PLANTOLOGY
Home

History

Do It Yourself

Articles

Comments

Awards

Gallery viewing

Plantology Workshops with Schools

Plantology Workshops

Anand Foundation

Article
All you need to know about Keeping plants moist
Livingetc June 2009

                                                 


THE SOIL

Ordinary soil may seem like an obvious choice but’ is not good for potted plants as it tends to get hard and compacted,’ according to horticulturist Amitabh Teoatia. ‘Instead, prepare a mixture with 2 parts soil, 1 part sand, 1 part farmyard manure or leaf mould (Sarv Shakti organic mixture khaad,available at Rs 40 for 5 kg), and vermin compost (Satya garden manure, available at Rs 40 for 5 kg). Sand increases the water capacity of the soil and reduces the need for watering in the summer months.’

Another good option is coco peat, a powder mixture made from coir pith and other nutrients. Because it is porous, it retains moisture which is good for the plant’s health and maintenance. Coco peat is easily available at local nurseries under brand names such as Kelbrick (Rs 110 for 5 kg) and is to be mixed with the soil.

Its’s peak summer and it’s not just as humans who are feeling the harsh heat; the potted beauties are thirsting too. Keep them moist and healthy with our useful tips.

HOW TO KEEP THE SOIL MOIST

Moss grass/coconut husk’A cushion of moss grass or jute fibre or dry fibre from a coconut shell (coconut husk) should be added to the soil to help it retain water for a longer time,’ says Radhika Anand, a plant lover and founder of Delhi-based NGO Plantology. ‘It is best to soak the coconut husk overnight as it can be easily separated the next morning. The soaked husk can then be put on top of the soil or beneath it. ‘Moss grass can be found easily at nurseries for about Rs 60 per kg.

Sponge Another good alternative is the ordinary sponge which acts as a water reservoir for plants. Place the sponge at the bottom of the pot and pour fresh soil over it. It is important that the size of the sponge correlates with the dimension of the bottom of the pot. Using a sponge too small or big could hurt your plant. Water pour plant regularly and note when water seems to overflow from your pot, as this is a sign that the sponge has absorbed its capacity. You can also use moss grass or coconut husk in place of a sponge.

MulchAn important line of defence for what may be a hot and dry summer is the art of mulching. Mulch is simply a protective layer of materials spread on top of the soil. Organic mulches can comprise grass clippings, leaves, straw, bark chips, and similar materials. The leafy mulch always looks great and the best part is that it biodegrades quickly.

Organic mulches improve the condition of the soil. They slowly decompose and provide organic matter which keeps the soil loose, stops weed growth, cools and surface and the roots and, best of all, conserves soil moisture. Organic matter is also a source of plant nutrients and provides an ideal environment for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms.

WATERING TECHNIQUES

Humidity Create a humid area around the plant to avoid frequent watering. Amitabh advises that’ a cluster of plants creates a micro-climate of a moist and humid atmosphere allowing for a suitable condition for the plants to thrive. In comparison, isolated plants die faster.’

Misting Some plants need a very fine mist while others like to be moister. Mist in the morning using room temperature water so the plants have time to dry out before night.
Misting should create a fine fog of moisture that surrounds and covers each plant. The leaves should look as if light dew has settled on them. Some plants need daily misting; others are fine with 2-3 times a week.
‘For outdoor plants you can use an old water cooler in the garden,’ suggests Radhika. ‘Just keep the cooler on and have water come out of the pores. This creates a misty atmosphere in the garden.
Alternatively, you could use watering cans with mister nozzles, or attach a mister to your garden hose. A 200ml watering can with a nozzle is available for about Rs. 200 at local nurseries.

Going away on a holiday? Try these care tips and your plants won’t feel neglected.
Tub ‘If you have a few plants, place them in a bathtub filled with water; for more plants, use the same technique elsewhere in a larger space. The moist climate will protect the plants and help them remain fresh for another 15-20 days. Make sure though that you don’t leave it for More than 21 days as mosquito breeding begins after that,’ says Radhika. To ward off mosquitoes, add a few drops of eucalyptus or lemongrass oil, or even nimbu or vinegar.

Gels Another good way of caring for your plants while you’re away is using gels in place of a layer of soil. These gels need to be put in water once before potting them and subsequently changed once in 15 days or once a month, depending on the plant. Also known as jelly, it is available at local nurseries for about Rs. 55 for 400ml.

TIPS

  • Water plants full every 3-4 days. Make sure you water it well and not just with half a mug of water.

  • In summer, water plants after sunset to prevent them from being burned by the harsh rays.

  • In winter months, water in the mornings to prevent frost.

  • Plants should be kept in a cool place (approx 18-22 degrees Celsius.)

  • Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not place the plant in direct sunlight, on window panes, near heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or on top of radiators. Electrical appliances such as televisions and stereos give off heat, which dehydrates the plant.


    • TYPES OF PLANTERS

    Terracotta planters are preferable to their ceramic or cement counterparts due to their porous nature. Terracotta planters are available at local nurseries from Rs 125. For planters with a little more oomph check out the collection at Green Carpet priced at Rs. 500 and above.

    Hanging baskets ‘When it comes to hanging plants, people generally layer wire baskets with plastic, which is not an environmentally friendly material,’ says Radhika. Layering the baskets with moss grass is a better solution but there is always the risk of birds picking on it if kept outdoors.

    As a safer and neater looking option, she recommends layering the baskets with gunny bags or jute bags from local grocery shops. ‘Cut the gunny bag or jute bag to size and layer it inside the basket. The jute soaks up the water and helps the plant remain moist for a longer period of time in summer.’ Pick up gunny or jute bags from your local markets. Wire baskets are available at local nurseries for about Rs 65.

    Got a green thumb but no time ?

    Thanks to technology, gardening has become easier for lazy folks. Hi-tech gardening devices mean that you can have your potted beauties thriving without much fuss. Take Lechuza’s range of planters. These come with a special sub-irrigation system that provides water from a built-in reservoir, there by dispensing with the need for manual watering for up to 10 weeks. These planters are available in various shapes and come with a light, unbreakable, weatherproof, UV resistant exterior that is suitable for both indoors and outdoors. Available at Green Carpet exclusively, the range starts from Rs 1,100 to Rs. 16,000

    BEST DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTS
    In summer, the north east direction is suitable for plants as it doesn’t get direct sunlight. Flowering plants can be placed in the south direction as they need more sunlight for good colouring and healthy blooming, but it can be harmful in summer months. Green foliage does well under lower light levels.

    A SIMPLE TRICK FOR TIMELY WATERING
    ‘The stick measure system is an easy way to check whether your plants need water’, recommends Radhika. “Take a pencil or stick and dig it into the pot. If it goes in easily and comes out moist, it indicates that the plant does not need water. However, if it is inserted into a harder soil and comes out dry then the plant needs water.’

    Other options include plant thermometers and wicks which are available at floriculture fairs or local plant shows. The wick system requires you to insert a flag into the soil and leave it there. The flag turning white indicates that it’s time to water the plant.

     

    502, Royale Retreat, Charmwood Village, Eros Gardens, Suraj Kund, Haryana, Tel: 91-11-41638091-95, Mobile: 9811073996
    E-mail:    plantology@rediffmail.com