How is the prevention of diseases in plants? What to do so that your health does not decline? Well, those are two questions that do not have a single answer, or at least, not a simple one. It must be taken into account that there are several factors that can harm or damage them, and there are some that humans cannot control, such as the weather.
Even so, I want you to know that I myself am one of those people who think - in fact, I am convinced of it - that health does not weaken when that being (be it animal or plant) is cared for or cared for correctly. Starting from this, I'm going to tell you what do I do so that my plants do not fall ill.
Try to acquire native plants or those from similar climates
This is essential. Since the weather is something we can't control The ideal is to look for plants that can adapt without problems to the conditions that our garden, patio or terrace has.. To do this, of course, there is no choice but to know what these climatic conditions are and the rusticity of the plant that we want to take home, and what better way than to consult it on a blog like this one. 😉
Don't water them more than necessary
Watering is very important for plants, especially those that are grown in pots. But we always, always have to keep in mind that extremes are just as damaging. You don't have to water a little but not a lot, except for the aquatic ones which do need to have their »feet» constantly wet. In case of doubt you have to check the humidity of the eartheither with a digital moisture meter or by digging around with your fingers.
Fertilize them throughout the growing season
The growing season usually includes spring, summer if it is not excessively warm (maximum temperatures below 35ºC), and autumn if frosts do not occur or are very mild. Today in nurseries we can find specific fertilizers for each type of plant ready for use, but we can also fertilize them with organic fertilizersand manure, guano, compost, vegetables that are no longer edible, tea bags, etc.
But beware, there are exceptions:
- Cacti, succulents and succulents in general: you have to use mineral fertilizers, either those that are sold ready to use or with blue Nitrofoska (adding a small spoonful every 15 days).
- Orchid: they can only be paid with a specific subscription.
- Carnivorous plants: they do not have to be paid as they will burn.
Protect them from the cold
Even the toughest plant needs a little extra help to get through the first winter with ease. Because, it is highly recommended to put it in a slightly sheltered corner, or padded to protect its roots. In case you love to try species that are a bit on the edge, cover them with anti-frost fabric. They will be grateful to you. 😉
More tips
So far we have seen the tricks, let's say, the most important, those that will greatly prevent us from having diseased plants, but there is still something else you have to know:
- Do not water from above: and less during the central hours of the day. Leaves can burn and / or rot quickly.
- Having a plate under them is not recommended: unless you remember to remove the water within ten minutes of watering. The vast majority of plants -except for aquatic ones- greatly dislike having their roots in contact with water.
- Treat them with copper or sulfur to prevent fungus: in spring and autumn you can avoid the appearance of fungi just by sprinkling the earth a little with copper or sulfur and watering afterwards. Do it once a month as a preventive measure.
- Clean your indoor plants from time to time: the dust and dirt that settle on the leaves can end up damaging them by clogging their pores. Therefore, you must clean them.
Has it been useful to you? 🙂