Aphiwe MtwakuCaring for your houseplants involves ‘listening’ to your plant’s needs and observing how they behave when they’re watered, moved about and pruned. These actions are essential to caring for your houseplants.
Here are some key dos and don’ts for your houseplant care.
Houseplant care
Houseplants may seem like a good idea, and they are! However, take note that there are some which are easier to take care of. And remember that there are others that can get a bit temperamental and require extra care.
Get clued up
Knowing more about the houseplants you buy or are gifted with is key to knowing how best to take care of them. They don’t magically thrive without the plant parent doing their part.
Plant food
The first step in houseplant care is the soil. Feed your houseplants by fertilising the soil during the growing season.
Watering your plants is also important, and you should make sure your pots are well-draining so as to not over-water your plants.
Houseplants that require a lot of sun need to be placed in an area of your home that receives enough light. There are those that love shade like lilies. These do not require much sun.
Location, location
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If you notice that your plant is not doing so well and you get a sense of ‘oh no’, try moving the plant’s location. Since plants are also feelers they may just be unhappy in a certain spot.
If the plant was in a well-lit area receiving sun most of the day, consider moving it to a shadier part of the house.
Also, grouping your plants together can help them grow better together. Find a spot in your home to place varieties of your indoor plants together to create an indoor forest set-up.
Re-pot as needed
The time will come when some of your plants have outgrown the pot they arrived in. It’s now time to re-pot your beloved houseplants.
Therefore, having extra pots about the house in preparation for this is also a plus. Additionally, you can reuse your smaller pots to propagate new grows.
Prune away
Houseplant care also involves pruning your plants after a season of growth to keep them looking well-kempt. You can do this as autumn begins to keep them in prime shape.
You may also want to remove any dead or decaying leaves from the plants. This promotes new growth in the houseplants you own.
Mulch with stones
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Use tiny stones as mulch to help retain water in your potted plants. Not only are rocks a good option as mulch, known for their water retention, but they also look super cute on display in your pots.
Also see: Watering tips for your winter garden
Featured image: Pexels
