WATERING
Improper watering is the #1 cause of houseplant problems, with overwatering killing more plants than any other cause! Roots actually take in air from spaces in the soil and when these are filled with water, the plant can drown! Most plants prefer a watering method called "Drench, Let Dry." The plant likes to get a good soaking, but then be given a chance to dry out a little between waterings. The WaterSpike makes sure that water is delivered right to the rootball for a good "drenching" and, more importantly, that the soil is opened up to let the roots breathe. . letting excess moisture evaporate before it's too late!
The watering requirements of a specific plant has many variables, including the type of pot, location in the house (near a vent, closer to a warm window, etc.), and the season, so adjust your watering according to the needs of your particular plant and to its particular situation. The same plant in two different locations could need different amounts of water. Just look at the signs and you will know!
FERTILIZING
The three major nutrients that plants receive from fertilizers are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is good for foliage growth, Phosphorus for strong roots, and Potassium for overall sturdiness and health. The purpose of fertilizing is to encourage regular, not rampant growth during the plant’s growing season. Do not feed plants when they are dormant.
More important that just fertilizing is making sure that the fertilizer had a chance to reach the roots! A granule just sprinkled on the surface may simply wash away (and end up fertilizing the weeds instead!) and even a liquid poured on may have completely bypassed the rootball all together. A slow-release fertilizer like that in the DirectRoot PLUS Spike provides light, continual feeding every time you water. . .for virtually the entire growing season. . .and offers the assurance that every pellet was delivered right to the rootball. There's nowhere else it could have gone!
LIGHT
Light is vital to plants, yet each type of plant, and sometimes individual plants within a certain type, demand different levels. Each home provides entirely different conditions, so it is important to try to match up your type of plant with the conditions provided. No matter how much you want a “high light” plant, if your only location is a dark bathroom, you may not have much success! Fortunately, if other conditions are perfect (soil, water, and humidity), many plants can live in less-than-ideal lighting.
Plants will have varying light requirements typically defined as full sun, bright, bright indirect, medium, or low. General descriptions of each:
Full Sun - Within 2' of a south facing window. . at least 4-5 hours of direct sun.
Bright - Within 5' of any window that receives some sun.
Medium - Within 5-8' of a sunny window or directly in a north facing window.
Low - Typically far from a high light window such as corners, hallways, etc. with no direct sun.
POTTING (Drainage and Aeration)
As stated earlier, overwatering is the #1 problem with houseplants and much of this has to do with proper drainage. WATERLOGGED SOIL WILL KILL MOST PLANTS! A plant can do well in a pot with no drainage as long as the soil is resting on some sort of drainage medium, but for most plants, proper drainage in the pot is critical. For years, people have had no choice but to put gravel in a pot bottom. . .or maybe broken pot shards. This actually only works to keep the dirt in because in time the water and soil will sift down through the gravel eliminating all air pockets! The multi-patented AirBase® not only keeps the dirt in and allows the excess water to drain harmlessly away, but also lets air circulate below, preventing overwatering and root rot! Soggy soil encourages the growth of certain bacteria which can eventually cause root rot. By lifting the soil off of the pot bottom, the soil will no longer be sitting in stagnant water.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Plants will try their best to adapt to whatever situation is presented and will almost always give clues when something is wrong (drooping leaves, brown tips, etc.). The challenge often lies in the fact that some symptoms are the signs of any one of several problems (for example, brown leaf tips or edges could be a problem with watering, fertilizing, and/or drafts!). Make adjustments until you find the needs of your particular plant and it should offer years of enjoyment!