Tips for new plants - Part 1

Hey there, all you Plantaholics! I hope you’re having a good day so far!

I’m in a bit of a teaching mood today, so I’ll be sharing with you the most important things you should do and be aware of when you get your plants home from the nursery. If you keep these tips in mind, I can assure you won’t lose a plant!

1. As I’ve mentioned in the post, My first carnivorous experiment, you must always research your plant of interest ahead of time if you can plan your purchase. Determine if the plant is suitable for your climate, not just on the day itself but mostly the whole year-round. Other important variables to remember are soil types, watering schedules, fertilizer needs, etc.
2. Once you bring your new baby home, leave it in the shade approximately near where you intend to plant it. Allow it to acclimatize to the new surroundings. The microclimate in your garden is a crucial factor in your plant’s overall health and well being!
3. After potting or repotting the plant, allow it to grow in the shade for a week. If it’s already in the springtime, you can move the pot to a semi-shaded area in lesser time, about 2-3 days. However, if it’s too sunny, leave the plant in the semi-shaded place for the rest of the summer!
4. Once you’ve potted the plants, remember to water the plant sufficiently or until you observe water flowing out from the drainage holes located at the bottom of the pot. After this initial step, do not water the plant daily. Wait until the topsoil gets dry by inserting your finger about an inch in to check the dryness level. If it’s dry, it’s ready for another round of watering.
5. The most important tip is to observe your plant as it grows with you! Be aware of any changes so that you can immediately take remedial actions necessary to keep your plants happy and healthy.

As I explore new plants, I will share more tips in future posts.

Until next time, happy planting!