Figure 22 aloe Vera plant (source-google images

2.3.5 Irrigation

Potting Mixes:

A good mix for tender and fertile soil are- • Peat - decomposed organic matter harvested from acidic wetlands. • Perlite - volcanic mineral that expands on heating • Coarse sand.

Soil needs peat and perlite to hold moisture and nutrients while coarse sand help drains extra water.

Foliage plants need high levels of organic matter. Cacti and other succulents need coarse sand for proper drainage of water. Potting mixes should avoid normal outside garden soil. Bagged potting soil is sterile, but have a high level of salts and drainage problems which may cause fungus and moulds. For specific plants, the nutrient can be added using fertilizers.

Containers

The size of the container depends on the size of the plant. Plants can be grown on these types of containers: • Glazed clay (ceramic) pot • Plastic pot • Clay pot • Metal pot • Wood pot All pots should have a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. The container must be large enough to provide enough space for root growth for at least one year.

2.3.6 Watering

One of the major cause leading to plant’s death is improper watering. Source - the water should be delivered through the 1-inch pipeline and water temperature should be between 15 to 21 . ℃ ℃ Water should always be tested and deionized if a high level of soluble salts is found i.e. above or equal to 200 ppm. Drainage –drainage is important for the healthy growth of roots. Improper drainage can cause roots to rot.

The drainage slope should be greater than 3-degree and less than a 20-degree angle. Plants should be watered when the soil becomes dry. When plants are overwatered, the roots of plants don’t function properly due to lack of oxygen.

Plants in small pots need water more often than those in large pots because the water moisture is not retained for a longer time. Containers should have drainage holes should and a layer of coarse gravel placed in the bottom to allow space for excess water to seep out. To avoid water to flow on floors the "double potting" technique can be used. This technique consists of placing a plant pot inside another pot and adding stones in between the 2 pots to maintain gap and space for drainage, which can later be removed manually.

Figure16 basic layers to be laid for growing indoor plants (source-google images)

2.3.7 Maintenance

The smooth and healthy maintenance of plants needs action during the design stage.

Fertilizers:

Indoor plants do not need a large number of fertilizers to grow as the rapid growth of plants is undesirable for indoor plants Interior plants should be fertilized every 2 or 3 months during summers whereas in winters the plants don’t need any fertilizers.

Grooming:

The leaves of most indoor plants collect dust and cause health issues for plants thus, the dirt should be cleaned monthly with a moist soft cloth. Clean foliage is required for