The best houseplants are not “indoor” as such. They come from nature and, in it, many They grow under the canopy of trees, in humid and shady areas, where direct sunlight barely reaches and moisture remains trapped between the foliage.

That is their natural environment. Felipe Castro, known on social media as @felipe_quieroverde, sums it up like this: “What we call an indoor plant is actually an understory plant.”. This determines some of their needs, which we do not always keep in mind when taking care of them in order to do so in the optimal way.

Is your plant receiving adequate light?

Poor understanding of the needs of a houseplant leads to mistakes in care, for example in relation to light needs.

Expert Felipe Castro explains that observing the color of the leaves gives clues about whether we are doing it right or wrong: «If it has a very light green, it means that it has too much light. If it has a very dark green, it means that it lacks it,» explains.

A rule as simple as being guided by the color of the leaves, as explained by the Quiero Verde expert, can help you relocate your plants without the need for apps or devices sophisticated.

The ideal place for most of these plants is near a bright window with thin curtains, or in corners where light arrives in a filtered way.

In general, with exceptions, avoid direct sun, especially during the hottest hours, because it can burn the leaves and dehydrate the plant quickly.

Group plants together so they survive and thrive

iStock

Clustering plants not only improves the relative humidity around them, but also makes the environment more stable.

In nature, this effect occurs naturally: The plants protect each other from wind, excessive sun and desiccation.

At home, we can recreate this effect by placing several pots together, especially in trays with wet stones.

Furthermore, this group It helps reduce temperature fluctuations and provides a more lush aesthetic. Your green corner will look more lush and your plants will appreciate that small shared ecosystem.

The right fertilizer for what you want to achieve

Felipe Castro also offers very specific advice on fertilization:

• If what you are looking for is more leaves, Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
• If what you want are more flowers, bet on the bone mealideal for stimulating flowering thanks to its contribution of phosphorus and calcium.

It is important Apply these products in moderation and always following the recommended doses.

Too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good, causing root burns or uncontrolled and weak growth.

Don’t forget to clean its leaves

iStock Photo.Petrenkod

A little known truth is that indoor plants They accumulate environmental residues, smoke, kitchen grease and fine dust.

This layer prevents the leaves from carrying out photosynthesis effectively. Felipe explains it clearly: “They usually have large leaves and need you to clean them.”

Cleaning plant leaves can be done simply with a damp cloth, without the need for commercial brighteners. A weekly habit will be enough for your plants to breathe better and look healthier.

Irrigation, less is more

One of the biggest mistakes made when caring for indoor plants is excess watering. “If you water too much, the roots will rot and bye,” Felipe warns bluntly.

On the other hand, underwatering has a solution, If the plant shows signs of dehydration, such as slightly drooping leaves, just water and in less than an hour he usually recovers.

Observing is the key. Each plant and each space has its own needs, and there is no universal formula. But If you pay attention to what its leaves and its appearance tell you, you will learn to read its signs. and act accordingly.

A garden at home with science and love

Felipe Castro has turned his advice into an accessible and natural philosophy: understanding plants as living beings that need conditions consistent with their origin.

To create a home full of life you just have to observe, adjust, and as he himself says, “buy more plants”, because The closer we get to recreating that undergrowth they came from, the happier they will be. our plants.