Lush Green

Lush green plants enjoy regular watering so that the soil remains moist and aerated. Depending on the species, some require more water than others. More delicate species, such as lace-leaf fern, require about 1-2 inches of water each week. You’ll know when it’s time to water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water until beading appears through the drainage hole, discard the collected water, and then add more until the same beading occurs.

Most lush green plants are low to medium light plants, meaning that they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight or too much light can cause the bright green foliage to turn yellow and reduce the amount of water the soil can hold. Lush green plants are happiest in medium light, and can still grow well while placed away from south-facing windows. However, some species prefer even lower light, like the Nephrolepis palm and hair grass.

Most lush green plants do best in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing them near windows or exterior doors, as drafts can reduce the temperature of the area and stunt the plants’ growth. Too high of temeprature can also be stifling to the plants, causing them to wilt. If conditions outdoors are particularly hot, you may need to move the plant indoors for protection.

Many lush green plants thrive in high humidity since they originate from tropical climates. They naturally increase the humidity of a room within a few feet of the plant, but this isn’t enough if the air is particularly dry. Mist your plants with a spray bottle at least once a week and use a room humidifier to ensure the air is adequately humid for the plant.

Lush green plants enjoy well-aerated soil with good drainage. A general potting mix should suffice, although make sure it contains plenty of organic material. If not, you can add it yourself. You should also mix in a small amount of gravel or pebbles to promote drainage and aeration, as well as a handful of perlite or pumice for the same purpose. The soil should smell slightly sweet and be slightly damp when it’s done right.

Lush green plants should be fertilized once every month during the Spring to Fall months. Before fertilizing, ensure that the soil is evenly moist. To avoid fertilizer burn, use an organic fertilizer made specifically for houseplants diluted to ½ of the recommended strength. You can also use pellets or compost tea diluted to ⅓ of the recommended strength. Avoid mixing the fertilizer into the surface of the soil, as this can cause nutrient burn.

Most lush green plants are vulnerable to pests, although they vary by species. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. To get rid of them, spray the plant with water, and if the infestation persists mix a solution of water and dish soap and spray the surface of the leaves, the stems, and the soil. This should take care of most pests. If the problem isn’t solved, switch to insecticidal soap or neem oil. In particularly bad cases, be sure to isolate the plant from other houseplants that can carry the infestation.

Lush green plants should be repotted every 1-2 years. If the roots have grown to the point where they’re visible coming through the soil or sticking out the drainage holes, it’s a good time to repot. Choose a pot 2 inches larger than the current pot and fill it with a soil mixture appropriate for your plant. After planting the plant in the new pot, water thoroughly and let the soil settle before giving the plant anymore attention.

Pruning is best done in the spring or summer after a period of growth. It helps keep the plants looking healthy and can encourage even further growth. If you’re pruning off an entire stem, cut it back as close to the soil as possible. To pinch off a few leaves, simply pinch them off the stem and remove them. You can also trim away any dead foliage to further encourage growth.

Mulching is not a necessary step in caring for lush green plants, but it can provide an extra layer of protection that keeps the roots healthy and the soil moist. The amount of mulch used should be about 1 inch deep, and can include anything from bark chips to cocoa hulls. This layer of mulch will also help to control weeds and keep pests away.

Many of the species included in the Lush Green category can be propagated from cuttings or dividing. With cuttings, you can cut the stem at the node and root it in moist soil or water, or propagate it directly into the soil. To divide your plant, take the pot out of the soil and divide it into two to three pieces. Make sure that each piece has at least two leaves and some roots, and plant each piece in new, individual containers.

Lush green plants can benefit from being supported, especially some of the taller varieties. This helps keep the stem upright without having to repot into a heavy pot or use willow sticks or stakes. To support your plant, position the pot directly under the hanging part of the stem, and gently drape the stem around the pot so it’s secured into the soil. This is particularly important if you’ve planted vines or several other plants together in one pot.

Lush green plants don’t typically require any kind of winter rest period. However, if you’d like to give your plant a rest period to promote growth or encourage flowering, you can reduce the amount of water and light given in the winter months to give a dormant period. This should be done gradually over several months, as opposed to quickly reducing both water and light.

Most Lush Green plants are not toxic to pets, but it’s always best to double check before bringing your plant home. If you’re unsure, look up the specific species you’re interested in purchasing and find out if it is toxic to cats, dogs, or other mammals.