Throughout the United States, many people are becoming what’s known as plant parents. This is a trendy term given to those who care for plants of their own. Even millennials are following this trend, with 29% of 18 to 34 year old American households taking up gardening. No matter your age, it’s never too early or late to become a plant parent. However, it’s wise to learn a few helpful tips while parenting your plants. Considering that, here are four wise tips for becoming an excellent plant parent.
- Ensure Plants Have Room to Breathe
After you’ve practiced gardening for a while, it’s understandable to want more plants in and outside of your home. With that in mind, it’s wise to make sure that each of these plants has enough space. This allows you to have an easier time keeping an eye on each of your plants. In addition, it helps to avoid the problem of crowding. If your plants are too crowded together, it’s hard for each one to receive the sunlight, water, and nutrients. - There’s Nothing Wrong with Naming Your Plants
Not everyone will feel comfortable giving their plants assigned names. That being said, it’s something that you should think about. As you begin to acquire new plants, it’s easy to occasionally forget about the others you own. Naming each of your plants helps to create a strong bond between you and your greenery. - Avoid Placing Water Directly on Your Plants
Part of being a great plant parent is knowing what to avoid. Considering that, it’s understandable to assume you know how to water plants. For most people, this means placing water directly on the plant. Instead of doing this, it’s much better to pour or spray water into the soil. If you notice any unnatural yellowing of your plant’s leaves, you’re giving them too much water. Many experts recommend placing more water into the soil after the top two inches of dirt feel dry. If you’re unsure of your plant’s ideal watering schedule, consider visiting a plant nursery. Employees working at a plant nursery should be able to provide answers to your questions. - Keep Plants Together While You’re Away
One of the hardest things for parents is being away from their children. Likewise, plant parents often have a difficult time leaving their flowers and houseplants behind. If you’re leaving home for only a short while, think about placing your plants together. While the sun’s rays are good for most plants, you’ll want to avoid leaving them near direct sunlight for days on end. Instead, place them together in a cool space inside of your home. If you’re going to be away from home for a week or longer, have someone pop in to take care of your plants.
In conclusion, there are a few tips to utilize in order to become a great plant parent. Plant parenting is much more than a trend, it’s a way of life. Statistics from 2017 found that nearly 117.6 people throughout the United States took part in some type of gardening in the past 12 months before being surveyed. In addition, it’s expected that the United States home and garden market will increase by $10 billion throughout this current year. Throughout your time as a plant parent, you’re likely to run into unforeseen issues. If this happens, consider visiting a nearby plant nursery. Local garden centers hire employees that help customers solve a wide range of problems.