Whether you keep plants in pots in your living room or you have a garden in your backyard, caring for them can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as many people make it out to be. Caring for a plant may not be as demanding as caring for a pet, but it’s still a living thing that will die without proper care. With that being said, let’s go over some common plant care mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Overwatering or Underwatering
Knowing how much to water your plants can be tricky. Overwatering plants can cause root rot and mold growth, while underwatering causes leaves to wilt or dry out. To make sure you’re watering your plants just enough, check the top inch of the soil. If it’s dry, your plant needs more water. For outdoor plants, keep a close eye on leaves, especially if you haven’t received a lot of rain lately. If they’re turning yellow along the edges and the soil around the plants is dry, you can water your plants with a hose or sprinkler.
You should also read up on exactly how much water specific types of plants actually need. For example, succulents don’t need as much water as other plants, so keep them on a lighter watering schedule.
Not Providing Enough Light
While you probably won’t have to worry about your outdoor plants, it’s easy to accidentally deprive indoor plants of enough light. Plants that are placed too far away from windows or grow lights could end up with weak, elongated stems and yellow leaves. To make sure that all of your plants get enough light, place them close to windows or invest in grow lights that simulate sunlight. Rotate your plants regularly to ensure that they all receive enough sunlight.
Using the Wrong Soil
Not all plants thrive in the same type of soil. Check your plants’ nutritional needs, and make sure that you plant them in soil that is right for them.
Using Pots Without Drainage Holes
Most pots have holes on the bottom that allow water to drain out. This is necessary for preventing your plants from developing root rot and other issues associated with overwatering. Make sure that your pots have these holes, and place them in trays that allow for safe draining.
Ignoring Signs of Pests
Indoor and outdoor plants are vulnerable to pest infestations, and ignoring the early warning signs of such infestations can be hazardous to your plants’ health. Look for signs such as curling leaves, yellowing leaves, and tiny spider webs on and around your plants. If you suspect that a plant has an infestation, separate it from your other plants to keep it from spreading, and use natural remedies such as neem oil or diatomaceous earth to treat infestations.
Caring for plants may seem simple, but it requires more work than you might think. If you find yourself making these mistakes or otherwise have trouble keeping plants alive in your home, keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to contact a professional tree care service for trouble with your outdoor plants. When you need plant care services in Scarsdale or New Rochelle, NY, contact Emerald Tree Care.
