Attention new plant parents, there are many mistakes that can be made when caring for your vegetables. For your indoor seedlings not to be harmed, check out the six most common mistakes people make when taking care of them:
1. Excessive watering
watering it is the most important task for any plant owner to master. However, many assume that if a little water is good, then more water must be better. But this is far from the truth for most species.
Each type has its own preferences, with some only demanding a sip or two every few months and others drinking a gallon or more weekly. So, to ensure that you are watering your seedlings correctly, first research how much water the species requires. See tips for watering your plants correctly here!
2. Dirty foliage
This is a task that is often overlooked, but dusting and clean the sheets it’s very important. In nature, rainwater and wind remove dirt and debris from branches. And, indoors, the role must be played by the owner.
In addition to improving appearance, this process allows the plant to photosynthesize more efficiently. This is also a great way to analyze the seedling, checking for early stages of insect infestations or other problems that might be going on.
3. Root care
The roots are out of sight and out of mind, hidden inside the pot and buried. However, having this part of the branch healthy is essential for your health, as it is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients.
If your plant is struggling to stay healthy, it’s a good idea. check for root problems. stay tuned for rotten roots in excess, with brown or black and slimy colors.
If that’s the case, trim them to eliminate the rot and adjust the watering routine. Submerged roots can become desiccated and dry, losing their ability to absorb water. If you notice dry, brittle roots, increase the frequency of watering, watering deeply so that the entire soil is moistened.
Overgrowth can also damage them. check if the roots are growing in the drainage hole, along the top of the soil or curling around the inside of the pot. Note if water runs out when watering, which means there isn’t enough soil to hold moisture. If you are experiencing this, it is time to replant or do a root pruning.
Tip: if your plant is thriving, avoid disturbing its delicate root system unnecessarily. The tiny hairs at the root (which do most of the work!) are easily damaged and take a long time to heal.
4. Underfertilization
The necessity of fertilizers for plants is not a myth! In fact, it is an extremely important variable for their care, as it provides the necessary nutrients for them to grow big and strong. House seedlings should be fertilized during periods of active growth, which is usually in spring and summer. Products help promote healthy foliage, strong roots, flowering and more.
If you’ve noticed that one of your branches is having trouble during the winter months, try a plant fertilizer in the spring as soon as you see signs of new growth. This element and the spring weather are often the perfect combination to turn a dull greenery into a fabulous one.
5. Moving plants
Seedlings love to find a home and stay there. They thrive on stability, so try to get them into spaces that will remain. Each time you move a pot to a new location, it has to adjust to new light levels and temperatures, and each “adjustment period” is equivalent to a pause in growth.
If your species is thriving, that means it is happy in its current location. If a recently relocated branch is not growing or is in decline, wait a few weeks to adjust before making further changes.
The only time you should move a plant is when you know its current environment isn’t working. If the leaves are turning yellow, that could be a sign that it could use more sunlight, and if the tips look dry and crunchy, it might need to be somewhere more humid.
6. Not knowing your plan
One of the best tips we can offer plant parents is to do a little survey every time they buy a new green friend. Knowing the type of climate your species came from is essential to taking good care of it.
And remember that the frequency of watering depends on each one’s preferences. For example, cacti and succulents love dry soil because they originate from dry, desert regions. But tropical plants enjoy soil and moist air, which emulates their rainforest roots.
Each needs a different frequency of watering, soil type and amount of light. Temperature is pretty straightforward for most of them – if it’s too cold for a human to feel comfortable, it’s probably too cold for an indoor plant to grow. Just keep in mind that some love moisture and can thrive in a bathroom, while others prefer to be dry and sit next to a bright window to enjoy the sun.
Being a plant parent can be very rewarding and it’s okay to make mistakes – that’s the best way to learn!
*Via bloomscape