How to Take Good Care of Plants
Taking good care of plants is not just about watering and exposing them to sunlight. It also requires mastering scientific and systematic maintenance methods. This article reveals the underlying logic of healthy growth for indoor green plants through five core dimensions, combined with real-life operation diagrams.
Basic Understanding of Plants
Growth Habit Diagnosis
Before maintenance, confirm the type of plant: succulents are drought-resistant and require controlled watering (once every 7-10 days), foliage plants prefer moisture (once every 3-5 days), and flowering plants need phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. It is recommended to use a plant identification app to get accurate species information.
Simulating Native Environment
Tropical plants need to maintain 60% humidity, while desert plants adapt to 30% dry conditions. This can be monitored using a thermometer/hygrometer and adjusted with a humidifier/dehumidifier to regulate the microenvironment.
Light Control Strategies
Sun-Loving Plant Management
Plants like Ficus lyrata and Sansevieria require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is recommended to place them on a south-facing windowsill and rotate the pot by 15° monthly to avoid crown bias.
Shade-Tolerant Plant Configuration
Plants like ferns and Calathea use 500-1000Lux scattered light, and can be combined with LED grow lights (daily supplement of 2 hours) to maintain photosynthesis.
Choosing Pots and Soil
Container Material Analysis
Clay pots have the best breathability (suitable for succulents), plastic pots retain water well (suitable for ferns), and cement pots need to be treated for alkalinity resistance. It is suggested to use a container size 3-5cm larger than the original soil ball.
Optimizing Soil Formula
General formula: Peat soil: Perlite: Vermiculite = 5:3:2. For succulents, increase the particle soil to 70%, and for orchids, add substrates like pine bark and sphagnum moss.
Smart Watering and Fertilizing Management
Watering Cycle Algorithm
Use the finger joint detection method: insert the index finger into the soil up to two knuckles, and if it's dry, it's time to water. It is recommended to water in the morning during spring and summer and at noon in autumn and winter.
Fertilizer Application Standards
Foliage plants should use a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium formula of 15-5-10 (once a month), while flowering plants should switch to a formula of 7-9-5. Water-soluble fertilizers need to be diluted to half of the marked concentration before use.
Disease and Pest Control System
Preventive Management
Monthly application of garlic water (1:50) or cigarette butt extract on the underside of leaves can effectively prevent pests like red spiders and aphids.
Emergency Response Plan
If a disease is found, isolate it immediately, cut off the diseased leaves, and spray with carbendazim (800 times dilution). Scale insects can be physically removed with an alcohol cotton swab.
Through systematic environmental control and precise maintenance, combined with regular observation and recording, even beginners can cultivate perfect indoor green plants. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording each watering and fertilizing time and the plant's response, gradually forming a personalized maintenance plan.