Indoor plants are becoming increasingly valued. Research shows they help reduce stress levels, may sharpen your attention, and even help you recover from illness faster. They may also boost productivity and improve your whole outlook on work. Researchers also say that gardening, including indoor gardening, can help increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions.
Plants also improve the air quality in the room with some varieties like the Boston fern proving more effective at air purification than others. House plants in the hands of beginner gardeners don’t always fare well. Here are gardening mistakes that may be killing your indoor plants.
Water-related mistakes
The most common problems first-time gardeners make revolve around watering. This includes watering at the wrong time of day, overwatering, and underwatering. The best time to water is early in the morning or after the sun begins to set. Watering during the day when the sun is at full blast leads to fast evaporation which can burn the leaves of the plant. Be careful not to water the leaves, instead, focus on where the plant goes into the soil.
Indoor plants do not need to be watered every day. You can easily find out online how often to water your specific plant. Another common problem is underwatering which often happens because people are busy, and they forget or they travel and leave no one to tend to the plant. If this is you, you should only keep resilient plants like succulents which require minimum water and attention.
Poor drainage
For indoor plants, drainage is key. You should only use pots that have drainage holes. Most people have such pots but once water collects in the little saucer under the pot, they do not empty it. This causes the roots to rot, killing the plant. Empty any excess water that collects from the pot.
Too much or too little light
Indoor plants often die because they are not exposed to enough light or are exposed to too much light. Different plants have different light requirements. When buying houseplants, make your selection based on the light available in the room where you intend to place the plant. There are plenty of shady indoor plants for people who do not receive enough light and others for people who do.
Lack of fertilization or over-fertilization
Water is not all plants need to thrive. Plants that are not fertilized end up being weak. Indoor plants are not heavy feeders, but they still require regular fertilization to get the nutrients they need. Another common mistake this time among those who remember to fertilize is overfertilizing. Overfertilizing leads to the browning and wilting of leaves. You can find out online the fertilizer and nutrients required for your specific plant as well as the quantities.
Shoddy soil
First-time gardeners often just transplant soil from elsewhere and stick their plants in or reuse old potting soil. Both ways are guaranteed to place your indoor plant in an environment free of nutrients. Poor quality soil like that is not fit to grow anything in its current state. Proper soil is key to success. Find out what the best soil is for your house plant and use that. Different plants have different soil requirements because of things like pH level, mineral balance, density, and aeration needs.
Not repotting
It is important to repot your plants when they grow so that they are not squeezed into their old, smaller pot. Most beginner gardeners just leave the potted plant in the pot it came in as it grows bigger. This causes the roots of the houseplant to suffocate. Repotting is essential for the survival of growing indoor plants.
Dirty leaves
People assume that the accumulation of dust and dirt on plant leaves is normal and harmless. Accumulated on the leaves keeps your house plant from absorbing sunlight which can be fatal to some plants. Dirt can also attract pests, insects, and diseases. Make it a habit to regularly clean the leaves of your indoor plants. A baking soda solution and cotton cloth should suffice. You can also use a weak soapy mixture.
Underestimating diseases and pests
One would be forgiven for assuming that their houseplant is safe from potential pests and diseases for not being out in the harsh elements. They would be wrong. Indoor plants are also attacked by pests and get diseases. Be vigilant about checking on your plants to keep track of any changes or pests. Act fast when you see pests or suspect diseases.
Check out
Tips for buying houseplants for first-times
Lifestyle: How To Take Care Of Your Potted Plants
Gardening: Homemade Fertilizer For A Kitchen Garden
