Indoor gardening is attaining popularity due to the rise of urban living and limited outdoor space along with its beauty and wellness benefits. There is a possibility of creating mistakes by individuals who do not understand gardening practices. Inadequate watering, light, or use of soil/pot can sometimes be mistakes by starters. The blog article is explaining the mistakes to avoid in indoor gardening to ensure you create a healthy garden.
Mistake 1: Overwatering the plants
There is a fact that many people don't know. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering. This is because overwatering removes oxygen from the roots, thus causing the roots to die of rot. It also creates a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. This will result in the death of the plant. Signs of overwatering include yellow, wilting, or dropping leaves, mushy stems, stunted growth, and mold on soil, all leading to root rot.
You should only water when the soil is dry. This way, you can avoid overwatering. Use pots that contain holes for draining and maintain a watering schedule depending on the plant. When you buy plants online Dubai, make sure you never overwater them.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong soil mix
The garden soil can never be used to grow plants that are grown indoors. The compacting quality of this type of soil prevents drainage and air from passing through, resulting in root rot. Also, garden soil contains pests, weeds and fungal diseases. It causes soggy conditions in indoor plants leading to root rot again.
Proper potting mix provides air, water and nutrients for the growth of plants. This soil is free of bacteria and hence reduces the chances of root rot. This soil assists in cultivating better root development and growth.
It is essential to make sure that the soil is meant for your plant. For example cactus/succulent mix for drought tolerant plants, peat-free or moisture retentive mixes for tropical plants, and a special soil type for orchid/herb plants.
Mistake 3: Ignoring light requirements
There is a widespread belief that indoor plants can be grown everywhere. Some plants can adapt to an indoor climate but still they have specific requirements in case of light, water, temperature etc.
Receiving fewer light causes certain symptoms because of the plant’s incapability to perform photosynthesis. Leggy growth (long stems with a gap between leaves), pale leaves (yellowish, or dull green with a lack of chlorophyll) and slow growth are the symptoms.
To get sufficient sunlight, keep the plants near south facing windows as these windows receive good sunlight. Grow lights can be a great supplement for natural light. Choosing the right type of light and keeping it at the right distance from the plants as well as setting a timer can be helpful. Make sure you meet the light requirements after you buy plants online Dubai.
Mistake 4: Choosing the wrong pot size
One of the mistakes to avoid in indoor gardening is choosing the wrong pot size. The right size for pots used for garden plants is very important since small containers prevent the roots from growing and large pots cause waterlogging.
Repotting is required in certain circumstances. The signs for a lookout are:
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Roots coming out of drainage holes
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The soil dries out fast
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Slow growth
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Yellow leaves or leaf drop
The right pot size can be determined by selecting a pot with a diameter that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the size of the plant's root ball.
Mistake 5: Skip regular cleaning and maintenance
Not cleaning and keeping it maintained regularly is one of the common indoor gardening mistakes that happen while carrying out indoor gardening. It is necessary for proper plant growth. Dust particles on leaves block the sunlight and cause pest infections. Removing dead leaves promotes growth of new ones. Checking for insect activities helps you prevent the infestation from becoming severe. Wipe leaves off with clean damp clothes to remove dust. Also conduct monthly checkups to identify pests and take the necessary action against them.
Mistake 6: Keeping plants in low air circulation areas
Good airflow is required for all plants because it helps to control moisture levels and prevent stagnant conditions. Molds grow under humid conditions. Aeration allows for the reduction of moisture on the surface of the soil and also regulates temperature. Pests also can't survive under these conditions.
If these plants are kept in low air circulation areas, like dark corners or closed shelves, fungal infections can take place. The growth of plants becomes restricted if kept at such places, and the threat of pest attacks increases. When you buy indoor plants online in Dubai, never keep them in these spots.
Air circulation can be fixed by using fans to expel hot air and bring in cool air. Opening windows in the early morning and evening let in cool and fresh air. Spacing between pots prevents a collection of moisture, thus controlling the rate of humidity infection.
Mistake 7: Not understanding each plant’s needs
Each plant is unique and hence their requirements like humidity, light, water and fertilizers. Knowing the growth conditions of each plant is necessary to provide them the things they need.
For instance, succulents require a lot of light and less watering, while ferns require partial light and a lot of watering. When you buy a plant, conduct a research and refer to the care tags to know the requirements of the plant.
The blog has discussed the common indoor gardening mistakes made by people. Understanding these mistakes help you avoid them and provide the best for your plants. It is hard to properly care for the indoor garden. However, you can take care of your plants as long as you understand them. You may start with a few as a beginner and create an enjoyable process in gardening.
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