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Hey Pandas, What Are Some Plant Care Tips You Learned That You Feel Everyone Should Know? (Closed)
From outdoor to indoor plants, we each make beginner mistakes or learned during the process such as over/under water or learning about the types of soil depending on PH levels. Please keep it civil.
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#1
When you move plants from the pots they come in to the soil in your garden, they sometimes experience a "transfer shock." During this phase, while they get acclimated to the area, they may appear to shrivel and even look dead. This is simply the roots conserving energy into the core in order to have a burst of growth during the next cycle. Be patient!
Final score:
28points
Fly_Agaric_Frog 🇺🇦 2 years ago
OMG I needed this. I just though my plant was about to die but this helps! Tysm!
Susan Green 2 years ago
This is so true. It happens almost every time I do this. Just give it a bit of time.
Christie Egendoerfer 2 years ago
The roots have tiny hairs on them that take up water and nutrients from the soil. When disturbed they are damaged and they go into shock. As mentioned in other comments there are root stimulator products that help them come out of shock quickly.
Mine Truly 2 years ago
I learned this before I learned some plants die if you water them too much.
RELATED:
#2
Don’t overwater! Let the soil dry out a little
Final score:
22points
Dave Hinckley 2 years ago
With cactuses, keep an eye on Phoenix weather. When it rains there, water them.
Jackie Bruce 2 years ago
I take care of my mothers orchids, store bought ones with the pots. 5-10 ice cubes a week. 5 years later, all 5 are still alive and blooming.
#4
Mainly just do your research. Every plant has different needs. It's easy to kill something if you don't know what it's natural environment is. Also, don't use fertilizer unless you are certain it's safe for your plants. Even if you have good intentions, there are some plants that die when they get fertilized. If the plant isn't looking great, my first steps are usually to make sure it's getting the appropriate sun and water levels. Not too little, but not too much either.
Final score:
14points
Dave Hinckley 2 years ago (edited)
"Always be nasty to nasturtiums." "They like it rough?" "The rougher, the better." From the movie, Silver Streak.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
THIS. Shad3, sun, water, soil types, etc. And it's not hard to sort out.
#5
If you pick off the dead leaves and flowers, your plant will thrive better. When you leave them on there, the plant is still trying to "feed" these withered pieces. If you pick them off, all that energy goes to the rest of the good plant. It helps flowering plants flower more often!
Final score:
13points
Pandasizing World Peace 2 years ago
Plus, it's amazing how much healthier your plant looks when there are no dead, withered, or brown spots on it.
#6
Don't water flowers by pouring it over the blossoms to prevent early withering, always water them directly at the stem from the side
Final score:
11points
Trish Ferguson 2 years ago
But I thought they liked the feeling of rain drops on their leaves 🍃
Stacey Lowe 2 years ago
A leaf covered in water drops in the sun is feeling the same thing that an ant under a magnifying glass in the sun does. (For illustrative purposes only. I have not, nor will I ever & do not recommend or condone doing that to any living thing. Even ants. And I hate ants!)
#7
If varmints are getting into your garden, plant plenty of forks, tines up, pointed outward, in the bed. White plastic forks will attract attention and comments from neighbors, but the garden will be saved. Clear plastic is less noticeable, and do the same job.
Final score:
10points
#8
KEEP YOUR VENUS FLYTRAPS IN A BOWL OF WATER OUTSIDE OF THEIR POTS
Final score:
10points
Lost Penny 2 years ago
Yes! Me too! I still get upset when I think about my dead VF. We even named her Aphrodite... 😥
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HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago
WHAT, TELL ME MORE (I brought new Venus flytraps and what is this thing you speak of)
Grudge-holding Treefrog (Submission author) 2 years ago (edited)
They are bog plants, so you need to keep them in standing water 24/7. A plastic takeout cup will do. If you set them in the dish with water and keep the dish mostly full, they should thrive
Load More Replies... Stacey Lowe 2 years ago
Only use distilled or rain water. Tap water can kill them. Also, do not trigger them to close for no reason. Each trap only has about 4-5 closes before they die. Cool thing though, you actually can't trigger a trap just by tickling one "hair". You have to touch multiple hairs in a random pattern, like an insect would as it ventures into trouble. This helps to ensure the insect is far enough in the trap to be caught & prevents accidental closures.
