Dos and Don’ts of Plant Care

Plants, like any other living things, require consistent care and attention to thrive. A neglected collection of plants can quickly become unappealing and unhealthy. Setting aside time each week to care for them is essential. With a collection of about 50 plants, it takes approximately two to three hours per week to keep them healthy and looking their best.

Watering: The Most Critical Factor

Do: Water Correctly

Watering is the most crucial and challenging aspect of plant care. Many plant owners mistakenly reach for the watering can whenever a plant looks unhealthy, but often, overwatering is the root cause of the problem. Proper drainage and understanding each plant’s specific water requirements are essential for maintaining plant health. A consistent watering schedule, rather than random watering, helps prevent issues like root rot and dehydration.

• Signs your plant needs water: The soil appears dry and has a gray-brown color. Check by feeling about half an inch below the surface. If the soil has pulled away from the pot’s sides, it’s too dry and requires thorough watering.
• Best watering technique: Use room-temperature water and fill the pot carefully, avoiding splashing the foliage or allowing water to accumulate in the plant’s center.
• Avoid overwatering: Never let pots sit in standing water. Any excess water should be drained after a few minutes.
• Special watering methods: Some plants, like African violets, prefer bottom watering. Place the pot in a saucer of tepid water for about five minutes, then discard any remaining water.
• Seasonal adjustments: Warmer conditions demand more frequent watering. However, winter care depends on the type of plant—some need reduced watering for their winter rest period.

Don’t: Overwater Your Plants

• Overwatering can suffocate plant roots by removing oxygen from the soil, leading to stunted growth and root rot.
• Do not water on a fixed schedule; instead, check the soil’s moisture level first.
• Avoid using cold water, which can shock the roots.

Watering During Holidays

If you’re going away, consider these methods:

• Have a trusted neighbor water your plants.
• Place pots on a damp sand layer or wrap them in damp newspaper.
• Use glass fiber wicks to transfer water from a container to the soil.
• For small plants, water well and seal them in plastic bags to retain moisture.

Maintaining Proper Humidity

Do: Increase Humidity When Needed

Many plants struggle in dry indoor air, particularly in heated homes. Increasing humidity can help:

• Use a plant mister to spray a fine mist on the leaves two to three times daily (except for hairy-leaved plants).
• Place pots on a tray of moist pebbles to create a humid microclimate.
• Use a shallow water container with wooden blocks or pebbles to keep the plants elevated above standing water.

Don’t: Ignore Humidity Levels

• Dry air can cause plants to wilt, develop brown leaf edges, and become more susceptible to pests.
• Avoid excessive misting on plants with fuzzy leaves, as this can lead to fungal growth.

Feeding Your Plants

Do: Use the Right Fertilizer

Healthy, well-fed plants are more resistant to diseases and pests. Since potting soil loses nutrients over time, additional feeding is necessary.

• Feeding schedule: Most plants need fertilizer from early April to October. However, winter-flowering plants require feeding during their growth period.
• Choosing fertilizers: Use specially formulated liquid or granulated fertilizers and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Controlled feeding: Some fertilizers come in dropper bottles for precise application.

Don’t: Overfeed Your Plants

• Adding extra fertilizer beyond the recommended dose can damage plant roots.
• Overfeeding can lead to excessive, unruly growth, causing plants to lose their aesthetic appeal.

Repotting Plants

Do: Repot at the Right Time

Repotting can be stressful for plants, so it should be done carefully. It is best to repot during the growing season when plants can recover more quickly. Ensuring the right soil mix and pot size will help minimize transplant shock and support healthy growth. Before repotting, water the plant thoroughly a day or two in advance to reduce stress and make the roots easier to handle. After repotting, place the plant in a shaded area for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new environment before returning it to its usual spot.

• Best time for repotting: Spring is ideal, as plant roots are most active.
• Signs a plant needs repotting:
  • Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
  • Soil ball is completely covered with roots when removed from the pot.
  • Slow or stunted growth despite proper care.
• Choosing the right pot:
  • Select a pot slightly larger than the current one.
  • Overpotting (choosing a pot too large) can delay plant growth.
  • Remove old soil from the top layer for large plants that cannot be repotted easily.

Don’t: Repot Unnecessarily

• Some plants, like the aspidistra, prefer being slightly root-bound and should be repotted only every few years.
• Overpotting can cause excess moisture retention, leading to root rot.

Choosing Between Clay and Plastic Pots

Plastic pots have largely replaced clay ones due to their lightweight and moisture-retaining properties.

• Pros of plastic pots:
  • Easier to handle and widely available.
  • Retain moisture better, requiring less frequent watering.
• Considerations:
  • Watering must be carefully managed since plastic pots do not dry out as quickly as clay pots.

Conclusion

Caring for plants involves more than just watering them occasionally. Understanding the dos and don’ts of plant care ensures healthy, thriving plants. By mastering proper watering, humidity control, feeding, and repotting techniques, you can enjoy a vibrant indoor garden. Implement these best practices and watch your plants flourish!