10 tips for a green thumb

Article for :Beginner and plant killerExperienced plant lover

Having a green thumb is every gardener's dream. The good news is, it can come true. Even if you've already killed a cactus. Even if you've never managed to grow beans on your radiator. Here are 10 tips to help you look after your plants like a pro.

Tip no. 1: Start with hardy varieties

It's no coincidence that you see geraniums everywhere: they're indestructible! Photo by İsmet Şahin / Pixabay

Like everything else, you have to learn to have a green thumb. And you have to start gradually. Start with plants that are easy to care for. Indoors, start with :

a spider plant (Chlorophytum cosumum) ;
a Chinese coin plant (Pilea peperomioides) ;
a misery plant (Tradescantia);
cacti and succulents;
a Pachira aquatica ;
a Zamioculacas zamiifolia ;
an Aglaonema commutatum ;
a pothos (Epipremnum aureum).

In the garden, too, there are varieties that are easy to care for:

chrysanthemums ;
osteospermum ;
lilac ;
the belle of the night ;
periwinkle ;
wisteria ;
geraniums ;
forsythia.

These plants tolerate excesses as well as forgotten watering. They'll forgive you your mistakes and won't give up the ghost at the first pellet, unlike an Alocasia or a ficus. You can take the time to observe them and get to know them. Once you've got the hang of them, move on to slightly more demanding varieties, such as monstera deliciosa, olive tree or phalaenopsis hybrid.

These indestructible varieties will reward you for your efforts. Firstly, they'll stay alive long enough for you to see them grow and flourish, and even bloom. What's more, their foliage and flowers are well worth those of plants that require more care.

Tip 2: Find out what your plants need

Everything you need to know about a plant before you buy it can be found on the Monstera app - Photo by Anthoni Shkraba / Pexels

Every plant has its own needs in terms of light, soil and humidity. For example, cacti and succulents can tolerate full sun, while ferns prefer part shade. Peonies and hydrangeas appreciate humus-rich soil, while Mediterranean species (lavender, agapanthus and sedum) require sandy soil. Tropical plants, such as Alocasia and philodendrons, require high humidity.

Choose according to the environment you have to offer. Even with a green thumb, you won't be able to grow a plant if the conditions aren't suited to its needs. If your apartment is rather dark, select one of these varieties that thrive in light-free interiors. Looking for a little greenery in your bathroom? Avoid cacti and succulents and opt for a fern.

Finally, make sure the substrate you use meets the plant's requirements before planting it in a pot. When planting in the ground, analyze your soil type. If the species you're after isn't suited to your sandy or clay garden, you can remedy this by opting for a container planting.

Tip 3: buy healthy plants

With experience, you'll soon know which store to turn to for quality plants - Photo by Cottonbro studio / Pexels

It's hard to win the race when you've bet on the wrong horse. It's the same with plants. When you buy a plant, make sure it's in good health. Inspect the top and underside of the foliage for parasites or fungi. If the leaves are stained, punctured or sticky, move on to another specimen. This is the sign of a disease that you'll probably have trouble eradicating.

Choose plants that look good. While it's noble of you to want to save that Mother-in-law's language with its yellowing, withered leaves, the chances are slim that you'll succeed. Especially if you're new to gardening.

Tip 4: Water with rainwater

By harvesting rainwater, you'll save money (and have more money to buy more plants) - Photo by Cottonbro studio / Pexels

Water is an essential ingredient in the development of your plants. So choose wisely. The best way is to water with rainwater. It meets the needs of plants and also contains micro-organisms and nutrients that promote growth.

Don't have rainwater? You can occasionally turn to tap water, unless it's highly chlorinated or chalky in your region. Mineral water is too rich and should be avoided, as should demineralized or distilled water, which contains no nutrients.

A final tip for a green thumb: water at room temperature. Water that's too cold or too hot will stress roots and cause plants to die.

