Plant Care Guide

Proper watering is crucial for plant health. Here's everything you need to know: **Signs Your Plant Needs Water:** - Soil feels dry 1-2 inches below surface - Leaves appear slightly wilted - Pot feels lighter than usual **Watering Techniques:** 1. Water slowly and evenly 2. Water until it drains from bottom holes 3. Empty drainage tray after 30 minutes **Common Mistakes:** - Overwatering (most common cause of plant death) - Watering on a strict schedule instead of checking soil - Using cold water directly from tap

Light is essential for photosynthesis. Different plants have varying light needs: **Light Categories:** - **Bright Direct Light:** South-facing windows, 6+ hours direct sun - **Bright Indirect Light:** Near windows but not direct sun - **Medium Light:** East or west-facing windows - **Low Light:** North-facing windows or interior spaces **Signs of Light Issues:** - Too much light: Scorched, brown leaves - Too little light: Leggy growth, pale leaves **Solutions:** - Use grow lights for insufficient natural light - Rotate plants weekly for even growth - Move plants seasonally as sun patterns change

Pruning promotes healthy growth and maintains plant shape: **When to Prune:** - Remove dead, diseased, or damaged parts immediately - Shape pruning: during growing season (spring/summer) - Maintenance pruning: year-round as needed **Tools Needed:** - Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears - Rubbing alcohol for sterilization **Techniques:** 1. Cut just above a node or leaf joint 2. Make clean cuts at 45-degree angle 3. Remove no more than 25% of plant at once **Benefits:** - Encourages new growth - Improves air circulation - Maintains desired size and shape

Early detection and natural treatment of pests keeps plants healthy: **Common Pests:** - **Aphids:** Small, soft-bodied insects on new growth - **Spider Mites:** Tiny webs and stippled leaves - **Mealybugs:** White, cotton-like clusters - **Scale:** Brown or white bumps on stems/leaves **Natural Treatments:** 1. **Neem Oil:** Effective against most pests 2. **Insecticidal Soap:** Gentle but effective 3. **Rubbing Alcohol:** For spot treatment 4. **Beneficial Insects:** Ladybugs, lacewings **Prevention:** - Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks - Regular inspection during watering - Maintain proper humidity and air circulation - Clean leaves regularly

Plants have different needs throughout the year: **Spring (March-May):** - Increase watering frequency - Begin fertilizing - Repot if needed - Start new propagations **Summer (June-August):** - Water more frequently - Provide shade from intense sun - Monitor for pests - Harvest herbs regularly **Monsoon (July-September):** - Reduce watering frequency - Ensure good drainage - Watch for fungal issues - Move plants to covered areas **Winter (October-February):** - Reduce watering significantly - Stop fertilizing - Provide extra humidity - Protect from cold drafts

Most houseplants thrive in specific temperature and humidity ranges: **Ideal Conditions:** - Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) during day - Night temperature: 5-10°F cooler - Humidity: 40-60% for most plants **Increasing Humidity:** 1. Group plants together 2. Use humidity trays with pebbles 3. Run a humidifier 4. Mist air around plants (not leaves) **Temperature Tips:** - Keep plants away from heating/cooling vents - Avoid placing near windows in extreme weather - Use thermal curtains to moderate temperature - Monitor with a thermometer/hygrometer **Signs of Problems:** - Brown leaf tips: Low humidity - Dropping leaves: Temperature stress - Slow growth: Too cold - Wilting despite moist soil: Too hot