect environment for your tropical plant.

2. Place your orchid in a window where it can get indirect sunlight. However, if you have a phalaenopsis it will appreciate light behind a curtain or window blind.

3. Water your orchid carefully, making sure the leaves stay dry. If they do get wet, dry them immediately with a paper towel. Do not over-water your orchid.

4. Fertilize your orchid using high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Fern

1. 

   Fern

   Place your fern in low or indirect sunlight.

2. Water your fern until the soil is fully moist. Do not allow the soil to dry out too much as dry soil will make the fronds, or leaves, dry out.

3. Fertilize your fern with a high-nitrogen fertilizer once a month.

References

• The Plant Expert: African Violets
• Beautiful Orchids: Orchid Care Tips
• Flower Pot Heaven: Fern Care