Caring for Indoor Plants in Your Long Island Home

Homeowners are always looking for new and exciting ways to spruce up their households. Finding a few indoor plants at local plant shops is an inexpensive way to give areas more color and improve their atmosphere. Indoor plants aren't too difficult to take care of, but there are a few basic guidelines that you should follow. Our real estate agents have put together some quick tips to help you get started.

• Learn Their Watering Needs
  You first need to figure out each indoor plant's watering requirements so that you're not likely to under-water or over-water them. Plants differ in how much you need to water them, so you should do some research or ask someone at a nursery about your particular plant. If you're afraid that you'll neglect them, you may want to stick to cacti or succulents, which need less water.
  
  
• Fertilize Them Periodically
  In addition to watering, most houseplants should be fertilized occasionally. The spring and summer seasons are typically the best time to do this with most indoor plants because this is when they go through a growth spurt. You don't want to over-fertilize houseplants, so look at their care instructions and follow them as closely as possible.
  
  
• Be Sure to Wash Them Off
  Indoor plants will get dirty just like anything else in your home. We recommend that you remove dust from the plants occasionally and spray each one down very lightly with a bit of water. If the plants have hairy leaves, we'd recommend using a small brush to clean them off, whereas smooth leaves can be wiped down with a clean cloth. Doing this will make the plant look better but will also assist it in soaking up more light.
  
  
• Don't Forget to Prune Them
  Homeowners very often forget to prune. You should do this during the fall season because most plants will have grown quite a bit over the summer. Pruning will make the plants look better but also prevent them from getting too big. This is also a great time to remove dead leaves and stems around the plant.
  
  
• Repot Overgrown Plants
  If any of your indoor plants are overgrown, you need to put them in a new pot. Sometimes, it's hard to tell from the top of the plant, so check the roots. If they're circling inside their current pot, this is a good indicator that the plant should be moved. That being said, you can keep it in the same pot by trimming some of the roots and replanting it with fresh potting soil.
  
  
• Remove and Prevent Pests
  There's no way to avoid all pests, but there are ways to prevent most of them. First, gently spray your indoor plants to clear away any bugs. Next, use insecticidal soap on the plant. This protects them from several different types of pests, including aphids and spider mites.
  
  
• Purchase Some Air Plants
  If you don't have a lot of time to take care of your indoor plants or are afraid that they might die under your watch, you may want to purchase some air plants. As the name suggests, these plants primarily require air to grow. You don't need to add any soil, which makes taking care of them easier. Plus, their leaves look a bit like the appendages of an alien or exotic sea creature, which adds to the allure.

Just a few indoor plants can turn your household into a true home for you and your loved ones. If you're ready to find your new dream home, contact us today.