To let your plants grow well, you must first understand or know where your plant came from…

BALANCE

When adding fertilizers, too great a concentration of any or all of the necessary elements the plant growth will be greatly depressed, or the plants may even be killed

• So remember to follow the instructions on the labels of Fertilizer package.
• Application for the basic fertilizers available in the market
  * Organic fertilizer - once or twice a month
  * Npk fertilizer - once a month but in small amount
  * Slow release fertilizer - once in 2 or 3 months

Too much water will drown the plants. As a rule of thumb,

• Fleshy plants - once a week
• Waxy - thrice a week
• Hairy surfaces - thrice a week (Do not water on leaf)
• Flowers in bloom - thrice a week (do not water on flower)
• Thin delicate leaves - lots of moisture

Light is the primary energy source for photosynthesis. Yet, plants do not necessary need 24 hours of bright light.

• Which plants need more or less light?
  * Succulent stems and reduced leaves (Cactuses) - more light
  * Most flowering plants - more light
  * Most leafy plants - partial light
  * Non-flowering plants - partial light

Soil content determines the health status of the root system

• A balance of the basic components of soil, loam, organic matter, sand is needed. What percentage of the components should be given is dependent on the plant type.
• Cactuses and succulents: 3 portions of sand, 1 portion of loam, 1 portion of organic matter
• Leafy and non-flowering plants: 1: 3: 2
• Flowering plants: 1: 2: 3

Good Air Circulation is important.

• Air-conditioned rooms have low humidity, hence more prone to dehydration. Try placing several plants together to trap moisture.

PATIENCE

Always remember that Plants require time to grow and adapt to the surroundings.

HARMONY

Plants may not speak to you but they do respond to your attention. There are people who talk and sing to their plants and the plants blossomed!

In a concrete jungle we are living in, a pot of greenery on our desk or in our balconies or corridors, can soften and harmonized our surroundings.

This section will be giving you tips on how to maintain your garden and plants. You can also email your questions to Miss Daphne our Botanist... askdaphne@gardenasia.com

View our Gardening Tips Archives