You’re inside a store and see a beautiful plant that you simply must have. You take it home but then, just a short while later, it dies. To avoid the disappointment of store-bought plants dying so quickly, read on for these helpful tips.
Why do store-bought plants die so quickly: Store-bought plants have highly controlled conditions, including light and temperature, and they may not adapt to the different conditions in your home. Always check the needs of your new plant and meet them to the best of your abilities. It takes a bit of effort but repotting your plant should be one of the first steps after you take your new plant home.
Reasons why store-bought plants easily die
Overcrowded roots
There’s no telling how long your store-bought plants have been in their current container. When you bring them home, you may just assume that they are new and in great condition, and thus leave them alone for a while.
However, plants need to be repotted every year or two and this process might not have been done with your store-bought plants. When their roots are too constricted, plants don’t receive enough nutrients and there is a greater chance for disease and fungus to appear.
Lack of proper watering
Store workers are busy and there may be times when they completely forget about the plant section. While you may think you are bringing home lively plants, they may actually be on their last leg.
Unfortunately, plants can only take so much stress. If they haven’t been watered regularly, the plants will have stunted growth and be formed in such as way that they aren’t able to take in as many nutrients.
Furthermore, the soil may be of poor quality so it can’t adequately absorb water anymore. As a result, your soil can be too dry and not have proper drainage.
Inadequate living conditions at home
Store-bought plants will be used to live in an area that is completely controlled. The lights go on and off at set times and the temperature is set to the same degree every day.
Even if you keep your store-bought plants indoors, your home will be a lot more variable than what they are used to. You may place them near a window for natural light but if it is really cold outside, that glass can actually be too cold for your plants.
Humidity also plays an important part in the environment of tropical plants. If you have dry air in your home, it can affect how much water your plants absorb and how moist the soil remains.
Furthermore, you might think you know what the specifications are for your plants but unfortunately, you may be wrong. It’s important to research your new plants to see exactly what their light, water, and growing needs are.
How do you keep store-bought plants alive?
Research
The first step in bringing home store-bought plants and keeping them alive is to know what exactly you are buying. A lot of times plants are an impulse buy and when you bring them home, you might realize you don’t actually know what to do with them.
All plants should have a small label, usually placed in their soil, that will tell you basic information. This includes how much sunlight they need and how much water you should give them.
It also helps if you go one step further and research your plant online. This way you can find specific tips about caring for your plant from other knowledgeable people.
Divide and repot
It’s best to err on the side of caution with this step and just assume that you need to repot your store-bought plant. Even if it looks like there is enough space in the container, there are many benefits to this step.
Select a pot that is larger than the original one. Then, add brand-new potting soil as it will have the right nutrients and the necessary substance for proper drainage.
During this step, you may want to divide your plants. If the plant is easily divided, doing so right now will mean less work for you in the future. Plus, it essentially gets you two plants for the price of one.
Monitor your plant
Once you have your plant in its ideal location and in a new pot, be sure to regularly inspect it. Moving locations can stress your plant out but if it’s healthy, it will recover.
Check the leaves and stems of your plant for any signs of disease. Common signs include yellow or brown spots.
You should also check the soil of your plant. Place a finger in the soil and check for moisture levels. This is also a time to ensure there is no fungus in your soil.
Care for your plant regularly
Established plants will survive if you forget to water once in a while. New plants, or ones in new environments, need a strict schedule for care.
Be sure to water regularly so your plant is not further stressed out. This is also a good opportunity for you to inspect your plant for any issues.
Should I repot plants after buying?
As we mentioned earlier, most plants need to be repotted every one to two years. Even though it can seem like a bit of effort to repot your store-bought plant once you bring it home, this is a step you’ll have to take anyway.
Repotting your plant allows you to see the health of the entire plant, including the roots. Not only will you give your plant more breathing space in a larger pot but you can control the type of soil so that it starts out with enough nutrients.
Conclusion
With store-bought plants, you have no idea how they were cared for before you bring them home. While it’s hoped that they were given the right nutrients and water, this is information you simply won’t have. In order to start your plant off right in your own home, repot it and stick to a strict water schedule so it has all its needs met
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