How to Not Kill Your Plants

Some of us are simply not horticulturists, nor do we claim to run a greenhouse. We may start out with a green thumb but lose it as life demands begin taking over. Some of us simply get carried away, having it easy when buying and taking care of houseplants, gaining confidence, and then purchasing plants that are more particular in their care, leading to their ultimate fate. Regardless of the reasons, killing your plants is most likely not intentional. In order to save your plants and keep them alive, follow these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Spray bottle
• Potting soil
• Pots
• Fertilizer
• Books

1. There are times when life has a tendency to keep us moving at a nonstop pace. Days and sometimes weeks will go by before you hear that horrible gasp while passing that once beautiful plant in the corner. Stop, listen, look and give that poor plant some water right at that moment, otherwise you’ll forget again and it will be dead the next time you notice it.

2. If time is a constant problem, place a spray bottle next to the plants. While you’re passing them, stop and give them a misting spray. This will keep them happy for a very long time if you do it often.

3. You know you watered the damn thing and misted it at least twice this week, yet the leaves are still falling off and it looks like it’s about dead. Ask yourself when was the last time it had fresh soil? Can you even remember? Chances are it has already used all the nutrients that were in the potting soil when you planted it. Buy some new soil, and while you’re doing that, purchase some fertilizer sticks as well. It will save you time in the future and probably save the plant's life as well.

4. Maybe you have a neighbor kid that could use a few extra bucks a week or your kid needs a weekly chore. There are even senior citizens that would love to have the job of caring for your plants, as it gives them something to do. These are the perfect people to hire or give the chore of watering the plants to. This way the plants are taken care of and you don’t have the guilt of hearing them gasp every time you pass them.

5. Houseplants vary in needs. Buy a book or go to the library and see what particular care your plants need. If you don’t have the time to do this, use the person you hired or assigned, giving them extra money for the extra chore. As for the extra money, it is minimal and well worth it. The extra chore can be looked at as educational.

6. If you have a plant you really love and it is dying a slow, painful death due to neglect, old soil or too much watering, go to your one of the local nurseries and ask for help.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have plants scattered around your home purchase more than one spray bottle and place them accordingly.
• If you find you’re having a hard time caring for your plants do not purchase more, no matter how much you love them. Buy fake plants instead.

Resources

• Plant Care
• Houseplant Maintenance

[Pixie1976]

on 10/15/2008 love this