Growing plants in flats is a simple process that requires little maintenance. You can grow many plants in a limited space. However, growing plants in flats do require some planning ahead. Here are some tips to make sure your plants thrive when grown in flats:
1. Choose Plants Wisely
It’s best to choose plants that are suited to be grown in flats. For instance, succulents like aloe vera, agaves, cacti, and yuccas all prefer low light conditions. On the flip side, flowering plants like begonias, dahlias, impatiens, and petunias prefer bright lights. Some of the most common plants you can easily grow indoors are money plant, spider plant, air plants, peace lily.
2. Consider Plant Size and Space
Depending on the amount of space you have for your garden, you can choose the type of plant you want to grow. You can have a few plants in window boxes or a couple of succulents on the kitchen table.
3. Use Proper Potting Mix
Proper potting mix is essential to ensure that your plants receive adequate nutrition. Many growers recommend using a 1/8th inch layer of peat moss over the entire surface of the soil. Peat moss also absorbs excess water so that it doesn’t leach out into the surrounding air.
4. Water Well
Watering your plants regularly is vital to keeping them alive. Be mindful of the amount of water that you give your plants. Too much moisture can lead to root rot. Also, avoid overwatering your plants since it can cause leaves to turn yellow.
5. Monitor Growth
You can tell when your plants are ready to be transplanted by looking for signs of growth. As soon as your plants begin to sprout new leaves, it’s time to move them to their final destination.
6. Repot Often
Repotting ensures that your plants receive fresh nutrients and oxygen. It also allows you to remove dead or diseased parts of your plants. To repot, simply loosen the soil around the base of the plant and gently lift it out of its container.
7. Provide Sunlight
Sunlight is crucial to the health of your plants. While direct sunlight is preferable, indirect lighting is sufficient for many plants.
8. Don’t Overfeed
Overfeeding can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If you notice any discoloration on your plants, this could indicate a lack of nutrients.
9. Keep Fungus Away
Fungal diseases such as mildew and black mold can quickly ruin your plants. To prevent these problems from occurring, keep your plants away from damp areas and be mindful of watering.
10. Maintain Healthy Roots
If you want healthy plants, you must maintain healthy roots. This means trimming back any damaged roots before planting. You should also prune off any dead or dying branches.
11. Avoid Pests
A pest infestation can be detrimental to your plants. Constant care and attention can help you to nip it in the bud.
12. Feed Your Plants Regularly
Feeding your plants regularly will help them grow strong and healthy. Make sure to feed your plants every two weeks with a fertilizer designed specifically for houseplants.
13. Clean Up After Yourself
Cleaning up your work area is important to maintaining a clean environment. Remove any debris that has fallen onto your plants and dispose of it properly.
14. Enjoy Your Houseplants!
Houseplants add beauty and life to your home. They can brighten up dark spaces and provide natural light. Plus, they make great gifts for friends and family.
15. Know How to Care For Them
Houseplants require proper care to thrive. Follow these tips to ensure that your plants stay happy and healthy.
16. Give Your Plants Enough Space
Plant spacing depends on the size of your plant. Smaller plants need more space than larger ones.
17. Use Good Lighting
Plant lights are necessary to ensure that your plants get enough light. Place your plant near a window if possible.
18. Add Humidity
Humidifiers are useful to increase humidity levels in your home. However, too much humidity can damage your plants.
19. Prune Dead Branches
Dead branches can harbor insects and diseases. Cut them off to reduce the risk of infection.
20. Water Your Plants Properly
Watering your plants correctly is essential to their survival. Mist your plants daily during hot weather and weekly during cold weather.
21. Watch Out for Dampness
Damp conditions can cause fungal infections. Check your plants frequently for signs of wetness.
22. Use Potting Soil
Potting soil comes in different varieties. Choose one based on the type of plant you have.
23. Grow More Than One Plant
You can enjoy many benefits by growing multiple plants at once. Not only does this save money, but it saves time as well.
24. Get Help When You Need It
When you’re new to caring for houseplants, you may not know what questions to ask. That’s why it’s best to seek out expert advice when you need it.
25. Be Patient With Your Plants
It takes time for plants to grow. Expect some setbacks along the way.
26. Take Advantage Of The Environment
Your plants will benefit from exposure to sunlight. Position your plants so that they receive maximum sun throughout the day.
27. Learn About Different Types of Plants
There are hundreds of types of plants available today. Some are easy to grow while others are difficult. Read about each type before you decide which to keep.
28. Make Sure To Have A Plan Before Starting
Before you start planting, think about where you want your garden to go. This will help you plan ahead and avoid making mistakes.
29. Start From Scratch
If you’ve never grown plants before, start with seeds or cuttings instead of seedlings. This will allow you to see how things develop over time.
30. Don't give up
If you are a beginner at gardening and do not have much knowledge about plants, there are chances that you might fail. Get a little help and do not quit. Gardening can be very rewarding !
Next step
Gardener services
Landscaping services
Online nursery
Organic pesticides and fertilizers
Extra reading
How to grow plants from seeds in Bangalore step by step
How to start a terrace garden?
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana, Co-Founder, UrbanMali.com