Have you ever known someone who tells you they can’t have pets or plants because they just don’t have a clue on how to properly care for them? There are people who have nothing but plastic plants in their homes, because they fear killing live ones with their mismanaged “care.”
Taking care of plants– keeping them healthy– is not that hard to do. With some knowledge, even “plant killers” can have healthy plants in their home or office.
First, when picking a plant to buy, look for the healthiest ones. These are usually the ones with the most vibrant color, green leaves and a “lively” look about them. Avoid the scraggly, abnormal ones.
With plants, lighting matters. Some are made for full sun while others thrive in the shade. Look on the plastic tag insert found in the plant’s soil to read the plant’s name and what kind of lighting it needs. You’d be amazed at how well your plant(s) will do when you “read the instructions” and follow them, rather than just picking any random plant and then placing it anywhere, randomly.
There’s a bit of science and art to placing plants. Certain areas of buildings get more sun than others. For instance, windows facing north get the least light during the day, while windows facing east, south and west get more sunlight. If the leaves on a plant start to look “sunburned,” move the plant to a place where it won’t get such intense light during the day.
Watering plants also plays a major role in how well they thrive– or die. People have a tendency to over-water plants. Use a finger to touch the soil, and if it’s dry, then the plant could use some water. Apply just enough water so some of it comes through the holes in the bottom of the pot. If you don’t get rid of excess water at the very bottom, your plant may experience root rot– don’t leave a plant in “standing water.” It’s a good idea to water plants with room-temperature water, and apply it at the base of the plant rather than on the leaves.
If you feel you don’t have the time or inclination to care for plants, but you’d still like them around your home or office, consider contacting Foliage Design Systems in Memphis to professionally take care of your plant needs.