It has been claimed that keeping houseplants helps to remove pollutants and reduce stress, therefore increasing focus and creativity, but sometimes caring for your plants can feel like a full time job. There’s so much to remember, from feeding your plants to making sure they get enough sunlight.
We know the instinct to water them is strong, but over watering is the most common way to kill houseplants.
Generally speaking, plants like to dry out in between feedings. If soil is left too wet for too long, it can cause root rot. Letting your soil dry out before watering is key for plants to receive the perfect balance of water and oxygen. So how do you know when a plant needs to be watered?
Tips:
- Stick your finger in the soil and if the first inch is dry, water. If it looks dry on top but is actually wet below the surface, don’t. The top of the soil should feel moist, not soggy.
- Leaves are expressive — especially if they are large and thin — and will tell you a lot about a plant’s needs. If they are droopy, you know they need something and to check their soil. You might have to dig down a couple of inches
- If your plant is in an unglazed clay pot, for instance, it may need to be watered more often than a plant in a store-bought plastic planter
- For many plants, it’s wise to have drainage, because you can soak them to be sure that they are absorbing the water.
- Smaller plants need more attention and frequent watering than larger plants. Additionally, plants that get more sunlight also need to be watered more frequently.
- Watering from underneath is more homogeneous, less prone to overwatering and there is no concern of draining nutrients out. Plus, you can be sure that the water does actually get to the roots.
- Place a saucer underneath the pot and fill the saucer with fresh water when it’s time to water. Let it soak for several hours. Empty the saucer and let the remaining water drip out.
- Fill the bottom of a tray/container/sink/bathtub with a few centimetres of fresh water. Place your plant pots in and let them absorb water for a couple of hours. Let them dry before placing them back.
- Self-watering pots are incredibly useful and time-saving. No more over-watering or under-watering, the plant does it all for itself. You just need to refill the water reservoir
- Use pebbles as a soil topping to retain moisture longer.
- Just like humans don’t like an ice-cold shower, your plants don’t either. Water with tepid water. Water straight from the tap can shock the roots, especially tropical plants.
This was our first autumn crop of this school year!
We had spicy radish to set off this years growing
St Marylebone Art & Design 
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