Throughout this article, we will explain, in great detail, the different techniques necessary to care for ornamental plants. It should be borne in mind that l as plants ornamental require certain conditions for its development. These can vary depending on the species, so we must consider if we want our plant to grow and have a healthy appearance.
5 tips to take care of your ornamental plants
Next, we will address the main problems that can cause our indoor plant to begin to manifest health problems and solve them so that it can develop without problems.
1. Adequate sunlight
Plants need light to carry out photosynthesis. The quality, duration and intensity of light is a factor to take into account. The absence of sufficient light is one of the most common reasons that an ornamental plant deteriorates.
If we place our plant in a place with good lightings, such as near a window, we will prevent its leaves from turning yellow and falling off.
However, not all ornamental plants need to be in an area with good lighting. For example, the aspidistra can live in our home areas with little lightings, such as in a corridor.
2. Avoid overwatering
Although it may seem strange, a plant that we have at home is more likely to dry out due to excessive watering than due to lack of water. Since indoor plants, having them indoors, need less frequent watering than the plants in the garden or on the terrace.
Ideally, the potting soil should remain moist but not wet. If the soil is very dry or with excess water, it can damage the plant roots and prevent its growth.
However, if you do not have enough time to water your plants and are concerned that they may dry out, you should bear in mind that there are less demanding ornamental plants. A clear example we have with the sansevieria. This plant supports drought and hot air, being considered the best option for those starting in the world of gardening.
3. Suitable temperature
Plants acclimatize to their environment very slowly, so it is best not to move them too often. Suddenly, sudden changes in temperature or drafts are common for ornamental plants, often leading to the loss of their leaves.
In this aspect, we must also consider the water temperature with which we water the plants. The best option is to use water that is at room temperature, that is, approximately 20ºC. If we use too cold water, it will cause inactivity in the plant. In the opposite case, if the water is too hot, it will damage the roots, which can cause the death of the plant.
4. Environmental humidity
On many occasions, ornamental plants are species of tropical origin, like a high humidity level. As is logical, our homes’ environment is very different from this and can cause problems for certain varieties of plants.
One solution to this drawback is to spray the leaves frequently. You can also include, in the earth, gravel or other materials such as clay so that the evaporation of the water from the pot takes place more slowly. Lastly, you can buy and use a humidifier as long as the room is small.
However, many ornamental plants hardly require care and that calmly endure dry air. Like the Zamioculca, a plant that comes from Africa, it is undemanding when we refer to its cultivation.
5. Compost
With time, the substrate reserves are depleted, so it is necessary to add more so that the plant can continue to develop. One of the most comfortable solutions is to use liquid fertilizer (every fifteen days), together with the irrigation water.
It must be borne in mind that fertilization also depends on the type of plant we have, being the excess of fertilizer as harmful as its lack.
Each plant has specific needs and we must use the most suitable fertilizer to cover these nutritional needs. It must also be taken into account that while plants grow, they need more water and more food.
