get along with plants indoors is a light and elegant alternative to bring a bit of nature into the home and everyday life. Very common among Brazilians, the practice of growing species in the comfort of home is fun, relaxing and brings a cozy aspect to any environment, but specific care must be taken so that the little plants remain alive and healthy after leaving the flower shops.
To continue blooming even indoors, the ornamental species need to have their basic needs met, and it’s not hard to hear reports of people who decided to include living with plants in their routine, but have difficulties keeping them alive for longer periods.
“It is common for people not to know very well what to do when purchasing a plant. We ended up believing that just providing water was enough, but there are many other factors involved for them to remain strong and vigorous”, says Bruno José Esperança, director of esalfloresthe largest network of flower shops in the country.
The expert listed the four most common mistakes made by those who grow plants at home. Check out:
Lack of water or too much water
A water it’s essential for maintaining plant life, but that doesn’t mean they need water all the time. «Not all species need daily watering, so putting too much water on the ground or on the leaves can end up doing harm, as it drowns the root and does not allow the plant to breathe, leading to root rot», explains the specialist.
In the same way, the lack of water compromises breathing and the reception of nutrients in the tissues, causing it to die. “The ideal is to research the frequency of watering indicated for each species and check the humidity of the soil daily, so that it is neither too dry nor soggy”, he adds.
low light
A amount of light directly interferes with the growth and development of plants, since it is essential for carrying out the photosynthesis process, responsible for producing energy for survival.
“Often the place where the plant will be inside the house is defined by the available space or alignment with the decoration of the environment, which ends up limiting the plant’s access to sunlight. Even shade plants require at least a few hours in the sun”, clarifies the professional from Esalflores.
Not being aware of pests and diseases
All plants, even in domestic environments, are susceptible to facing a Prague. “So that houseplants do not suffer from any pests, they need to be well nourished. To know if they need substrate or fertilizer, just be aware of the common characteristics of the species. If the leaves are very yellow, for example, it is a sign that it is not receiving the necessary nutrients”, explains the professional.
Inappropriate pot size
One of the main mistakes when growing plants in pots is ignoring the need to transfer them to a larger pot. “As they develop, many species can double in size or more, and for healthy growth it is necessary to guarantee it the necessary space”, says Sheila.
Blocking the development of the plant due to lack of space will cause it to wither and die in a short time. “The main signs that the plants need to be repotted are tangled roots and cracked or deformed pots, in addition to fragile and fallen leaves”, he adds.
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