Dust that accumulates on indoor plants not only spoils their appearance but also clogs their pores, making it difficult for the plant to breathe. The leaves of large and thick-leaved plants should be wiped with a sponge or cloth dampened with lukewarm water, or cleaned by spraying water.

To prevent spots on the leaves, water should not be sprayed on them under direct sunlight; this should be done in the shade. “Indoor plants,” also known as living room plants, are living beings that add color to our monotonous daily lives, beautify our surroundings, and connect us to life. Success in indoor plant cultivation cannot be achieved by love alone. Achieving success requires technical knowledge about plant cultivation, understanding the environmental needs of the plants, and taking these requirements into account during cultivation.

It is undeniable that there are significant differences between the natural growing conditions of indoor plants in their native habitats and the conditions of the indoor environments where we live. It is essential to artificially replicate, as much as possible, the light, water, and soil conditions that exist in their natural habitats. Therefore, it is necessary to first know the natural environment of the plant we intend to grow.

The success we achieve with indoor plants primarily depends on where we purchase them. This is because the care provided to the plant before it is displayed determines whether it will thrive or not.

General Care Principles for Indoor Plants (Light)

Indoor plants can be classified according to their light requirements as those that thrive in sunny, semi-shaded, shaded, or deep-shaded environments. Plants that prefer sunny conditions grow well in front of south-facing windows. Plants that prefer semi-shaded conditions develop well in south-facing windows with shading or east-facing windows that receive sunlight until around 10 a.m. An unshaded north-facing window provides conditions suitable for shaded plants. Light is an essential factor for plants to photosynthesize and grow. Each plant has different light requirements, and even the same plant’s light needs can vary from season to season. For example, plants require more light during the growth phase and less light during the resting period.

Indoor plants that require high light levels will show yellowing and leaf drop when kept in shaded areas. Unnaturally pale-colored leaves may also indicate insufficient light. When plants receive light from one direction, their leaves orient toward the light, resulting in uneven growth. Under inadequate light, plants stretch excessively as they try to reach the limited light available. Flowering indoor plants need plenty of light. Plants such as cacti, succulents, and geraniums thrive in bright, sunny environments.

Temperature Requirements for Indoor Plants

How do I take care of my indoor plants? Temperature is one of the essential factors for plant growth and for physiological processes to occur within plants. The temperature requirements of indoor plants vary according to their natural habitats. There is no single temperature suitable for all indoor plants, as the ideal temperature changes depending on the plant species and the season.

During winter, most plants enter a dormant period and require lower temperatures, less light, and less water. Cacti and succulent plants should be kept dry at temperatures between 5–8°C (41–46°F) during winter months.

A general rule for all indoor plants is to avoid sudden temperature changes. Rapid drops or rises in temperature can cause wilting, leaf drop, and permanent damage. Maintaining stable temperature conditions is essential for healthy and thriving indoor plants.

Temperature Groups for Indoor Plants. Indoor plants can be classified into three groups according to their temperature requirements:

1. Plants that require high temperatures: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
2. Plants that require moderate temperatures: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
3. Plants that require low temperatures: 7–12°C (45–54°F)

There is a strong relationship between a plant’s age and its temperature needs. Young plants require higher temperatures compared to mature plants for optimal growth and development.

Watering Indoor Plants

One of the essential factors for indoor plants to survive and thrive is water and humidity. Indoor plants require less water in cool environments compared to warm environments, both in summer and winter. There is a direct relationship between a plant’s water needs and the relative humidity of its surroundings. In high-humidity environments, transpiration is reduced, and plants require less water.

If a plant becomes too dry, its leaves may wrinkle or fall off. Conversely, if the soil is overly wet, plant growth slows, leaves remain small, and moss may form on the soil surface. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in indoor plant care, often causing more damage than underwatering. Plants exposed to frequent and excessive watering are more negatively affected than those experiencing slight dryness.

Watering Needs of Indoor Plants. The water requirements of indoor plants vary depending on the plant species. Large or broad-leaved plants generally need more water. As a general rule, plants grown in loose and well-draining soil require more frequent watering.

During the dormant winter period, plants should be watered every 3–5 days. For plants kept in cool environments with moderate humidity, watering frequency depends on the plant type and growing conditions, typically once a week or every two weeks.

Watering should be done when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. If the soil surface becomes muddy or compacted, it should be loosened with a stick or similar tool before watering.

Watering Indoor Potted Plants

Watering indoor potted plants with small amounts of water every day is incorrect and harmful, as water cannot evenly reach all parts of the soil, leaving significant portions dry.

As a general rule, indoor plants should not be watered during the hottest hours of the day. During the day, plants need water to absorb nutrients from the soil and to support transpiration. At night, water is essential for the transport of materials produced in the leaves to various parts of the plant.

Therefore, it is recommended to water plants in the evening, especially during the active growth periods of spring and summer. In cases where watering twice a day is necessary during summer, the first watering should be done early in the morning. Avoid using cold tap water; instead, let the water sit in a container until it reaches room temperature.

Humidity Requirements for Indoor Plants

In addition to the roots’ need for water, the above-ground parts of indoor plants also require sufficient humidity. A plant’s humidity requirements vary depending on factors such as the relative humidity of the environment, temperature, light conditions, plant species, age, size, season, and whether the plant is in a growth or dormant phase.

