12 DIY Practices That Can Kill Your Plants

Are you one of those DIY enthusiasts who love gardening? Do you think your green thumb can make any plant flourish without the help of an experienced tree lopping Logan provider? Well, there are certain practices that you should be aware of if you want to keep your plants healthy and thriving on your own.

Plants are a great addition to any home, as they can help make your space more vibrant and lively. However, while taking care of them might seem like an easy task, certain DIY practices could potentially kill your plants. 

The following list details some DIY practices you should avoid if you want to keep your plants alive and healthy.

Overwatering

One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is overwatering their plants. Too much water can drown the roots, leading to root rot and other diseases that can kill the plant. When watering your plants, check the soil first before adding any additional moisture - if it's already damp or muddy then don't add more water!

Underwatering

On the other hand, not giving your plants enough water can also be detrimental to their health. Make sure that you give your plants the right amount of water - check with a gardening expert or read up on recommended watering schedules for each type of plant.

Poor Drainage

Make sure that you’re giving your plants proper drainage when planting them in pots and planters; using soil that doesn’t absorb water quickly can lead to root rot caused by standing water. Choose soils with good drainage properties and ensure that there are plenty of holes in the bottom of the pot for excess moisture to escape.

Too Much Fertilizer

Fertilizers provide essential nutrients needed for healthy plant growth, but too much of them can be toxic. Follow the label instructions closely and don’t apply more than necessary; this will help to prevent nutrient burn which can cause discolouration, wilting and even death.

Too Little Light

Plants need adequate sunlight to photosynthesize to grow, so make sure that you’re giving your plants enough light throughout the day. Not having enough light could result in leggy growth or stunted growth - both of which are not ideal for a healthy plant.

Poor Air Circulation

Good air circulation is important for all plants, as stagnant air can lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew that can kill a plant quickly if not treated. Make sure that there is plenty of space around your plants so that air can move freely and keep them healthy.

Over Pruning

Pruning is important for keeping plants looking tidy, but make sure you’re not pruning too much - this can shock the plant and potentially cause it to die. Always use clean, sharp shears when pruning and leave enough foliage on the plant for it to stay healthy.

Planting Too Deeply

When planting seedlings or cuttings, make sure that you don’t bury them too deeply into the soil; burying them too deep can suffocate the roots and prevent water from reaching the plant’s stems and leaves. Plant them at the same depth as they were in the original pot or container.

Over Mulching

While mulching is a great way to retain moisture and suppress weeds, too much can suffocate your plants. Keep the layer of mulch 1-2 inches thick and avoid piling it around the stems and leaves of your plants; this could prevent oxygen from reaching them, leading to their death.

Moving Plants Too Often

Most plants don’t like being moved around too often as it can be stressful for them; if you have to move them, make sure that you do so slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the roots or stems.

Ignoring Pests & Diseases

Pests and diseases can be very dangerous to your plants, so you must monitor them closely. If you notice any signs of an infestation or disease, take action promptly to prevent it from spreading and killing your plants.

Mixing Plant Types

Different types of plants have different needs; mixing them in a single pot might seem like a good idea aesthetically, but it can cause problems when the different types compete for resources such as water and nutrients. Group plants with similar requirements together instead.

Follow these simple tips and avoid these DIY mistakes to keep your plants alive and healthy! Good luck gardening!