#9
Make sure that your indoor plants aren't poisonous to pets. I was surprised at the ones that were. Also if you put your indoor plants on the porch in the summer they will get bugs. you can't bring them back in or the bugs will spread.
Final score:
9points
Pandasizing World Peace 2 years ago
My plants go in and out with the seasons. I just shake them off, flush them with water and they are fine.
#10
For outside plants~ compost and mulch are two of the greatest helpers. ▪︎Homemade compost is worth it's weight in gold, it benefits all things from plants to the soil and it's so easy to do. If you're not making you're own compost simply do a little research on 'composting at home,' follow directions and make it happen. Especially if you have children and are planning to grow a food garden, participating in the full plant circle of life deepens the understanding and appreciation of all that goes into growing and all the rewards of eating a real and good earth food for humans. The true gift of producing food in your backyard is an undeniable connection to our life in the past and the history of human's existence on this earth. ▪︎Natural, aged hardwood mulch applied to flower beds, landscaping and around tree bases makes a massive positive difference in your plants health and looks great too. When mulch is applied to plant beds and tree bases it helps the soil underneath retain water during the hottest part of summer and keeps plant's roots from freezing to death during cold winter months.
Final score:
9points
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
And if you can't do compost for some reason, weed tea is a great fertiliser. Just fill a bucket with weeds (I use the grass that I am trying to eradicate from my garden) and pour water to cover them. Leave for 2+ weeks and then pour over garden beds.
#11
A garden is in a constant cycle of birth, death, and change. Seedlings come up everywhere, deer will eat your hostas. Don't get upset, go with the flow. You will have plants that thrive where you put them and reward you with beauty. It's all worth it.
Final score:
9points
#12
Plants you get at the grocery store, the indoor ones in potters. Shake the plant in the store, dig a little in the soil. If you see flies or anything crawling/flying out, the soil is infested and likely they're feeding on the roots. The plant will be severed in the soil and die. Also, don't trust that the plants have been properly maintained and cared for in the store. But with proper care it may be able to thrive and be healthy again.
Final score:
8points
#13
One of the best ways to water potted plants is to put ice cubes atop the soil, but not touching the plant leaves or stem. This prevents overwatering & possible leaks from the bottom. Good drainage is a must for any potted plant, whether indoors or out. I line the bottom of pots with a coffee filter first, then add a small layer of 'popcorn' ( the packing material type ). Pebbles or gravel could be used but that makes the pot heavier.
Final score:
8points
Spencer's slave 2 years ago
Clean, unused cat litter - not the crystal/scented/clumping varieties - in the bottom of pots to help with drainage and its really cheap.
Lost Penny 2 years ago
I like how you clarified "...unused cat litter" 😄 But it's a good idea!
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Crazy Person Has a Fluffy Cat 2 years ago
Water draining from the bottom of your pot is a good thing! It means the plant has been watered thoroughly. Overwatering happens when a plant is watered too often or when a plant has a soil that retains too much moisture.
#14
It is better to sin for not watering than for watering too often. Also, try to find plants that are adapted to your climate, if they are native even better. That way it is more likely that they survive, and you won't need to take care of them as often.
Final score:
8points
#15
If you go into someone's residence and they don't have any plants, do not get them any surprise ones on the grounds that it will "look better". Chances are, if they don't have plants, it's because they don't want them or can't spend the necessary time on them. I had friends staying who bought me a pot plant as a thank you, because I didn't have any. If you do that, like them, you're just condemning the plants to die.
Final score:
8points
#16
If your flower pot has no hole in the bottom with a water-holding tray below (essentially, a solid bottom), dig up some small rocks/stones to place in the bottom before adding the dirt and your plant. This layer of stones creates a space for the water to settle and discourages root rot.
Final score:
8points
#17
If you can stick your finger in the soil, and all of it is damp, your plant is well watered, if the soil is try you should water it.
Final score:
7points
Pandasizing World Peace 2 years ago
If the surface of my plant's dirt is crusty, I know it's dry. I pour just enough water in the come up the the rim of the pot and just let it sink in. My house if full of beautiful houseplants, I love them almost as much as I love my cats!
#18
Don't ask me to take care of your plants when you leave home on vacation. I can't say no and I do my very best, but they will not survive.
Final score:
7points
#19
A lot of green indoors plants like if you shower them, especially if they've been without water for a while. It also helps getting rid off dust and other stuff that's stuck on them
Final score:
7points
Lorraine R 2 years ago
African violets LOVE an occasional lukewarm shower. They should never be misted, but a gentle shower lets you wash off the dust that gets stuck in the hairy leaves. Be sure to let any excess water drain off so their delicate roots aren't sitting in waterlogged dirt.