Soil for Indoor Plants

The soil in which plants are planted, rooted, and grown can vary depending on the type of plant. Choosing the right soil is essential for healthy indoor plant growth.

• Sand: Consists of rock particles ranging from 0.05–2.0 mm in diameter, formed by the breakdown of various rocks. Sand is commonly used for rooting cuttings.
• Peat: Derived from the remains of aquatic plants such as reeds or marsh plants, partially decomposed and preserved under water.
• Sphagnum Moss: Made from dried remains of swamp plants like Sphagnum papillosum and Sphagnum palustre. It is lightweight, has a very high water-holding capacity (10–20 times its own weight), and is ideal for moisture retention. Since it contains very few minerals, nutrients should be added for plant growth.

Vermiculite for Indoor Plants: Vermiculite is a mica-based mineral that expands when heated. It is lightweight, neutral in pH, and does not dissolve in water, yet it has a high water absorption capacity, making it ideal for improving soil aeration and moisture retention in indoor plants.

Perlite for Indoor Plants: Perlite is a volcanic-origin material commonly used in rooting mediums. It has a spongy texture, is lightweight, and highly porous, making it ideal for improving soil aeration and drainage in indoor plant cultivation.

Leaf Compost for Indoor Plants

Leaf compost is widely used as a growing medium and holds special importance for indoor plants. While leaves are the primary material for composting, finely chopped twigs and shoots should also be included.

The most commonly used leaves for compost are from maple, oak, plane, and elm trees. Collected leaves are layered, with aluminum sulfate dusted between layers and covered with soil. Maintaining a constantly moist environment shortens the maturation process.

To achieve a good soil texture, the compost material should be turned and mixed 8–10 times over a 1.5–2 year maturation period. Rich in minerals, leaf compost can be used pure or mixed with soil and is frequently applied in indoor plant cultivation.

Ground Bark for Indoor Plants: Ground bark, a byproduct of woodworking, is especially obtained from fir and pine trees. These bark pieces are commonly used in soil mixtures to improve aeration, drainage, and texture for indoor plants.

Characteristics of Indoor Plant Soil

Ideal soil mixtures for indoor plants should have the following features:

1. Ensure adequate air circulation between plant roots.
2. Retain sufficient water while allowing excess water to drain.
3. Provide adequate nutrients during different growth stages of the plant.
4. Be free of toxic substances.
5. Be lightweight for easy handling and root growth.
6. Have a suitable pH level for optimal plant health.

Ideal Soil Mix for Advanced Potted Plants An ideal soil mixture for mature or advanced potted plants consists of: 1 part sand 2 parts loamy soil 1 part peat or leaf compost ½ part well-rotted farmyard manure This mixture provides good drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability, ensuring healthy growth for indoor potted plants.

Repotting Indoor Plants

Indoor plants grown in pots of desired size and material may eventually require repotting for various reasons. Repotting is necessary when roots outgrow the pot, the soil quality deteriorates, or the plant shows signs of disease. Indicators of soil imbalance include:

• Green lichen on the outer part of the pot and moss on the soil surface, indicating strong soil acidification.
• Blue lichens or white efflorescence on the pot edges, indicating strong alkalization.

A general rule for repotting is to choose a pot slightly larger than the current one. Using a pot that is too large can delay the plant’s growth to fill the soil completely. During this period, nutrients may be washed away through watering, leading to soil acidification or alkalization in a short time.

Steps for Repotting Indoor Plants

The new pot should be 1–2 sizes larger than the old one. Avoid using a pot that is too large, as it can delay the plant’s roots from filling the soil completely, which may hinder healthy growth.

When removing the plant from the old pot, hold it between the ring finger and middle finger at the soil surface.

Next, securely hold the pot, invert it, and gently tap one side against a firm surface to release the soil-bound plant.

To prevent potential diseases, remove some of the old soil from the roots. This helps ensure the plant’s healthy development.

Place the plant in the center of the new pot at the desired depth using your right hand. With your left hand, fill the pot with prepared soil, leaving about 1.5–2 cm from the top edge. Tap the pot gently on a firm surface to compact the soil slightly.

Aftercare for Repotted Indoor Plants: After repotting, water the plant thoroughly until the soil is completely moist. Afterwards, water sparingly but frequently mist the leaves to maintain humidity.

Even if the plant prefers bright light, newly repotted plants should not be placed under direct sunlight initially. Instead, keep them in semi-shaded or lightly shaded areas to prevent stress and ensure healthy adaptation.

Repotting Frequency and Procedure for Indoor Plants

Houseplant Care >> Repotting should be done annually for vigorously growing young indoor plants and every few years for older plants. If the plant’s roots are damaged, prune the above-ground parts as much as possible to reduce stress.

During repotting, the soil should be removed as a whole ball without breaking it apart. Place a small piece of broken pot over the drainage hole at the bottom to allow excess water to drain during watering.

When planting in the new pot, position the cleaned plant in the center at the desired height, then fill the surrounding area with soil and compact it gently. Tap the pot several times on the bottom to ensure the soil settles properly. Leave a 2-finger deep space at the top for watering, which is an important step to facilitate proper irrigation.