Plant Health Basics
What do plants need ?
Plants are living breathing organisms that need the right type and amount of light, water, air, soil and nutrition to grow and thrive.
Each plant is unique and has its own needs , just like anything else. Looking after your plants is easy when you understand how it grows.
Keep reading for basic information about plant care, and then try it at home.
If you feel you need more help, see our feature stories, or ask for a telehealth check up or appointment for your bonsai, orchid or other plant.
The key to healthy plants is knowing what your plants need: 1. physical parameters like light, air, soil, nutrients and water, and 2. biological parameters including plant species selection, weed, disease and pest management. Different plants have different needs but there are also big differences between indoors and outdoors. In fact, most plants will not grow well indoors, and some plants will not grow well outdoors. Considering your growing space and thinking carefully about what will grow well is the first step. It's important to know that homes can be tough places for plants to live. Balconies and courtyards can be relaxing places to take a moment, but south facing courtyards with high walls will be very dark most of the time, especcially in winter. Only shade loving plants will grow well here. Meanwhile north facing balconies will have very high levels of light all year round, and can be very hot in summer, drying soil quickly, and burning leaves. Indoor environments on the other hand are low humidity and low light environments. Plants will become stressed and vulnerable to all types of disease if placed in a dark poorly ventilated corner of your home.
