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How to Stop Killing Your Houseplants

Dead Peace Lily in Pocatello BathroomIf you are like most people, you do not have a good track record about keeping houseplants alive. For the individuals who are a bit foliage-challenged, caring for houseplants can feel like a troublesome and mysterious task. However, it doesn’t have to be. By obeying some of these useful pieces of advice, you can stop killing your houseplants and start enjoying their natural beauty in your Pocatello rental home.

Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants

To grow healthy houseplants, start with the right kind of plant. There are multiple different houseplant varieties, the vast majority of which are relatively sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, obtain the one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that look dry, wilted, or spotted. When you get your plant home, do a little research and ensure that you have the correct size and style of pot, along with some great quality potting soil. Numerous plants need a small container to grow, so choose a pot slightly larger than your plant currently needs. In addition, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Keep in mind to place something to catch the drainage, though, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.

Step 2: Get the Light Just Right

Much the same as real estate, with regards to houseplants, location matters. Find a position that gives the kind of light your houseplant needs. The majority of indoor plants are suitable in indirect sunlight, but others require a little direct sun every day to thrive. Find out exactly what kind of sunlight your plant needs, and choose an area that possesses all the necessary requirements.

Other than finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that might damage it. It’s best to keep your plant far from cold drafts, hot air blowing on it from your furnace, too much moisture or humidity, or too little moisture. If that sounds like a challenging task, it certainly does. However, with a touch of planning and creativity, it is possible to identify the right spot for your plant to bloom.

Step 3: Water Correctly

Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the main cause why they withered. It can be a challenge to know how much water to give your plant, how regularly to water it, etc. An overall guideline is to keep the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. An excessive amount of water can lead to unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, ultimately, the death of your houseplant. To monitor the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (never water a plant on the leaves), and move gradually until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.

If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, a wide range of forms of watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to check your houseplant consistently. Also, there are both high-tech and low-tech options that can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, ensuring a long and healthy life.

Step 4: Groom and Feed

All plants need extra nourishment from time to time and also need to be pruned or trimmed. Different plants have different nutrient needs, so be sure to research what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You can even discover effective guidance at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant looks attractive, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, and more. This will encourage your houseplant to make new leaves or blooms and also keep your plant looking and feeling well.

Even though caring for a houseplant can be a daunting task, it is not impossible to do. With some careful planning and research, you can effectively maintain your houseplant and enjoy its natural beauty for many years to come.

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