Feel
the soil in the pot for dampness. If the soil is damp,
the plant does not need watering. If it is dry sufficient
water should be applied so that the water drains out from
the drainage holes at the base of the pot.
By applying less water, out of fear that the water will
spoil the carpet, you run the risk of damaging the root
system and killing the plant. Applying less water to the
pot only wets the top surface of the soil. This forces
the roots to grow upwards in search of water and getting
exposed and possibly be damaged by some external factors.
Humidity
You
must have noticed the tips of leaves turning brown and wilting
very soon in an air-conditioned room. Air-conditioning
dries out the humidity in the air. The
plants loose water faster through the openings in their
leaves than they can replace it through their roots.
To provide humidity for the plants:
-
Place
the plants on a tray of wet pebbles. The water evaporates
upward from the surface of the stones and creates a
humid atmosphere around the plants
-
Group
the plant together so that they can break the air currents
blowing on them and also take advantage of the moisture
evaporating from each other. A mug of water can be placed
in between then for better result.
-
Spray
water on the leaves of the plant.
Re-potting
Plants
cannot grow forever in the same pot. As the plant grows
the roots gradually fill up the pot. It then needs to be
planted in another pot.
For the purpose of repotting,
use a pot which is of the next larger size and has drainage
holes at the bottom. The drainage holes
are required to allow the excess water to flow out of the
pot. Also see section of FAQ.
Use a potting mixture that allows free drainage of water.
It should be free from large particles of mud. There are
ready potting mixtures available with nurseries.
Fertilizing
Fertilize
the plants once in fourteen days. Use fertilizers which
have a proper balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
(N:P:K). These are the three elements most essential for
the balanced growth of all plants. Nitrogen is essential
for the growth of the stem and leaves, phosphorus for the
roots, and potassium for the general sturdiness of the plant.
The three chemicals need not be applied separately. There
are ready chemicals with a mix of all the three.
Pruning
Pruning
is required to make the plant grow bushier and to give it
the desired shape. It is also done to get rid of the diseased
parts of the plant.
Pruning should, however, be done only when the plant is
in an active growing stage. Generally, the plant is not
in an active growing stage during the winter season.
Disease
and Pest Control
Plants
are liable to be attacked by diseased and pests. Be on a
constant look out for the symptoms of plant disease and
pests. However, do not wait for the plants to be affected
and then take remedial action. Prevention
is always better than cure. Spray the plants once in fourteen
days with insecticides. The best insecticide to use, which
does not cause any side effect to the plant, is neem oil
cake. |