General Plant Care

GENERAL PLANT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

New to plant care?

Always remember that not every plant needs the same amount of water. Proper watering is crucial, as both overwatering and underwatering can lead to unhealthy plants. Regularly checking soil moisture, providing the right amount of nutrients, and monitoring for pests are key practices in maintaining plant health.

Natural plants can generally be categorized into two main types: indoor and outdoor plants.

1. Indoor Plants: These plants are typically adapted to thrive in controlled environments with limited sunlight, making them perfect for homes and offices. They often require less water and can survive on artificial light.
2. Outdoor Plants: Outdoor plants are usually more resilient and can tolerate varying weather conditions. They often require more sunlight, frequent watering, and a larger space to grow.

INDOOR PLANTS

• The water level for a plant varies depending on the pot size and environmental conditions.
• Generally, for pots 15 inches or smaller, 1-2 cups of water are sufficient. For larger pots, use 1 to 2 liters of water.
• The soil should only be wet after watering, not soggy.
• Use a moisture meter (optional) or perform a soil test to know when to water again.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
• Indoor plants can survive without sunlight, but keep the indoor lights ON in the morning.
• Provide nutrients, minerals, and fertilizers to your plants every month.
• Use organic pesticides or fungicides.
• Learn about your plants on the internet, including their name, characteristics, benefits, and care requirements.

OUTDOOR PLANTS

• In summer, water dries too fast, so you may need to water outdoor plants twice or thrice a day. In winter, water dries more slowly, so you may need to water only once every two days.
• For outdoor plants, if you have a pot with drainage holes, water the plant until leakage starts at the bottom. Adjust the amount of water based on the size of the pot.
• Provide nutrients, minerals, and fertilizers to your plants every month.
• Use organic pesticides or fungicides.
• Learn about your plants on the internet, including their name, characteristics, benefits, and care requirements.

How to Perform a Soil Test

• After watering, the soil should be wet but not pulpy.
• Make a habit of touching the soil at least every two days.
• Check for moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the soil.
• Wait until the soil dries at least 2 inches deep before watering again.

NOTE: Flowering and fruiting plants need more water and sunlight than non-flowering green plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my plant unhealthy?

1. Over or inadequate water: Always check the soil before watering. If it's dried an inch to 2 inches down, the plant needs water. If it's too moist or wet, avoid watering until the soil dries.
2. Too cold or too hot temperature: If the plant is kept in direct sunlight or gets too much sunlight, move it to a different location. Indoor plants don't need sunlight; they can survive on indoor lights, but it’s not necessary to keep the lights on at night. The room temperature for indoor plants should stay between 20°C - 25°C.
3. Lack of vitamins and minerals: Like humans, plants need vitamins and minerals. Plants kept in pots should be given vitamins and minerals every month. Using natural sources of vitamins will yield slower results but won't harm the plants.

Common Reasons Why Your Plant’s Leaves Turn Yellow/Brown

1. Not enough light: Plants need enough light to photosynthesize. If your plants aren't getting enough sunlight, their leaves will turn dull and quickly yellow. It’s important to understand how much light each of your plants needs; some prefer direct sunlight, while others prefer shade.
2. Water shortage: Sometimes, plants turn yellow even if they are not completely dry. If the lower leaves of the plant often start to turn yellow while the upper leaves are still green, it’s a sign that your plant needs to be watered more often.
3. Excess water: Too much water can also cause yellowing. When plants are overwatered, the soil becomes compacted, reducing oxygen and preventing the roots from breathing, which can cause yellowing. When buying a new plant, ask about its specific water needs and stick to a consistent watering schedule.
4. Nutrient deficiency: Yellowing may be due to a lack of nitrogen or other essential nutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc. If you’ve had your plant for a long time, it’s important to change the soil periodically to avoid nutrient deficiency.
5. Overuse of fertilizer: If the leaves of your plants look burnt, this could be a sign of fertilizer overuse. This damage can occur when soluble salts in the fertilizer pull moisture from the roots or when fertilizer granules seep into the leaves. Some plants are sensitive to fertilizers. If using granular fertilizer, water the plants immediately after applying and ensure there are no granules on the foliage. Consider using organic fertilizers, which are less concentrated than inorganic ones.
6. Insecticides: Spraying pesticides or insecticides at high temperatures, high humidity, or on an overcast day can burn your plant’s leaves. The same happens when spraying plants already suffering from drought, frost, pests, or diseases. Once damaged, remove the affected leaves. Avoid spraying on humid days.
7. Fungal or bacterial diseases: Certain fungal or bacterial pests can cause yellowing of leaves, eventually killing the plant. These pests may target specific plants, such as tomatoes. If your plant is infected, remove the affected parts immediately.
8. Insects: Insects like spider mites and whiteflies can cause yellowing, especially in vegetables. While they may not kill the plant, it’s essential to monitor and take immediate action to eliminate them before they spread.
9. Natural aging: Yellowing of leaves can be a natural part of the plant aging process. It usually begins with the old leaves in the lower part, which change color and fall off. Natural aging is not a cause for concern, as the plant will grow new leaves in the next season.