Tag Archives: balcony garden

How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Simple Tips for Beginners

Basic Gardening, Blog, , , , ,

How Not to Kill Your Houseplant

 

Are you a beginner or an avid gardener? Do you enjoy gardening for relaxation or to bring more greenery into your home? No matter your level of experience, the key to a successful indoor garden is knowing how not to kill your houseplants! Whether it’s overwatering, poor lighting, or neglect, many of us unintentionally harm our plants. But with a few simple, effective tips, you can keep your houseplants healthy and thriving.

how not to kill your houseplant
Indoor plants

1. Watering Wisely

 

Overwatering is one of the most common ways to kill a houseplant. While it’s tempting to water frequently, too much water can cause root rot. The trick is to water your plants only when they need it. Always check the soil before watering—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Ensure your pots have drainage holes to let excess water escape, preventing waterlogging.

Click here to read: How to water plant correctly

 

2. Choose the Right Soil

 

Not all soil is suitable for houseplants. Avoid using heavy, compact soil that retains too much moisture, as it can suffocate the roots. Opt for well-draining, loose soil mixtures that allow air and water to move freely. You can mix perlite or sand into your soil to improve drainage. A good-quality potting mix is key to keeping your plant’s roots healthy and oxygenated.

Click here to read: How to make soil mixture for plants

 

3. Proper Lighting

 

Every plant has different light requirements. Some need full sun, while others prefer low light. Research your plant’s specific needs and place it in the appropriate spot. For example, succulents and cacti thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while peace lilies prefer low, indirect light. If your plant looks leggy or isn’t growing well, it may need more light.

Click here to read: Discover lighting conditions for plants

 

4. Do not over fertilizer your plants

 

While plants need nutrients, over-fertilizing can cause more harm than good. Fertilize your houseplants once a month during the growing season (typically spring and summer). Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and stunt growth, so use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce or stop fertilizing entirely.

5. Avoid Frequent Re-Potting

 

Re-potting too often can shock your plants. Instead, repot only when the plant outgrows its current pot or the soil no longer drains well. Typically, this happens every one to two years, depending on the plant’s growth.

6. Monitor Humidity

 

Some plants, especially tropical ones, need more humidity than typical indoor environments provide. If you notice dry, crispy leaves, try misting the plants, using a humidifier, or placing them near other plants to increase moisture in the air.

7. Watch for Pests

 

Check your plants regularly for pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. If you find any, treat your plants immediately with insecticidal soap or a homemade solution of water and mild soap.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy lush, healthy houseplants without fear of killing them. With proper care, your indoor garden will thrive, and you’ll help contribute to a greener, more vibrant environment!

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Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery? Causes and Solutions

Basic Gardening, Blog, , , , , , , ,

Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery?

 

Bringing a new plant home from the nursery is always exciting, but it can be disheartening when that fresh, vibrant plant starts to dry up just days after you have settled it into its new environment.

Many gardeners often complain that their plants dry up soon after bringing them home from the nursery. What causes this, and how can you prevent it?

Why Do Plants Dry Up After Bringing Them Home from the Nursery?
Croton in stress

Let’s dive into the possible reasons and how you can ensure your new plant thrives.

Why Do Plants Dry Up: Causes and Solutions

 

1. Young plants are more prone to stress 

 

Did you know that young plants are more prone to stress compared to older ones?

  • Most of the plants we get from nurseries are young, which is why they often go into stress after being brought home.
  • However, if a plant is at least a year old, it’s less likely to experience stress and can adapt better to its new environment.
plant in grow bag
Young plant from nursery in poly bag

 

2. Transition Shock: Why It’s a Big Deal

 

When plants move from the controlled environment of a nursery to your home, they often experience “transition shock.”

  • Nurseries offer different conditions: watering, lighting, and humidity, plus they give heavy fertilizers like DAP, Urea, etc. 
  • Your home might not match these conditions, leading to stress that causes your plant to dry up.

2. Temperature Fluctuations

 

Sudden changes in temperature, especially if the plant was transported in cold or hot conditions, can stress the plant.

  • The temperature in your home might also be different from the stable climate of the nursery, which could contribute to the drying process.

3. Give your new plants time to settle down in new environment

Do not transplant the plant immediately after bringing it.

Many gardeners tend to transplant their plants immediately after bringing them home from the nursery. However, it’s best to avoid this practice.

  • Instead, allow the plants some time to acclimatize to their new environment.
Plants
Balcony garden

 

 

Note:

  • Keep the new plants alongside your other plants in the garden, and wait at least 4-5 days before transplanting them into pots.

4. Avoid direct Sunlight for the first two days

 

When you bring your plant home, do not place it in direct sunlight for the first two days to prevent sunburn.

5. Ensure Proper Lighting

Make sure your plant is not kept in a dark place; find a bright spot for it to acclimatize.

6. Monitor Your Plant’s Health

 

After two days, if the plant appears healthy, you can place it in sunlight and water it when the topsoil dries out. If it continues to look good after five days, it’s ready for a new pot.

How to transplant new plant?

 

1. Best Time to Transplant

 

Only transplant your plants in the evening to minimize stress.

