How to Care for Your Green Babies | Basic Plant Care Tips

If you are looking for basic plant care tips, this article is for you.

Gardening, or even growing indoor plants, has many benefits. Plants can purify the air, lift your mood, and refresh your space – some things that we all need desperately in these trying times. Caring for your green babies may seem intimidating at first. But it’s actually quite fun and exciting. In fact, it can be easier than you think.

Follow these basic plant care tips to add a touch of nature to your home and experience the joys of being a plant parent.

It doesn’t matter what variety you are growing. These steps apply to all types of plants in general.

1. Know Your Soil

Using the soil from your backyard for growing an indoor plant might be a cheap option, but it may not be good for your plant friends. Garden soil often has parasites, weed seeds, and other unwanted constituents that can be harmful for your plants.

Depending on your region, it might have a too high or too low pH, be rich in moisture or lack water content. It’s best to use sterile or potting soil as it has the right acidity and composition for sustaining a wide range of greens.

2. Let There Be Light (or Not)

Understand the light requirements of your plants to make sure they continue to thrive.

‘Full sun’ generally means that the plant should get at least 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight every day. Plant with ‘partial sun’ requirements should receive around 3 to 6 hours of light. Shade lovers like ferns can survive in well-lit areas but prefer darker spots like hallways.

3. Never Treat Your Flowerpot as a Waste Pot

Many homeowners have a tendency to tip the last sip of leftover tea/ coffee into plant containers. I have been guilty of doing this, I now know better. This can not only disturb the balance of soil nutrients, but also attracts pests and flies that can eat away at the leaves and flowers. In extreme cases, it can kill the plant altogether too.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Changes

If your plants are doing well in their current spot, there’s no need to change their location. Replantation is an art and involves its own science. Unless you are an expert gardener who’s successfully done it before, it’s best not to try repotting your plants.

If you are growing a plant from seeds, make sure that it will still fit in the container or the given outdoor area when mature.

5. Fertilization

Houseplants can perform well without fertilizer for months, if not years. However, if you feel the need to replenish the soil, remember: ‘less is more’ when it comes to fertilization. Follow the instructions on the product and try to go for mild and organic options.

Want to foster a plant?

Wondering which green baby to bring into your life first?

Here are some of the most popular plants that are extremely easy to grow and care for:

· Aloe Vera

· Succulents

· Pothos

· Yucca

· Peperomia

· Bromeliad

· Philodendron

· Lavender

· Snake plant

· Red Aglaonema

· Peace Lily

· Spider plant

· ZZ plant

With their low maintenance needs, these plants are the perfect fit for those who lack a green thumb. Get them today, to enjoy plant parenthood for years to come.