#20
Plan on having some of your plants getting eaten by animals / bugs. There are some basic things you can do like using taller pots and raised beds, but just pouring a bunch of pesticides can have negative knock on effects, which can in turn kill wildlife and the pollinators you need (e.g. bees and other helpful insects) source: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1481i.pdf
Final score:
6points
C.O. Shea 2 years ago
The morning after planting marigolds... only to find perfectly snipped off stems was my introduction to voracious slugs and snails.
Mine Truly 2 years ago (edited)
Shallow dish of beer is supposed to kill those, they enter it overnight and die.
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Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
Attrition. You're gonna get it on house plants, farm crops, it just is. Figure you should assume 10-20% losses depending on what critters you've got. We'd plant pest-repellent plants near the food crops. Common herbs often work to deter some bugs from things like your carrots or cabbages etc. And you're just gonna have to deal with some time working the hard way to get rid of bugs.
#21
Add some nettle leaves in the hole before planting (for example tomatoes) it will nourish the plant and help it grow
Final score:
6points
#22
Don’t water cactus. And don’t leave them outside.
Final score:
6points
Joanne Hudson 2 years ago
I knew someone who lived in NY who had a prickly pear cactus "planted" in a wheel barrow. She would watch what the weather was in Arizona and water when it rained there and take the wheel barrow into the garage when it got too cold.
#23
According to my mother... talk to them. According to my father...cuss at them. (Me wondering why they kept such a toxic plant around the house... just dawning on me 5 decades later... oooohhh!)
Final score:
6points
Blue_Mouse (read bio) 2 years ago
Actually talking to them works. Not the physical words but rather the breath your giving them!
#24
Prune your tomato and pepper plants. You will notice that some of the leaves are large and deep green with no fruit near them while others are lighter green and are close to a fruit. Prune the darker leaves (not all of them) so that the plants energy can go towards production of fruit. If you don't prune them, they can turn into bushes and you will miss the fruit.
Final score:
6points
B.Nelson (Submission author) 2 years ago (edited)
We don't get much of the other kind. I live in southern California so most of the ones we get can last all year if they get taken care of properly. We have gotten Roma's that don't last long but we usually just get what my mom calls "sandwich tomatoes" and "salad tomatoes". Basically the large varieties and the cherry or grape ones.
Load More Replies... Dave Hinckley 2 years ago (edited)
Also, when planting tomato plants, pinch off the side leaves and only leave the top couple of clusters, then plant them deep. The plant will sprout roots along the stem
#26
Cacti and succulents don't need much water, but that DOESN'T mean you just mist them or give them a tiny bit of water. They've evolved for periods of drought followed by heavy downpour. When you water them water until water pours out the bottom of the pot, then give them time to dry out fully before the next time.
Final score:
5points
#27
You don't "water" orchids, you soak the media (bark chips, moss, etc.) then drain. Your phal or dendro you bought at the hardware or grocery store almost certainly has a plastic liner with drainage inside the decorative ceramic pot. Don't just pour water in every week, you'll literally drown it! Fill it up, let sit for 2-5 minutes, then remove the inner liner (containing plant), let drain, and dump the water in the ceramic pot and replace the liner. Only needs to be done once a week. I've had so many people complain they can't keep a phalaenopsis (most commonly sold in grocery/hardware stores, what most people think of when they picture "orchid") alive, but they're sooo easy if you don't water them like a regular terrestrial plant!
Final score:
5points
#28
Rose shrubs leave an enzyme in the soil that thwarts competition from other roses, because they are aggressive about water. So, if you dig up a rose shrub, you either have to remove the soil about 2 feet around the hole, or plant a different sort of plant there - not another rose. An alternative is to leave the ground fallow for a couple of years to give the enzyme time to dissipate. I didn't know this and moved my rose shrubs around like furniture, then wondered why they just couldn't seem to thrive, no matter how much care I gave them. Some of them recovered when I learned about their competitive enzymes and planted them in soil that had not had a rose shrub planted in it before.
