Getting a new plant can be a confusing experience for those who do not have a green thumb. A lot of households in India have indoor plants. And yet, a majority of this population does not understand the basic needs of these plants which often times lead to their death. Since plants seem easy to take care of, most people give the same care to all the plants that they have. However, each plant has a different sunlight, water, pot, and fertilization need. In such cases, it is best to understand these requirements and then keep similar kinds of plants together to make it easier to care for them. And if one chooses to have a variety of plants, they must have adequate knowledge that enables them to give the best possible care to their plants.
Listed below are the top reasons plants might die, according to research-
Small Pot Size:
Unless your plant is a succulent, you need to size up the pot as soon as you get your new plant home. Often times, the pot provided by the seller is too small for the plant to grow into. A larger pot ensures that the plant can get enough nutrients and moisture from the soil, even with irregular care.
No Drainage Holes:
All pots MUST contain a drainage hole at the bottom. When you get a new pot, there’s a rough outline right in the center of the bottom part of the pot. This is a thin sheet of plastic which can easily be cut through to make a hole for proper drainage. Once the hole is cut, make sure to place a piece of rock slightly bigger than the hole to make sure that space is enough just for the water to escape, and the soil cannot seep through.
Over-Fertilization:
Most plants that you buy are well fertilized by the seller. It’s always best to consult and ask the seller about the fertilization needs of the plant as over-fertilization can damage the plant. This term is called ‘fertilizer burn’. The symptoms include anything from ceased growth, to falling and browning of leaves. Look for these signs to know when you are over-fertilizing your plants.
Over-Watering:
Most Indian houses with plants tend to water the plants at least one, sometimes twice each day. However, over-watering can easily lead to the death of the plant as each plant’s need is different. For example, succulents need watering only once a week, or once every two weeks. On the other hand, umbrella palm requires water throughout the day to humidify its environment. Too much water can lead to limitation or a severe cut in the oxygen received by the plant. Moreover, it can lead to root-rotting. In order to avoid this, it is best to research the plant’s water needs on the internet once you buy the plant.
Direct Sunlight:
Unlike crops, most houseplants require little to no direct sunlight. Just like water, each plant’s light requirement differs. In general, there are 3 kinds of sunlight- full, semi-shade and shade. According to these conditions, one can find the best spot for the plant in the house. Generally, crops such as chilies, mustard, and curry plants love sunlight. The other indoor plants such as peace lily and golden pothos can burn if they receive the same amount of sunlight.
So these are the top reasons your plants might be dying. Remember, it is crucial that you research each plant’s needs based on the criteria above. If you can, make a chart which tracks the watering schedule of the green friends. It is your own responsibility to ensure that the plants in your house get the best possible care.
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