How can I stop my plants from dying?

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How can I stop my plants from dying?

Thanks for asking.

It's common knowledge that having plants in your home is incredibly beneficial. They reduce carbon dioxide levels, purify air, reduce dust, and can even dampen noise. Not to mention how pleasant and soothing they are to look at. But unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a gardener's green thumb. Do you ever feel like your indoor plants just can't survive more than a few months, despite your best efforts and heartfelt care? Well, if that's the case, this episode is just what you need. Should I be choosing certain types of plant to suit my home? Well, plants can thrive in any room of your house or flat, but you need to meet their specific needs to create the best environment for them. For example, some plants require lots of light, while others prefer the shade. Temperature and humidity are also important factors. Gardeners World recommend Boston Ferns and Peace Lilies in its list of top plants for a bathroom, because of how they thrive in high humidity. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, pothos plants make for a great choice because they love humidity and warmth. A ficus will fit the bill well in your living room, perhaps paired with a pilia for a nice touch. And when it comes to your drafty entrance, a calathea is recommended. They thrive in low light and need minimal maintenance. What's more, with around 50 species to choose from, you're bound to find one that you love. A word of warning, if you have pets, be very careful. Cats, in particular, love to chew on plants, and some can be very toxic for them. Avoid plants like ficus, lily of the valley, and aloe vera. Always check that a plant is safe for your pets before bringing it home. What are the most common mistakes that people make? The biggest one really is overwatering. You could say it's like smothering your plants with too much love. You're so worried about neglecting them that you end up overdoing it, which often kills them. Overwatered plants often have yellowing leaves and a mouldy smell. The soil becomes waterlogged, preventing the roots from absorbing nutrients and causing them to rot. To avoid this, always check if the soil is actually dry before watering. If it's still moist, wait a little longer. Some people also misunderstand their plants' light needs. Of course, all plants need light, but some are more sensitive and can burn under direct sunlight. Don't forget to repot your plants regularly. As they grow, they need more space. Young plants should be repotted annually, and older ones every two to three years. If you notice roots growing on the surface or out of the bottom of the pot, that means the plant is outgrowing its pot and needs more room. It's time to repot. For optimal health, use a fertiliser to provide essential nutrients.

Finally, some people actually throw out their plants prematurely, thinking they're dead when in fact they're still alive and could be saved.

The first signs of trouble to look out for are yellow or brown leaves, but to really get a better idea, you'll need to scratch the stem. If you can see green underneath, the plant is still alive and can be saved.

However, if the stem is dry, it's likely that the plant is beyond saving.

There you have it.

Now you know how to stop your plants from dying. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.