Many of us think we're doing our plants a favour by showering them with love and attention, but a gardening expert has revealed that being too 'comfortable' with your green friends could be doing more harm than good.
The Comfort Trap
It turns out that overwatering, over-pruning, and even talking to your plants too much can stunt their growth. While these actions come from a place of care, they often lead to stressed and unhealthy plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: Roots need oxygen as much as they need water. Soggy soil can lead to root rot.
- Over-pruning: Removing too many leaves at once shocks the plant and reduces its ability to photosynthesise.
- Constant Repotting: Plants need time to adjust. Repotting too frequently can cause unnecessary stress.
How to Strike the Right Balance
The key is to observe your plants carefully and respond to their needs rather than following a rigid routine. Here are some tips:
- Check the soil moisture before watering.
- Prune only when necessary and never remove more than 20% of the foliage at once.
- Let your plants acclimatise to new pots for at least a few months before considering another move.
By giving your plants some space to breathe, you'll likely see them thrive like never before.
