Subset's Spring Plant Tips
Owning plants can have its difficulties, especially if you haven't quite acquired your green thumb yet. A few of us at Subset have dabbled in the botanic arts and thought we might pass along a few tips we've picked up along the way.Water - The stuff of life. The more the better, right? Not always. Over-watering is the number one cause of indoor plant troubles. Many folks tend to overthink their plant baby's liquid diet. The two biggest factors in when to water, are drainage and consumption level.
- Drainage
- Drainage is extremely important for nearly all indoor plants. The last thing one wants is water sitting at the bottom of your planter for long periods of time. This can cause rot, mold, and eventually spread to your green machine’s roots. Planters with drainage holes are the best route, however if your planter is sealed you can simply line it with rocks or better yet, keep your plant in a nursery pot so the whole plant can be removed for watering.
- When to Water
- This is the simple part. The biggest mistake first-time houseplant owners make is watering on a schedule. Houseplants consume soil moisture at different rates depending on its size, location, season, and how much sun it gets. For nearly all house plants just stick your finger into its soil about an inch deep. If it’s bone dry, water it. That’s it! Going out on a limb to say that an under-watered plant is often healthier than an over-watered plant.
- How to Water
- If you are using nursery pots or planters with drainage, a great method is to soak them from the bottom. Stick that planter in a full sink or tub and let the water get into the plant from the bottom drainage holes. This will ensure the soil absorbs just the right amount of water. Let it drip dry for a bit and get it back to its home till next time. Many larger plants can go right into the tub and get a nice shower every few weeks. The key is to nearly saturate the soil. Don’t just water the top of the soil, water all the soil, then don’t water again till it’s dry.
Proper Sunlight - Not all plants require the same amount of sunlight. Some may prefer a shady spot in your yard. Others require as much sunlight as possible. Make sure you do your research to get the best placement for your plants to grow.Keep it Natural - Outdoor plants will be exposed to wildlife that may harm their growth. It is important to be mindful of the pesticides used due to the harmful effects harsh chemicals have on our environment. Natural pesticides can be found in most home and gardening sections and are a great option for outdoor plants. DIY options can also be found online using simple everyday ingredients.Room to Grow - A plant can only grow as much as the pot allows. Sometimes potted plants can start to look glum even if they are getting everything they need. Taking note of how much your plant is growing can give you a good idea of when it’s time to re-pot it. A good rule of thumb is to re-pot your plants every 12-18 months. Speak Life - Although there is no consistent evidence that talking kindly to plants can help them grow, some studies suggest that plants who are encouraged verbally are healthier than plants who are not absorbing the vibrations from daily motivational talks.Owning house plants and tending to outdoor plants can be extremely rewarding in many ways. If you haven't already, we encourage you to give it a try. Just don't overthink it, and have fun. We hope you enjoyed this article. For more subSpace blog content click HERE