Factors to Consider when Caring for Your Plants
Many people worry a lot when it comes to caring for their plants. When talking about house plants, there is no need to worry. There are just a few things you need to consider.
1. Watering
A watering can is a must-have in every garden. It is recommended that you purchase the one with a narrow spout to ensure adequate watering. But that does not always apply, so the finger test may come in handy. Insert your index finger up to the first joint into the soil. If you feel that the soil is damp, don’t water it. Otherwise, do.
2. Feeding
With foliage plants, they always need to be high in nitrogen. For flowering plants, on the other hand, K2O (potassium oxide) is needed. Fertilizers such as the slow release ones can be mixed with the compost. However, some plants like cacti and orchids need special fertilizers. Feed plants on the height of their active growth.
3. Lighting
Plants like Sanseveria and Aspidistra require no shade. They can be placed away from a window. Spider plants need semi-shade. You can put plants like these near a window that does or does not get direct sunlight. Others need sun or no sun at all like cheese plants.
4. Temperature
With houseplants, they can survive in temperatures a bit higher than 15 – 25 C or 55 – 75 F. But drastic fluctuations in temperature may not be good for them.
5. Humidity
Some houseplants require a humid environment. One tip to maximize humidity is to put the pot inside a larger pot and fill in the gaps with stones or compost to keep in the moisture. The compost will not dry out. Plants are capable of creating their own climate if grouped together. This tip can also be used for keeping the soil moist. If you want, you can spray them with water once or twice a day depending on the day’s temperature.
6. Repotting
Other plants require repotting for optimum growth but some plants may not be suitable for this idea. They would not want their roots to be disturbed, or with other plants their root system is small. One way to check if your plant needs repotting is to turn it upside down. Tap the pot to release the plant and check its roots. If roots are all you see, then repot into a larger pot with added soil.
You just need to have a little care for your plants and in turn, you’ll reap their benefits. You don’t only have a garden that can add to your house’s beauty, you can also learn how to respect and nurture life in its varied forms.
