Sometimes, killing a plant accidentally is inevitable. It’s true, we’re just being honest. Most plant owners have been in that situation. Especially if you’re new in gardening, it’s almost impossible for you to avoid it. So if ever you’ve had your own murder (of a plant of course!) and feel ashamed, don’t hesitate to try again.
With practice and correct instruction on how to take care of a plant, you shall avoid being in the same crime. Here are the 7 common challenges in plants you might face. Read on and see how you can deal with it.
1.OVER-WATERING and UNDER-WATERING
This is one of the most common challenges that a gardener and a plant can have. Over-watering and Under-watering your plants can cause its slow death. Caring for our plant is shown through correct watering.
Over-watering can drown your plants while Under-watering them will leave their roots dry and thirsty. You’ll see signs if your plants are over or under watered.
Signs
Over-watering: The soil does not dry. The roots and leaves turn yellow.
Under-watering: Drooping stem and leaves.
Solutions
Over-watering:
This depends on the type of plant you are cultivating. Some plants need more water while others don’t need much. To know if you have given it enough water, use your fingers to check the soil of the plant.
Feel the moisture level of the soil to properly assess the wetness level of your plant.
Under-watering:
This is the same with over-watering. You should follow the water direction for different plants. Slowly water your plant until you see the soil is evenly wet. Again, use your fingers to check the moisture level of your plant’s soil.
2.LITTLE LIGHT or TOO MUCH LIGHT
Light is important but too much or little of it can harm your beloved plants. Light from the window is not enough to cater to your plant’s need for light. Light exposure does not always mean direct exposure to it. Sometimes, it is the feeling of warmth your plants get.
Signs
Little light: The color of the leaves turns green and soon begin to droop.
Too much light: The leaves burn and there are brown spots. The color of the leaves starts to turn yellow.
Solution
Little light: Move to a brighter spot where your plant can have more light and warm.
Too much light: Move your plant away from direct sunlight, such as the window pane.
The light that is needed will depend on your plant. So you better take note of that.
This works in a similar manner with watering. You need to know the amount of sunlight needed by your chosen plant. You can experiment on this, just make sure that you always check your plants so they don’t die.
3.OVER-FERTILIZING and UNDER-FERTILIZING
You can also relate these problems with the first 2 problems that were mentioned above. Over or under fertilizing your plants can cause their slow death. You probably know that fertilizers are plants’ source of nutrition. It’s their food supplement. Plant’s do eat too if you’re not aware of that.
Excess nutrients can harm your plant’s roots. Think of it as a child getting obese because of too much food. While under-fertilizing your plant can happen if you were not able to feed your plant for 6 months. It’s like malnourished kiddo.
Signs
Over-fertilized: The leaves are burnt because of the fertilizer.
Under-fertilized: The growth of your plants is slow and does not show new shoots and flowers.
Solution
Over-fertilized: Decrease the fertilizer’s concentration and lessen the frequency of doses.
Under-fertilized: Give your plant low doses of fertilizer.
4.YOU ARE NOT RE-POTTING
Your plants grow and eventually, they can run out of space to spread to. Usually, this happens once yearly. For other plants, it can occur once every two years. You shall see roots popping out of the soil as a clear sign for this problem.
Signs
No plant growth and roots pop out of the soil.
Solution
Re-pot! Check out guides on how to re-pot your plant if you don’t know how to.
5.TOO MUCH MOVING
Moving your plants from places to places too much can cause problems. They like to have a rooted style of life. So moving them around too much only adds stress to them.
So before permanently planting them in your garden, it is best much as possible, find a spot that will be theirs for the rest of their plant life.
Signs
Yellowing leaves with slow growth.
Solution
Avoid moving them too much.
6.Diseases
This is very common, not just with plants but also with humans. Diseases are problems that can occur from time to time. It’s just a matter of how you face it properly and immediately to stop it. Constantly checking for your plant’s health is significant for their healthy growth. Recognizing problems early can reduce the chances of diseases spreading on your plant.
Signs
Irregular growth of a plant (noticeable pests and insects are seen)
Solution
You can call for professional help if you don’t know what to do. You can check out for some DIY steps to tend to your plants’ health here.
7.IMPROPER GROOMING
Grooming is needed by plants as well as people do. A loose stem, dropping leaves, and fall flowers are just normal things with plants. However, you have to keep them tidy to avoid pests and insects from pestering them.
Signs
Stunted growth of plants
Solution
Remove dead leaves, branches, and flowers. Clean up so they won’t pile up.
Properly label your plants so you will know the right amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer to use on them. Buy organic plant markers, today.
