Hanging
basket houseplants create beauty, interest, color, and a sense of peace and
relaxation in the home environment – when the plants are healthy. Indoor hanging
baskets aren’t quite as lovely when the plants inside them are overgrown,
bedraggled, messy, or half dead. How do you care for hanging basket
houseplants? Read on for tips on indoor hanging basket care to keep your plants
green, healthy, and beautiful.
Growing Hanging Baskets Inside
Indoor hanging plants filled with damp potting mix tend to
be heavy, especially if the pots are clay or ceramic. Make sure hanging baskets
in the home are securely attached to wall studs or ceiling beams. If you’re
concerned that the pot is still too heavy, you can mix the potting
soil with perlite, which also improves drainage conditions. Keep in mind,
however, that improved drainage means more frequent watering.
Place indoor hanging plants where they get adequate light, which depends on the needs of the plant. Plants that aren’t receiving enough light may display poor growth, small leaves, long and thin stems, or pale color. On the other hand, some plants will scorch in bright, direct sunlight. Too much light is generally portrayed by pale green or white leaves, leaves with brown or yellow edges, or wilting caused by excess heat and dry soil.
Watering hanging basket houseplants is the most difficult
part of growing hanging baskets inside. Invest in a long-necked watering can
and keep a stool or stepladder handy. You can also water the plant in the sink
or shower. Remember that hanging baskets in the home dry out faster because the
air is warmer and dryer near the ceiling. If you aren’t sure if it’s time to water,
poke your finger into the soil and water the top inch (2.5 cm.) if potting mix
feels dry. Be sure to also water if the plant begins to wilt.
Fertilize hanging plants regularly, but only when the soil
is moist. Fertilizing when the potting mix is dry can burn the plants quickly
and severely. Keep a close eye on your plants and provide maintenance
as needed to keep them healthy and looking their best. Trim dead leaves
regularly and cut back wayward or unsightly growth.
Hanging
basket houseplants create beauty, interest, color, and a sense of peace and
relaxation in the home environment – when the plants are healthy. Indoor hanging
baskets aren’t quite as lovely when the plants inside them are overgrown,
bedraggled, messy, or half dead. How do you care for hanging basket
houseplants? Read on for tips on indoor hanging basket care to keep your plants
green, healthy, and beautiful.
Growing Hanging Baskets Inside
Indoor hanging plants filled with damp potting mix tend to
be heavy, especially if the pots are clay or ceramic. Make sure hanging baskets
in the home are securely attached to wall studs or ceiling beams. If you’re
concerned that the pot is still too heavy, you can mix the potting
soil with perlite, which also improves drainage conditions. Keep in mind,
however, that improved drainage means more frequent watering.
Place indoor hanging plants where they get adequate light, which depends on the needs of the plant. Plants that aren’t receiving enough light may display poor growth, small leaves, long and thin stems, or pale color. On the other hand, some plants will scorch in bright, direct sunlight. Too much light is generally portrayed by pale green or white leaves, leaves with brown or yellow edges, or wilting caused by excess heat and dry soil.
Watering hanging basket houseplants is the most difficult
part of growing hanging baskets inside. Invest in a long-necked watering can
and keep a stool or stepladder handy. You can also water the plant in the sink
or shower. Remember that hanging baskets in the home dry out faster because the
air is warmer and dryer near the ceiling. If you aren’t sure if it’s time to water,
poke your finger into the soil and water the top inch (2.5 cm.) if potting mix
feels dry. Be sure to also water if the plant begins to wilt.
Fertilize hanging plants regularly, but only when the soil
is moist. Fertilizing when the potting mix is dry can burn the plants quickly
and severely. Keep a close eye on your plants and provide maintenance
as needed to keep them healthy and looking their best. Trim dead leaves
regularly and cut back wayward or unsightly growth.