Growing your own jungle.
You need to consider your home, lifestyle, and needs as you begin to choose your living beauty. Plants are a wonderful addition to your home, but if you get a plant that demands attention and you do not have time, the plant will not survive. Or, if you are able to take the time to nurture your plants, then maybe you are able to be more adventurous. The best place to start is with your research. Research what will fit in your life and home.
Now that you have decided on your leafy friend, you will want to determine where your plant will stay. Some plants love to soak in the bright sun, while others prefer the shadows. It's important to research what is best for your leafy friend. If your plant is sensitive to light, you could end up browning the leaves. Conversely, if your plant needs sun but is in the shadows of your room, it might not produce flowers or flourish as well. Again, do your research. You need to know the optimal level of light your plant requires.
Your plant has its home, and now it needs a refreshing drink of water. Make sure you know how much your plant needs. There are drought-resistant plants that you can leave alone, or unfortunately forget about, for a while before you water them. Then there are plants that love a good drink on a regular basis. A beautiful orchid is one that does not need much water, whereas an Aloe loves to live in potting soil that is kept moist. It is important to know what your plants need. Remember, some plants are not as sensitive when it comes to their watering schedule, but overwatering can kill others in a heartbeat. One of the most common mistakes people make is overwatering their plants. So, make sure you do your research. Your plant will flourish from it.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
Here is a link to a chart of various plants and their light/water needs to get you started.
As you get to know your plant, there will be practices that come around with the changing seasons. In fall, your plant will be dormant, requiring less water and food. In fact, during fall, your plant will prefer to be placed in a warm place where it can rest until spring. Once spring arrives, your plant starts to wake up and requires a bit more care. This is the time of year when you will want to freshen up the soil, possibly repot your plant, move it closer to a window, and increase your watering. As you move into summer, you will want to add fertilizer to your schedule and continue to increase your watering for some of your plants. The most important part of the plant's seasonal life is to research your plant. Just as you need to know about its light and water needs, you also need to understand its seasonal needs.
To assist you with your plants, here is a free plant card. This will provide the information you need to care for your plant(s).
“You will learn how to take are of plants by failing at taking care of plants- there is no other way.- ”
Plants are a wonderful addition to your home. They bring beauty and a breath of fresh air to your day. With the right information, you can start with one leafy friend and end up with a jungle of beauty to enjoy each day.
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