Gardening tips for beginners

Tip 1. Choose suitable plant species according to the lighting conditions at home

First, determine the direction of the window and pay attention to whether there are any obstructions outside the window, such as large trees, walls, etc., as they will block some of the sunlight.

South facing:

There is plenty of sunlight all day long, and almost all plants are suitable for such an environment, just remember to place them a little further away from the window.

Recommended plantings: Cacti, calla lilies, and flowering or fruiting plants such as oxalis, begonias, and German dwarf lemon trees.

Facing East/West:

When the amount of light is average, you can place the plants closer to the window.

Recommended plantings: Pilea, Peperomia, palms, Dracaena, tropical figs and ferns.

Backlight:

When there is very little light, try to choose some plants that are not too sun-loving and place them directly on the windowsill.

Recommended plantings: Golden Pothos, Philodendron, Glechoma longituba, Dieffenbachia, Spathiphyllum and Money Tree.

Tip2. Try to avoid exposing plants directly to strong light

When the ultraviolet rays are strong in the summer, if the skin is directly exposed to the outside, there will be an obvious burning sensation. Green plants will also feel uncomfortable due to strong ultraviolet rays. To prevent the plants from being scorched by the sun, you can put up a gauze curtain or place the plants 30 cm away from the window.

Tip3. Lighting conditions

If your room does not receive enough light, it is best to plant some shade-loving plants. If possible, move it to a sunny room every week to dry it out.

Recommended plantings: Money tree and Golden Pothos, because their texture is dense and water is not easily lost.

Tip 4. When you decide to grow plants, take into account details that are easy to overlook, such as your schedule and travel frequency.

I believe no one wants to lose their beloved green plants due to their own negligence. Plants that can tolerate drought for a long time, such as succulents and cacti, would be a good choice. However, please note that sometimes over-care may make it difficult for the plant to survive.

Tip5. Overwatering is most likely to cause plant death

You may like to water your plants regularly, but watering them when they need it most is the best way to care for them. Before watering, check the moisture level of the soil. If your plant's leaves are wilting and the soil is caked, it is definitely lacking water. If the soil is dark and feels sticky to the touch, it has just the right amount of moisture.

Tip6. Correct watering method

When watering, push aside the leaves first and water the bottom of the pot until water starts to seep out. Leave the plant alone for half an hour to give it enough time to drink up the water, and finally remember to pour out the excess water in the tray.

Tip7. Plant placement

You can group water-loving ferns, ivy, and tropical plants together and water them collectively every few days using a small spray bottle. In the dry autumn and winter seasons, it is easier to create a humid environment by placing plants in a concentrated area.

Tip8. Suitable temperature

Plants are similar to us and are most comfortable in an environment of 30 degrees Celsius. As much as possible, place your plants away from vents, radiators, and exterior doors, where there will be excess drafts and large temperature swings between hot and cold.

Tip9. Fertilizer selection

If you are new to gardening, it is best not to use fertilizers, as they can have the opposite effect if you don’t get the dosage right. Plants get the water and minerals they need from the air and other plants around them, and they get nourishment and energy from light. Therefore, most plants can grow healthily without adding any fertilizers.

Tip 10. Try to buy green plants from professional gardening stores

Green plant stalls in hardware stores and supermarkets are not ideal choices. Gardening centers and flower shops are good places to buy flowers. Before purchasing, check carefully to make sure there are no yellow leaves, powdery mildew, leaf spots, or wilted stems, which indicate that the plant is in an unhealthy state.