Like all living species, flowers can suffer for many reasons and even end up withering. A prolonged drought, the invasion of insects, diseases, an excess or on the contrary a lack of watering… are all bad conditions that risk reducing their lifespan. If you want to protect them so that they remain in good health, it is necessary to offer them special and above all regular care. To better maintain your potted plants, discover this little trick presented by Alain Grimaud, gardener who will protect them longer.
Potted plants require special care
Unlike those in the garden, plants that live in a pot grow more slowly and require a quality substrate to flourish. As space is limited, the roots do not develop freely and need constant attention. If you live in an apartment and have no choice but to keep your flowers in pots, you need to be extra vigilant to protect them and keep them healthy.
Be aware that high temperatures can affect your plants. If the heat continues to fall in your area (or in your interior because of the radiator) they will be the first victims. Although some are very resistant to hot days (and to the radiator), such as cacti, most require special attention. The first maintenance advice to take into account: watering. It is very important to hydrate your flowers deeply, especially when the heat causes the soil to evaporate much more quickly. As a result, brown or yellow spots may appear on the leaves, which may cause the plant to wilt or dry out faster than expected.
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The wisest method to check if they are getting enough water is to press your finger on the soil: if you notice that it is still dry, continue to water more slowly.
And then obviously, the location plays a major role: if your plants are installed on the balcony, under the intensity of the sun’s rays, all you have to do is move them inside the house to avoid direct exposure.
What if you put stones in your flower pots?
Stones in plant pots – Source: spm
Plants that need high humidity, such as tropical plants, should be watered frequently. But, to maintain the humidity longer, we have an effective trick to offer you: you must integrate stones into the pot.
The best option would be to get “gravel”, these are small stones very common in landscaping. Not only do they give a decorative touch to the pot, but they also offer a range of benefits to your flowers. Thus, these stones have the same effect as clay balls, since they will promote the flow of water while preventing the soil from being soggy. Note that excess water can also be fatal to plants and cause them to rot quickly.
Little advice : it is better to move your plants away from the walls which themselves give off heat. And remember to always watch your plants for signs of disease.
Water the plant – Source: spm
Ideally, it would be wiser to pour the water over the potting soil. Why avoid watering the leaves directly? First, by watering close to the ground, the water automatically reaches the roots. On the other hand, the leaves of wet plants are susceptible to fungus or rot. Especially since plants prone to powdery mildew are more likely to catch this disease if their leaves are constantly wet.
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Make sure the irrigation water is neither too cold nor too hot. The plants prefer rather lukewarm water, especially when the weather is hot.
Good to know : to prolong the life of a potted plant, it must be provided with all the nutrients it needs. The soil must therefore be enriched with organic fibers to feed the plant longer. Also bet on drainage so as not to smother the roots.
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