How to Grow Plants With a Black Thumb

Growing plants is a relaxing and rewarding activity; unless you have a black thumb. Despite the best intentions, some of us seem destined to kill every plant that comes under our care. Plants, like people, need attention to survive and can only thrive under certain conditions. Understanding the basics of plant care can give you the skills and confidence necessary to turn that black thumb green.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy healthy plants. Check for insects, examining the tops and bottoms of leaves. Look for green leaves that are not wilted or broken.

2. Read the plant's tag carefully. Before buying a plant, make sure you can provide optimal living conditions. Tags usually provide information about sunlight, water and temperature requirements.

3. Resist the urge to immediately repot plants. Nursery containers are generally the appropriate size and have adequate drainage for healthy plant growth. Transplanting earlier than necessary can traumatize a plant's roots and cause significant damage. Consider placing plastic containers in larger decorative pots until growth necessitates transplantation. Repot plants when they are noticeably top heavy and when roots begin to poke through drainage holes; usually not more than once per year.

4. Water regularly, but not too much. Over-watering is just as damaging to plants as under-watering. As a rule of thumb, allow soil to try to the touch before watering. Using a watering can, water plants until you notice pooling in pot saucers. Allow plants to sit in pooled water for a few minutes, then discard excess water.

5. Provide plants with the proper amount of sunlight or shade. All plants need sunlight to survive, but different species require different levels of light exposure. Determine whether plants need direct, indirect or diffused sunlight and place them accordingly. Bare windowsills are ideal for plants that need direct light, interior counter and table tops generally work for indirect light and plants who require diffused light do well in front of windows with sheer curtains.

6. Groom plants. Gently pinch off dead leaves or blooms with your fingers and use small pruners to trim large stems or small branches. Proper grooming encourages healthy growth.

7. Fertilize plants. Although plants make their own food through photosynthesis, they also require minerals to thrive. Plants only need fertilization during the growing season; usually the late spring or early summer. The type of fertilizer you use depends on the species of plant, so read packaging carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Improper drainage can cause root rot and other plant damage. All plant containers need drainage holes. If you place a plastic pot in a decorative pot that lacks holes, be sure to empty water from the outer container after watering.
• Overly cold temperatures can cause plants to freeze and hot, bright conditions can burn plants or cause them to dry out. Read temperature requirements on a plant tags before purchasing to make sure you can provide the correct environment for healthy growth.
• If you notice insects on your plant, separate it from other plants and spray leaves with a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Check soil dampness with a finger or stick before watering. Make sure to test water at the bottom of the pot as surface soil dries out quickly.
• Certain plants are perfect for aspiring gardeners plagued with a black thumb. Aloe, gardenias, Swedish ivy and cast iron plants are lovely and require little maintenance.
• Salt in fertilizer can burn plants so some professionals recommend skipping this step for indoor plants. If you do fertilize, apply only half the amount suggested on packaging.

[plantdude]

on 6/9/2009 What do you do if the leaves of a black eyed suzie wilt after tranferreing them from the ground to a pot. Should you cut off the leaves or wait and see if the plant comes back to normal after a few days.