Are you an experienced indoor gardener looking for a new challenge? Or perhaps you've been growing houseplants for a while now and are ready to take your skills to the next level? Whatever the reason, there are plenty of houseplants out there that will test your green thumb and give you a sense of accomplishment when you see them thrive. Here are some of the best houseplants for experienced growers, along with tips on how to use Hesi fertiliser to give them the best chance of success.
8 difficult houseplant for experienced growers
There are countless houseplants in this world that are trickier to take care of than others. The reasons can vary from very sensitive plants, to plants that need specific environments or in general it is difficult to grow bigger and stronger. We chose 8 houseplants that should only be bought by the experienced grower, or whoever is ready for a challenge.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig has been a popular indoor plant for years now, and for good reason. With its large, glossy leaves and elegant silhouette, it's a true statement plant that can add drama to any room. However, it can also be a bit of a diva when it comes to care. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and is sensitive to over- and under-watering. Using Hesi PowerZyme can help to keep the soil healthy and prevent the buildup of organic matter that can lead to root rot.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
The delicate, lacy foliage of the Maidenhair Fern is a favourite among indoor gardeners. However, it can be a challenging plant to grow, as it requires high humidity and regular misting to prevent its delicate leaves from drying out. Hesi Boost can provide the few nutrients and sugars needed for growth (best to spray) because ferns are real starvation artists.
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This trailing plant has round, bead-like leaves that give it a unique appearance. However, it can be tricky to keep it healthy indoors. It requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and is susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are known for their stunning foliage, which often features bold patterns and colours. However, they can be a bit fussy when it comes to care, requiring high humidity and consistent moisture levels. Using Hesi Root Complex can help to promote healthy root growth and prevent root rot. it's important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also not to overwater it.
Pitcher plant (Sarracenia spp.)
This carnivorous plant has distinctive leaves that form pitcher-like structures to trap insects. However, it requires a very specific environment to thrive. It needs bright, indirect light or even a sunny place with very high humidity, stable warm temperatures and distilled water and should not be fertilised with regular house plant fertilisers but a drop of SuperVit is always welcome.
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
For the truly adventurous indoor gardener, there's nothing quite like the Venus Flytrap. This carnivorous plant requires as a swamp plant acidic soil and high humidity, as well as a steady supply of insects to feed on. Using Sphagnum-moss (or Hesi pH- with pH meter) can help to adjust the pH level (4-4,5) of the soil to the acidic range that the Venus Flytrap prefers, while Hesi SuperVit can provide the extra nutrients needed to support its unique diet.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
The Bird of Paradise is another statement plant that can add a touch of the tropics to any indoor space. It requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, but is relatively low-maintenance otherwise. However, it needs a lot of space indoors. Strelitzia loves trace elements, they are an added value (as Root Complex or HousePlant Elixir). Using Hesi PK 13/14 during the flowering period can help to promote larger and more abundant flowers.
The kangaroo paw fern (and other similar ferns)
The kangaroo paw fern also belongs to the family of ferns and its needs are similar to the maidenhair fern. You can grow kangaroo ferns indoors or outdoors, but it is not winter-hardy. This delicate fern has thin, lacy leaves that give it a graceful appearance. However, it can be a challenge to keep it alive indoors, but it is not winterhardy. It requires high humidity and consistent moisture, as well as bright, indirect light.
Using Hesi
When using Hesi Plantenvoeding fertilisers on these plants, it's important to follow the instructions carefully and not to over-fertilize. These plants can be sensitive to too much fertiliser, which can cause burning of the leaves or even death. It's also a good idea to research the specific needs of each plant, as some may require specialised fertilisers or specific nutrient ratios. With the right care and attention, these challenging houseplants can be a rewarding addition to any experienced grower's collection.
HousePlant Elixir
Our newest product from, HousePlant Elixir, is particularly well-suited for the more difficult houseplants on this list. Start always with the lowest dosage and remember: the less the better!
It contains a balanced mix of nutrients that are essential for the healthy growth of plants, including trace elements and organic acids that can be difficult for plants to absorb on their own. For example, the iron and magnesium in Houseplant Elixir can help address common deficiencies in plants like Calathea and Fiddle Leaf Fig. Additionally, the organic acids in Houseplant Elixir can help to lower the pH of the soil, which is particularly beneficial for plants like Pilea and Maidenhair Fern that prefer more acidic conditions.
Overall, Houseplant Elixir can help to improve the overall health and vitality of even the most difficult houseplants, making it an excellent choice for the experienced grower looking to take their plant care to the next level.
No matter what houseplants you choose to grow as an experienced indoor gardener, using Hesi fertilisers can help to give them the best chance of success. From promoting healthy root growth to providing extra nutrients during flowering, Hesi has a range of products designed to support the growth and health of your plants. Happy growing!
- Cultivation Tips : Plant Care , Hesi Products , Cultivation Tips
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