Keeping your plants alive? Here's how!
Keeping your plants alive can be quite a challenge. Do you love plants, but at the same time don't really know how to take care of them? Then you are certainly not alone. Many people don't even start bringing plants into their home, because these green friends often don't last long with them. And that's a shame, because there are several ways to enjoy your plants for longer! If you want to keep your plants alive as long as possible, we would like to give you a few tips.
Go for the right plants
Some plants require a lot of maintenance. If you are not (yet) that good at maintaining plants, it is wise not to choose these types right away.
Fortunately, there are also plants that you hardly have to look after and that can take a beating. Which plants are these? Think of succulents, Aloe Vera, mother-in-law's tongues or the Crassula Ovata. Maintenance-free plants often do not need as much water and/or do not need to be pruned, for example.
Give your plants enough water
If you want to keep your plants alive, don't give them too little water, but certainly not too much either. Did you know that too much water is the number one cause of death for houseplants? You want to prevent that of course! The right amount of water depends on various factors. For example, what kind of plant is it, how big is the plant and is it exposed to a lot of daylight?
A trick to find out how much water your plant needs is to see if water comes out of the bottom of the pot when you water it. If this is the case, you have given it too much water. Are you still unsure whether you are doing it right? Then ask at a garden center or search the internet for information about the plant in question.
“There are several ways to enjoy your plants longer!”
Choose a suitable place
Some plants need a lot of light, while others are best placed in a shady spot. Before you buy plants, decide where you would like to place them in your home and take into account the specific preferences of the plants you have in mind.
Do you notice that the leaves of your plant are changing color? One of the causes of this can be a lack or too much sunlight. Move the plant to a lighter or darker spot and see if that makes a difference.
Prevent stress in your plant
Did you know that not only people and animals, but also plants can experience stress? This can be the case, for example, if you are someone who regularly changes your interior. If you want to prevent stress in your plants, it is a good idea to leave them in the same place as much as possible. If you move your houseplants regularly, this can cause stress. Of course, you can turn your plants towards the light every now and then or repot them if necessary.
Give a treat every now and then
Every now and then you can treat your plants to something tasty. Some extra nutrition gives your plants a good boost, so that they can go on for a while. In the winter, feeding is not necessary, but during the growth period (usually from March to October) they can sometimes use a treat.
How much nutrition does your plant need and how often is it best to do this? This also depends on certain factors, such as the type and size of your houseplant, the location, but also whether the plant suffers from certain diseases or pests.
Maintain good humidity
One of the most important things you can do for your plants is to maintain a constant humidity in your home. Not only for your plants, but also for your own health, a humidity between 40% and 60% is best.
Is the air in your home rather dry? Consider a humidifier. Also, putting multiple plants together in a group helps, because that way they create their own mini-climate!
Keeping your plants alive? Provide an optimal living environment
The temperature in your home affects the growth potential of your houseplants. During the day, a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees is recommended. In any case, ensure a constant temperature as much as possible, because many plants are not resistant to large temperature fluctuations! If you want to keep your plants alive, it is important to create an optimal living environment for them.