Keeping our plants healthy and beautiful requires that we dedicate some time to them and apply the care that each one of them needs. In reality, we do not need to be too aware of them because, with a good plant care program, we are sure that we are going to give them what they need just when they need it.
To help you with the care of the plants you have inside and outside the home, we are going to explain the advantages of having a work schedule and how to create one so you know what to do each week, each month and each year.
Why is it a good idea to have a plant care program?
Developing a small plan that tells you the tasks you have to perform at all times has interesting benefits:
Improves plant health
A care program ensures that your plants receive the watering, fertilization and pruning they need, which is essential for their health and growth.
Also, if you periodically check your plants, it will be easier for you to detect possible pests and diseases and treat them before they spread and become serious.
Provides personal well-being
Dedicating part of your free time to taking care of your plants is a relaxing activity that will keep you away from stress and anxiety. It is a moment of connection with nature, which Helps your mental and emotional well-being.
Improve the atmosphere and aesthetics of your home
Healthy and well-cared for plants improve the appearance of both indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment. Furthermore, indoor plantsr are very useful when purifying the air and eliminating toxins, improving the quality of the air we breathe.
Has ecological benefits
If you practice sustainable gardening practices such as composting or efficient use of water, you are helping to preserve natural resources.
On the other hand, when you take care of your plants, you are contributing to maintaining local biodiversity, because these are habitats for insects that are beneficial to the environment.
Plant Care Program Example
We're going to give you an easy schedule to follow, but keep in mind that this is an example. You should adjust it based on the specific needs of the plants you have at home:
Weekly tasks
Here are the essential maintenance tasks to take care of the health of the plant:
- Irrigation. Most plants only need to be watered once a week, although there are also species such as succulents that you can water once every 15 days, and others that require water more often. In any case, before watering, check that the top layer of the substrate has dried.
- Pest and disease inspection. Before watering, take the opportunity to inspect the leaves, stems and flowers for any signs of pest or disease. If you notice that something is wrong, start applying a organic treatment or chemical.
- Leaf cleaning. When watering, try not to wet the leaves. To keep them clean, it is best that once a week you remove the dust accumulated on them with the help of a cloth slightly moistened with water.
- Rotation. In the case of indoor plants, try to rotate the pot once a week or every fortnight, so that all sides receive light evenly.
Monthly tasks
These tasks will contribute to the correct development of the plant and make it show its best appearance:
- Fertilization. During the spring and summer months it is advisable to add fertilizer along with the irrigation water every four or six weeks. For best results, be sure to use an appropriate fertilizer for each type of plant and follow the dosage instructions given by the manufacturer.
- Light pruning. Once a month, remove dead leaves and flowers to encourage growth and keep the plant healthy.
- Checking the soil and pot. Make sure the soil is draining well and the pots are in good condition.
Quarterly tasks in the plant care program
They are closely related to plant growth:
- Intense pruning. In plants that need regular pruning, take the opportunity to do more exhaustive pruning to control their size.
- Pot change. If necessary, take advantage of the spring or fall to change the container.
- Deep cleaning. Clean the area where the plants are located. This includes removing fallen leaves that may be around and sanitizing shelves, plates and pots.
Annual tasks
If you carry out the tasks that we have seen, your plants will be healthy and beautiful, but you still have something to do. Once a year, put these actions into practice:
- Complete soil inspection. Completely change the plants' substrate to ensure they have access to fresh nutrients.
- Plant registry update. If you have a record in which you record the care you are giving them and the evaluation of your plants (it is convenient to know what each species needs), write down any important changes that have occurred throughout the year.
- Calendar readjustment. Review the plant care program and make adjustments as necessary based on your experience from the previous year.
Other ways to take better care of your plants
For your schedule to be successful, the best thing you can do is continue learning about the needs and care of the plants you have at home. Therefore, what we recommend is that you read articles specialized in gardening and plant care like ours.
Also, let yourself be guided by your experience. Take note of what is doing well with some plants and what has not given good results, This way you will gradually know what each species needs.
As you have seen, you don't need to have a lot of free time to enjoy beautiful and healthy plants, you just need to establish a good plant care program and apply care at the right time. Do you dare to try it?