Final score:
5points
#29
So I am definitely no expert, just a dabbler and roadside forager, but talk to 'em. Pet 'em. Look up random info about their growth cycle or needs and chat with them about that, get excited about their quirks, compliment them on their new leaves or whatever weird s**t they're doing today. Idk if they notice but I learn and pay attention and thus improve my chances of keeping them alive. They don't seem to like it when I'm too focused on the rules. I treat them more like little alien pets than anything.
Final score:
4points
Pandasizing World Peace 2 years ago
I compliment my plants all the time, especially when I notice a new bud, or spout or branch. The onther thing I do, which is simply intuitive, I arrange them so they are not touching each other. I believe they like their own personal space.
Mine Truly 2 years ago
I bet that if you're in the habit of talking to them every day, that means you're pruning and watering as needed. While if you don't see them as part of your daily social schedule, you ignore them and don't bother to prune as much, don't maintain ideal soil moisture, etc.
#30
SOME PLANTS DIE IF YOU WATER THEM TOO MUCH
Final score:
3points
Elizabeth VanDyke 2 years ago
Another genius who has the ability to HEAR the written word.
Load More Replies... #31
Root tone is awesome. Experiment with it on different cuttings you will be surprised. Roses might be the easiest but lots of plants can be grown from just a cutting.
Final score:
3points
Elizabeth VanDyke 2 years ago
I started a desert rose by sticking a piece that broke off into a glass of water. I didn't expect it to do anything, but it was green and I thought I would keep it until it died. It stayed green for a long time and one day I took it out of the glass and discovered one tiny root! I let it stay in the water until more roots formed and finally potted it and it's growing like a bad weed!
#32
Patience , patience and more patience with Bonsai plant. I had to learn to leave it alone . It's thriving now. 👍
Final score:
2points
#33
I know this is basic plant care but GIVE THEM SUNLIGHT AND WATER THEMMMMM THEY ARE LIVING THINGS THEY NEED WATER AND LIGHT
Final score:
1point
Pandasizing World Peace 2 years ago
Plants have differing needs when it comes to water and light. Finding the best balance insures the best plants. Ferns like to sit in a dish with rocks filled with water. I have succulents I haven't watered since I bought them. (Will eventually) Some plants need to be in bright light, some can do with out. You just have to pay attention to how they're doing in different places.
Lorraine R 2 years ago
And plants that aren't used to bright sunlight will actually get sunburn if you suddenly leave them out in the sun for a long time. Introduce it gradually.
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What do you think ?
wowbagger 2 years ago
Thank you for all of these tips! I have a brown thumb, but I'm trying to get better, so this was very helpful
Vonny 2 years ago
Don't give up. Gardening of any type is trial and error. The first house plant an avid grower gifted me with was an African Violet. I was 16 then. He offered tips, and I tried. But it died within a yr. So, I tried again, they prefer less water and their leaves can't get wet. My 'avatar' is a pic of one of my dozen Amaryllis in bloom, they are bulbs I keep indoors. They bloom once, maybe twice per yr. I baby them and learned by trial & error how to care for them, Christmas of '22 I had 3 blooming indoors. I also do veggie gardening outdoors. It's a rewarding hobby. Best of luck to you.
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marianne eliza 2 years ago
Some plants prefer benign neglect. Got my best blooms doing that to my gardenia and bird of paradise shrubs. Stopped the fertilizers and probably was over watering. Amazing transformation.
Susan Bosse 2 years ago
My tip is to keep them away from me. I somehow killed a cactus. My house is death row for plants.
wowbagger 2 years ago
Thank you for all of these tips! I have a brown thumb, but I'm trying to get better, so this was very helpful
Vonny 2 years ago
Don't give up. Gardening of any type is trial and error. The first house plant an avid grower gifted me with was an African Violet. I was 16 then. He offered tips, and I tried. But it died within a yr. So, I tried again, they prefer less water and their leaves can't get wet. My 'avatar' is a pic of one of my dozen Amaryllis in bloom, they are bulbs I keep indoors. They bloom once, maybe twice per yr. I baby them and learned by trial & error how to care for them, Christmas of '22 I had 3 blooming indoors. I also do veggie gardening outdoors. It's a rewarding hobby. Best of luck to you.
Load More Replies... marianne eliza 2 years ago
Some plants prefer benign neglect. Got my best blooms doing that to my gardenia and bird of paradise shrubs. Stopped the fertilizers and probably was over watering. Amazing transformation.
Susan Bosse 2 years ago
My tip is to keep them away from me. I somehow killed a cactus. My house is death row for plants.
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