Green Thumb Plant Care

  Having a green thumb basically means that a plant owner or gardener is attuned to the needs and requirements of plants. By meeting these needs, the green thumb grows healthy plants. So you can start to be a green thumb by identifying what plants need to thrive.

1. Light

   • All plants require a certain level of light in order to survive. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants use light in combination with energy, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water to grow and release oxygen. Different types of plants need different levels of light. The basic rule of thumb dictates that plants with low light requirements grow slowly, while those with high light requirements grow quickly.
     Plants are able to adapt and survive in conditions that are less than ideal. A houseplant can live in a dimly lit room, but move it to a sunny spot and it just might flourish and double in size. Consistent levels of the proper lighting will result in lush, healthy plants.

   Water

   • Water needs vary from plant to plant, ranging from water-loving plants to dry soil plants. Too little water will cause a plant to wither and die in a very short amount of time. However, too much water kills as well. When plants are over-watered, their root systems basically drown in the excess water. For the majority of plants, the soil should remain damp, but not soggy. Plants use different levels of water based on a variety of factors, including humidity, wind speeds, location, temperature and other environmental factors.

   Soil

   • More than simply dirt, the soil provides nutrients and minerals to the plant. Most container plants require regular fertilizations. Plants directly in the ground can also require fertilization based on the recommendations indicated by a soil test. By testing the soil, you can identify what specific nutrients need to be added to the soil. For example, a test may indicate low levels of nitrogen in an area that is set aside for a corn crop. Because corn requires a lot of nitrogen for leaf growth, you will need to supplement the soil with additional nitrogen. Soil tests can be obtained through local extension offices or by purchasing a kit from a home improvement store or garden supply source.

   Cleanliness

   • Green thumb gardeners are tidy gardeners. Disease is often spread through discarded and infected plant matter. Gardens and indoor plants should be cleaned frequently of old or diseased foilage. Indoor plants benefit from a gentle wiping with a wet cloth to remove dust. Outdoor garden areas should be weed free.

   Pests

   • Once a green thumb has healthy plants, he has to fight to keep them that way. Insects affect both indoor and outdoor plants. Aphids, spider mites, scales, mealy bugs and white flies frequently attach houseplants. They can often be removed with soapy water or a light mixture of alcohol in water. Outdoor plants not only have insect issues, but are also in danger of damage caused by dogs, cats, mice, birds, deer and other animals. Many gardens include some type of fencing system to protect the garden from pests.

Posted in: Plant Basics