Plants, like humans, are all unique. Some likes to sit by the window adoring the sunlight and watching birds as they fly by and some put on their sunglasses and just want to be left alone in one corner. While there are plants who loves to drink water often, there are also some who don't. There are also plants who thrive in your kitchen and bathroom corners and some in your bedroom purifying the air and helps you fall asleep. Their popularity came as no surprise as more and more people have invested a lot of time and effort into house plants. The joy of seeing an adorable plant grow right before your eyes is more than magic.
Receiving Your Plants
You have received your plants and you do not have the slightest idea how to take care of it. Planting is not difficult but those who have seen their plants die quickly before their eyes have learned the hard way. Here are some tips to avoid mistakes:
1. Do Not Repot Right Away
Nursery Pots are not too attractive and you would want to move your plant into a pretty planter that matches your interiors. However, do not move your new plant immediately and let it stay until it acclimates in to its new environment.
2. Do Not Give Them A Drink Immediately After Receiving
Always be sure to evaluate your plant’s watering needs upon receiving it. Before watering your plant, it is best to check the moisture level in the soil first to make sure it isn’t moist right beneath the surface. Also, consider aerating the soil of your plant before the initial watering. Plants do not like to sit in water. Overwatering kills! Let your plants dry out between waterings.
3. Do Not Form Immediate Friendships Between New and Older Plants
Plant Shops work really hard to keep their plants healthy and clean but it is still possible for some plants to be contaminated or infected. When you buy a new plant, check the foliage and the soil for a few days and keep the plants isolated. Once you have taken the precautions, you can safely cluster your new plants with the rest of your collection.
3. Do Not Move Your Plants Around
We all have our favorite spots and so does plants! If you see that your new plant is happy in a certain location, do not move it. Some plants, like Syngoniums, will react negatively if you take them away from their favorite locations and so does a Fiddle Tree and other larger plants. If you must move your plant, ensure that its new location has similar lighting conditions, humidity, and temperature.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
We often think that plants love the sun but the truth is, most of them can't tolerate it. Majority of indoor plants grew up in shaded locations, covered by big trees. having only enough bright light that helps them flourish. While plants thrive in bright light, placing your plants in direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides and dust the leaves often so the plant can photosynthesize efficiently.
5. Do Not Divide Your Plants Right Away
Diving a plant immediately upon receiving it will likely suffer from shock. Some plants have tiny roots such as Calatheas and Pothos and you might accidentally rip it. Allow the plants to acclimate first in its new environment before you attempt to divide them.
6. Check and Decide Where to Place Your Plants
Ask yourself the following questions: Does this location have proper lighting? Is the room temperature or humidity good for your plant? If you answered yes to these questions, then you made the right choice.
Purchasing a new plant is exciting and will definitely give you a different kind of happiness. If you want to make sure that your new plant is stress free and happy, simply follow these simple tips.
Remember each plant is a unique living thing and may have different needs, especially in their individual locations. Pay attention to the condition of your plant and its watering needs and you will have a long and contented relationship.