You'll be happy to know you don't have to have the greenest thumb in the world to keep your indoor plants alive and thriving. Our top 7 tips will help you give your plants the right amount of TLC where you'll be reaping the benefits in no time!
1. To water or not to water...
One of the most common killers of indoor plants is over watering. A good way to tell if your plant needs water is to simply pop your index finger into the soil up to the first joint. If the soil is damp then no need to water it this time. For hydrophobic soils adding a wetting agent will help break the surface tension allowing water to soak in. Pot plants that have become hydrophobic often feel very light after watering and drain very fast as the water runs down the inside of the pot rather than absorbing into the medium.
2. Do I look good in this light?
Correct lighting is essential for growing indoor plants. Some require full sun whereas others don’t need much at all. A general rule of thumb is that the lighting where you position your plant needs to be bright enough to read a book. Plants will start to grow towards the direction of the sun/light so if you notice your plant growing more to one side then rotate the pot.
3. Drainage
Drainage is often neglected when growing indoor plants. You may think having holes in the bottom of your pot is good enough but really that's just the start. Adding rocks or drainage material to the bottom of your pot before adding soil is ideal. Keep in mind that most plants prefer wet feet and dry ankles.
4. Just a little bit of warmth can go a long way
Some indoor plants require a little humidity to strive. The water that is applied to the soil helps strengthen the roots and stems, the leaves may require a little spray of water every day or two. By grouping plants together you will be able to create a microclimate that they will all benefit from.
6. Re-Potting
For optimum growth some plants require re-potting whereas others dislike having their roots disturbed. To find out if your plants need re-potting, turn upside down and tap lightly on the base to release the plant. If the roots are the only visable thing then it's time to move your plant to a larger pot.
7. Fertilising
Last but not least. fertilising! Your indoor plants still require fertilising but not as much as you would apply to plants outside. To maintain a healthy growth you can apply a slow release fertiliser roughly every 4-6 months. Alternatively you can use a liquid fertiliser every fortnight.
And that's it! Mr Fothergill's top 7 tips to growing and maintaining your indoor plants. Happy Gardening!
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