Tip n°5: Offer good quality soil

A good substrate can be recognized by its dark color - Photo by Francis Chung / Flickr

Simply planting in suitable soil is not enough for plants to flourish. The growing medium must also be of good quality.

For potted plants, pay particular attention to the substrate. Once you've decided on the type of potting soil you're going to buy, go for a good-quality product. Rely on the opinions of other users or consult the packaging. A good potting soil has :

a dry matter content of between 45 and 65% ;
an organic matter content of 60% above dry matter.

Finally, good quality potting soil is dark in color and fine in texture.

Planting shrubs or flowerbeds in your garden? Here too, soil quality is important. Don't hesitate to work the soil to loosen it and amend it to enrich it before planting.

Tip 6: Fertilize and prune

Whether indoors or outdoors, pruning is essential to plant health - Photo by Kampus production / Pexels

Fertilization and pruning boost the growth of your plants. As long as you do it right. Rest assured, there's nothing complicated about it!

When fertilizing, choose your fertilizer carefully. It must be adapted to your plant. Respect the doses prescribed by the manufacturer. Overdosing can be fatal or damage foliage. Finally, fertilize only during the vegetative phase, between March and October. Outside this period, plants do not use the nutrients contained in the fertilizer. They accumulate in the pot and eventually cause damage.

Pruning is also important. It varies according to the species. Most often, it takes place in early spring, when growth resumes. Remember that pruning should always be done with a sharp, clean tool (to facilitate healing and prevent the spread of disease) and above a node, to stimulate the appearance of new limbs.

Tip 7: Take cuttings, sow, multiply!

Taking cuttings is also a great way to expand your plant collection - Photo by Cottonbro studio / Pexels

Nothing will give you more of a green thumb than multiplying your plants. What's more, taking cuttings, dividing or sowing is an excellent way of observingand understanding yourplant.

A few simple rules, which work for almost all plants, will increase your chances of success. Take cuttings in spring, when the days are getting longer. The cutting will absorb more light. Remember, too, to keep the substrate moist to encourage rooting and the development of young shoots.

Tip 8: Download an app to help you

On the Monstera app, you can even personalize your plant's information

Every plant has its own particular needs, and unless you're a professional gardener, it's hard to know what type of soil, exposure and watering frequency you need for each species.

If you want to have everything at your fingertips, download the Monstera app. You'll find a growing guide with all the information you need to know about watering, repotting, pruning and fertilizing.

You'll also receive reminders when a plant needs attention. That way, you're sure not to forget anything.

Tip 9: Learn to spot and eliminate pests

Aphids on an oleander - Photo by Luis Fernández García / Wikipedia

Mealybugs, slugs, aphids and thrips can ruin all your efforts to grow beautiful plants. To make sure your Anthurium andreanumandreanum doesn't wither away due to an attack of red spiders, you need to learn how to spot the presence of pests or disease.

Find out what you can do to help prevent these invasions. Generally speaking, good aeration and regular misting are enough to protect houseplants. And if cure is more important than prevention, we'll explain on the app how to get rid of the most common pests and diseases.

Tip no. 10: Be regular

Take care of your plants every day. It's good for them and good for your health! Photo by Sasha Kim / Pexels

There's no point spending hours repotting, pruning and fertilizing your High Aspidistre (Aspidistra elatior) after you've bought it if you then have to forget about it in a corner. Plants need regular care and attention.

Even in winter, when watering is spaced out and no fertilizer is needed, keep an eye on your plants. Check that the soil is not too dry, and that pests have not invited themselves into the pots. Finally, remove the dust that accumulates on the limbs. It slows down the photosynthesis process. In winter, when light levels are low, this can be a real problem.

But be careful not to overdo it! When it comes to gardening, the best is the enemy of the good. Over-watering, over-fertilizing and over-repotting are also dangerous habits for your plant. They can cause death in the same way as forgotten watering or lack of light.

By Servane Nemetz
on 20-11-2024 at 10h00