2. Do not disturb the roots of plant

 

When removing a plant from the nursery bag, be careful to tear the bag gently so as not to disturb the roots.

  • This helps prevent wilting or death of the plant.

4. Choose the right pot Size

 

Select a pot that is the appropriate size to accommodate the plant’s roots.

  • Use a smaller pot for young plants and transfer to a larger one as they grow.

5. Prepare the soil

 

Preparing soft soil is essential for your plant’s growth.

  • Hard soil can restrict root development and hinder growth.

Must read:

How to make perfect soil mix for plants

6. Add nutrients in soil mix

 

Mix compost into the soil before planting.

  • Since nursery plants are often chemically treated, using soft compost helps in their adjustment.

7. After repotting add Water thoroughly

 

Water it well but in installments, until you see water draining from the bottom hole.

  • When water comes out from the drainage hole, it means roots at the bottom side also get water.

Must read:

How to water plants 

8. After transplant, keep plant in shade

 

After transplanting, keep the plant in a shaded area for 7 to 10 days, allowing it to receive indirect sunlight before moving it to full sunlight or semi-shade according to its needs.

9. Add Organic matter later

 

After 1 or 2 months, once the plant is established in your garden, you can add vermicompost along with bone meal or rock phosphate.

  • Adding manure or kitchen waste compost can further enhance the plant’s growth.

10. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Keep a close eye on your plant in the first few weeks after bringing it home.

  • Look for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, and make adjustments as needed.

Click here to read: Best Organic Fertilizers for Plants

By paying attention to its needs and making necessary adjustments, you can enjoy a healthy, flourishing plant.

ollow our Social media channel:

1. Voice of Plant – YouTube Channel

2. Voice of Plant Facebook Page

3. Instagram Voice of Plant Channel

Happy gardening!

7 Tips to grow healthy plants at home

Gardening Tips: 7 Tips to grow healthy plants at home

Basic Gardening, Blog, Plant care, , , , , , ,

Gardening Tips: 7 Tips to grow healthy plants at home

 

Plants not only refresh the home environment but also enhance the beauty of the balcony or courtyard with their greenery. However, many people want to grow plants, but when their first plant wilts within a few days, they give up on the idea of gardening.

7 Tips to grow healthy plants at home
healthy plants at home

Some people do have plants at home, but they appear dry and lifeless. If your plants are losing their luster despite giving them proper care, you need to follow some special tips. Here, we are sharing 7 secrets that will help your plants thrive.

7 Tips to Grow Healthy Plants at Home

 

1. The Importance of Fertile Soil

 

Soil mixture
Organic rich soil

Fertile soil with good drainage is crucial for plant growth and should contain a rich amount of organic matter. Some people do not add compost or organic material to the soil in time, causing it to harden and stop plant growth.

Solution:

Regularly mix compost into the soil.

  • You can use cow manure, vermicompost, or other organic fertilizers. This will make the soil fertile and provide essential nutrients to the plants.

2. Proper Water Management

 

watering tulsi plant

 

It is essential to water plants as per their needs.

  • Often, people harm plants by watering them daily.

Too much or too little water can weaken plants.

Solution:

  • Water the plants only when the top layer of the soil is dry.
  • Check the soil before watering to ensure that the plants get water at the right time and in the right amount.

Must read:

How to water plant correctly

 

3. Provide Adequate Sunlight

 

Tulsi plant soil
Tulsi plant in sunlight

Sunlight is essential for plant growth. Some plants prefer more sunlight, while indoor plants require less.

Solution:

Give plants the appropriate amount of sunlight according to their species.

  • Lack of sunlight can weaken plants and hinder their growth.

4. Provide Proper Nutrients (Fertilizers)

 

liquid fertilizer tonic

Without proper fertilizers, plants can become weak. Lack of nutrients affects plant growth.

Solution:

Regularly give plants cow manure, vermicompost, mustard cake, etc.

  • Fertilizer made from banana peels is rich in potassium, which is important for plant growth.

Must read:

Top 6 Organic Liquid Fertilizers for Plants

 

5. Pruning of plants

 

pruning of leaves of money plant dead leaves
pruning of leaves of money plant dead leaves

If you want more flowers or fruits from your plants, regular pruning is necessary.

Solution:

Remove dry and yellow leaves from time to time so that the plant doesn’t waste energy on them.

  • Lower leaves that do not participate in photosynthesis can also be removed.

6. Tilling the Soil

 

Tulsi plant soil tilling

Tilling the soil is essential for plant growth. It softens the soil and ensures proper air circulation, strengthening the roots.

Solution:

Till the soil once a week to ensure the nutrients in the soil are properly distributed.

7. Protection your plant from Pest Attacks

 

Pest attacks on plants are a common problem. Insects like fungi and mealybugs can harm plants.

Solution:

Check your plants every three days.

  • If you spot any pest attacks, spray insecticide immediately to protect the plants.

Conclusion

By following these 7 simple but effective secrets, you can keep your house plants green and healthy. By paying attention to the right soil, water, sunlight, and nutrition, you can grow your plants in the best possible way.

Follow our Social media channel:

1. Voice of Plant – YouTube Channel

2. Voice of Plant Facebook Page

3. Instagram Voice of Plant Channel

Happy gardening!