The plants on the terrace are usually exposed to the sun, wind, frost ... However, these "little problems" can be solved very easily, since as they are in pots, it is easy to move them around. But what happens if we don't have more space or if we don't feel like having to replace them?
Absolutely nothing happens. There are very interesting alternatives. Discover how to take care of the terrace plants so they don't have any problems.
Protect them from the sun and the wind
There are plants that cannot grow in full sun or in an area exposed to the wind, as they will burn quickly. Even those that are heliophilic (lovers of the sun) such as cacti, many palm trees and flowers, if they have been growing in semi-shade, they will have a terrible time if they are exposed directly to the sun's rays, without having acclimatized them before. Because, it is very necessary to protect them, but how?
Well, there are several options:
With sun creepers
A lattice and a nice little climber or one that has an easy-to-control development. If it also gives pretty flowers, the better. Clematis, jasmine, and even a bougainvillea It could protect the most delicate plants from the sun.
Tall potted plants
There are a lot of plants that can be potted: Abelia, roses, polygala, pitosporum, etc. It is just a matter of choosing the ones you like the most and using them as if they were a natural barrier against the sun and the wind.
With heather cloth or shading mesh
Image - leroymerlin.es
Both heather fabric like the shading mesh, they are two highly recommended accessories for the terrace. They allow you to save a lot of space and, incidentally, gain in aesthetics. You can put them on the wall or, if you prefer, as a »ceiling».
Control irrigation and subscribers
Another thing to do is water them and fertilize them whenever necessary. We tend to "spoil" potted plants too much, and this is a problem since we can burn their roots and / or leaves, slow down their growth, or in severe cases, lose them. To avoid this, do the following:
- Irrigation: It will depend on the species, but generally they will be watered about 3-4 times a week in summer and every 4-7 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: throughout the growing season, that is, from spring to summer. Liquid fertilizers should be used, if possible organic (such as guano). If you live in an area where the climate is mild, you can also pay in autumn.
Remember to prune ...
Because the plants are so well cared for, they "grow like crazy" 🙂. The pot has limited space, so It is important to remember to prune, that is, to remove dry, diseased or weak branches, as well as those that intersect. The ideal time to do it is at the end of winter.
... and transplant
Potted plants need to be transplant occasionally. The substrate over time wears out, so there will come a time when it will no longer be of any use to them. Therefore, they must be moved to a larger pot every 1-3 years (depending on the plant) in early spring. To know for sure when it is their turn, you will have to look at the following:
- Roots grow out of drainage holes; or if it is taken from the trunk and pulled upwards, the earth bread comes out intact.
- The plant does not grow anything.
- It has never been transplanted or more than 4 years ago.
- The substrate begins to lose color.
I hope that with all these tips you can take care of your terrace plants 🙂.