How to Care for Indoor Plants During the Winter

Indoor plants are one of the most used indoor decorations. They give special additional beauty to one's home. The colors help to bring out the beauty of the home. What else could make a perfect indoor decoration? But not all indoor plants find it easy to survive during the wintertime. 

Wintertime is the most dangerous season of the year for indoor plants. With lighting dropping, colder temperatures, and dry air, causes more harm to houseplants. Here are things that can be done to help indoor plants survive the winter season:

Allow for better lighting:

During wintertime, the light intensity dropped to around 50%. Plants need light to survive. When plants are moved to the window, it allows for better light. Clean windows frequently for better results. In addition to this, the dust of the plants so they can get better light. You can also add artificial lights as bulbs. Place them around 4-12 inches away from the plants for better results.

Warm up the temperature:

Any temperature less than 50°F is dangerous for most plants. Most indoor plants adapt to a temperature between 65-75°F.  Adjust your thermostat to A more suitable level. Avoid placing your plants in areas that are most likely to give a cooler temperature such as exterior windows or cold drafts. If Windows frost at night, move the plants away before night.

Change the watering schedule:

One of the most common problems faced by indoor plants is overwatering. Most plants do not need to be watered until their soil is almost dried. You know when your plant needs water by putting your hand deep through the soil to around 2 inches. If the soil is dry, then water is needed. Or you can raise your plant's pot to check the weight. It is usually lighter when dry than when wet. Then you will know if your plant needs water. If your room is humidified, plants would not need water. 

Improve humidity:

Homes during winter offer 5% to 10% of humidity. Plants however need 40% to 50% humidity. When they don't get the right humidity, they might end up getting brown leaves. Improve humidity to a more suitable position for your plants.

Take note of pests:

Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, fungus gnats, and likes tend to appear more as a result of lack of sunlight. Try to always check out for them and do not hesitate to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Having indoor plants is beautiful. We always enjoy the beauty that comes along with it. It is often used to beautify the home. However, taking care of it is a different task. It is easier to do so in other seasons that support the atmosphere of their habitat. However, it becomes more difficult to be taken care of in winter. Following the above procedures, it would help taking care of the plants in the winter season easier with better effects.

###

Photo by Scott Webb from Pexels

Best Essential Oils for Respiratory Health

At some times in life, most especially during the winter season, we end up getting coughs or the flu. Fortunately, there are numerous natural remedies to go for, including the best essential oils for respiratory health. 

Essential oils are extracted from plants along with their flavor and scent. Essential oils have been used for years for skin care, hair care, reducing stress and tension, and more. They can also be used to solve some respiratory issues such as coughing. Most essential oils have compounds clear the way for better breathing and also help fight against bacteria and viruses. These are some essential oils that have been proven helpful for respiratory health.

Peppermint essential oil:

This is a good oil that helps ease breathing for people with coughs. It helps to relax the windpipe muscles. Most products for helping with respiration contain this oil. Menthol is made from peppermint and helps to create a clearer pathway through the throat, giving a cool sensation for easier breathing and eliminating a scratchy throat.

Frankincense essential oil:

It is traditionally known as a good oil for easing people's cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It is made from the Boswellia tree and is used in perfumes and incense.

Nutmeg oil:

This oil contains camphene which is a compound that is like camphor. It sends a cooling sensation through the lungs when inhaled. It also has antioxidant properties that can help in the protection against cell damage and germs.

Thyme oil:

This contains a large amount of carvacrol. This oil may help in the protection against bacteria and viruses or even in getting rid of them.

Oregano essential oil:

This also contains a large amount of carvacrol which works as an antimicrobial agent, which helps to eliminate germs. In turn, it can be used as a treatment for bacteria that cause coughing.

Eucalyptus essential oil:

This oil can be used to calm a cough. It also works as an antimicrobial agent, which fights against bacteria that cause illness. It may also help in relieving pain, muscle tension, or reducing inflammation that resulted from cough or flu.

Out of the many possible remedies to solve respiratory issues, essential oils have been one of the most effective methods. They serve many purposes, and supporting good respiratory health is one of them. They also fight against such illness. 

You can try some out and notice the relief you get from making use of them. NHC provides some of the best essential oils for respiratory health. Whenever you have such respiratory health challenges, give essential oils a chance and see their potential effect on you.