5 Tips: SOS, my plant is in distress!
Do you recognize that? You walk quietly past your plant, you look back, and suddenly BAM! She hangs around as if she's given up on life. Perhaps you are now doubting whether it is better to get rid of her, but don't panic! Many plants can be saved with some love and attention.
We are going to give you a number of tips to ensure that you know what to do at such a moment, so that your plant will soon be shining again.
Table of contents
1. What is wrong with my plant?
There are of course endless possibilities why your plant is not shining. Here are some factors you might want to look at to help you make a proper diagnosis.
Where is your green friend? The location of a plant is very important in your home. Did you know that plants don't like moving? Moving your plant a meter or two is also a small move for your plant. The plant can suddenly be in a draft, the temperature can be different and the light can shine just a little more or less on the leaves. It's not all that bad for us. But for our green friends it is!
For example, some plants are known as shade plants. But watch out! This does not mean that they want to stand in the dark corner under the small tilt window in the bathroom. If you want to see plants glow, make sure they get some rays too! Even when they are shade plants.
Temperature also plays a role, of course. Find out what temperatures your plant likes and check how warm - or cold - it is where it is currently. This also applies to humidity. Some plants need a high humidity, at least 50%. To check this you can find many meters online where you can read the temperature and humidity!
In addition to the location, humidity and temperature, you can ask yourself a few more things. When was your plant watered? And how do you water your plant? To learn more about watering plants, check out the 5 Tips: Watering Skills blog.
The season can also play a major role in how your plant feels. Some plants lose some leaves in the winter. Unfortunately? Hell yes! But sometimes you can't do anything about it. In winter, plants need much less love from us. Unfortunately, a plant cannot handle feeding or too much water in the winter. So be patient in the winter. Then you may be rewarded with new growth in the spring!
Finally, a common problem with sad plants is bugs. Look closely at the stem of your plant, under and on the leaves and in the potting soil. Do you see strange balls, spots or many white dots? Then there is a good chance that you are dealing with unwanted insects. To check this properly, it is best to use a magnifying glass.
If you find out that you have given too much, such as water or food, change the potting soil, cut off unsightly leaves at the bottom of the stem and place her where you think she will be happy. With a little luck and patience she will recover.
2. Back in time
Think back in time for a moment. Have you moved in the past few weeks? Have you moved the plant or has the space in which your plant is located changed? Then your plant may be in shock.
Animals can also cause damage. Perhaps your cat or dog regularly walks just a little too close to your green friend. But your plant will certainly not appreciate biting leaves or digging in the potting soil.
3. Carrot-thorough
Potting soil may not be the most fun topic when you think about taking care of your plants, but it is very important! If you have watered too much, it is best to check the roots before repotting: are they wet and limp? Then they rot. You can cut this off before repotting the plant. Also check which potting soil you use! For example, you do not want to use potting soil for a cactus that retains a lot of moisture, because that will cause problems in the future.
4. We will search the books
If you haven't already done so, read up on your plant. Where does she come from? What does she need? Which problems often occur with the plant species in question? Everything can be found online these days, but you will have to search for it!
5. Coming and Going
Sometimes we have to accept that not all plants can be saved. Some arrive happy and will leave us too early. Plants are alive, and sometimes death is involved. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants to adopt so we can try again.
