Show me your plants and I’ll show you who you are. The state your plants are in says a lot about you. Therefore, it’s important to keep them in good condition to make a good impression of anyone visiting your home. Most people don’t keep real plants in their home because they’re hard to keep alive. Contrary to this belief, some plants don’t require much attention. Here are some tips on how to take care of your potted plant.
- Avoid Over-watering
Most houseplants prefer to be dry than soaking wet. Too much water makes the soil soggy hence causing the plant to rot. If you’re not sure whether your plant needs water, check its weight. The heavier it is, the less water it needs. Most potted plants can survive if you water them once or twice a week. Additionally, when you’re watering your plant, pour the water slowly and in moderation. You should stop when you notice water escaping from the drainage hole in the container.
- Make Sure They Get Enough Light
Different plants have different light requirements. When plants are indoors, they don’t get their recommended sunlight intake. Therefore, you should ensure to keep your potted plants somewhere they can receive bright and indirect sunlight every day. Certain plants like succulents require up to 6 hours of sunlight to reach their full potential. If possible, place your plants next to a window where they can get sunlight throughout without having to move them around all the time.
- Dust Off Your Plants
One of the main reasons for having potted plants is to improve the appearance of your house or office. Dust accumulates on these plants over time making them look dull and unattractive. If not cleaned, it not only lessens the plant’s vibrant appearance but can also core its pores hence preventing proper air circulation. You can dust them off with a soft cloth or soft brush if the plant has hairy leaves.
- Add Humidity
Just like our skin dries up in a dry environment so do plants. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow, it’s probably because the air is too dry. Keep them moisturized by grouping your houseplants close together. Additionally, you can spray the leaves using a bottle spray. If you have a humidifier, this can also provide a solution to your dry air problems.
- Do Some Damage Control
The good thing about potted plants is that most of the dirty work has already been done for you. However, you still need to maintain your plants if you want them to thrive. This includes keeping pests away, clipping dead stems and checking your soil’s drainage. Remember to use delicate tools and be gentle with your plants so as to not accidentally harm them. Dig round to plant to improve the soil’s drainage. You can also add a few drainage-enhancing materials such as Styrofoam.
Tip: Know what type of plant you have so it’s easier to give it the correct care.
Are you planning to start gardening? Check out 5 Great Plants To Grow In Your Kitchen Garden