Are your plants thriving? Looking outside, you may not think so underneath a blanket of snow and frost. As for the plants inside, they also need your regular attention even though they’re not out in the elements. Review these tips on maintaining plant health for indoor and outdoor varieties. Then make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your plants surviving and thriving.

Tips on Maintaining Plant Health – Indoors & Out

Sure, all plants are different when it comes to look, feel, and where they may grow best. But this difference is one of the most important things to keep in mind when maintaining plant health. The first step in ensuring your plant will survive is picking the right plant for the space. A tropical plant won’t do well in a cold winter climate. An indoor plant won’t survive outside. Know which plants can survive in the kind of conditions you’re about to put them in. Then follow through by offering its basic needs.

Whether your plant is riding out the winter inside or out, it still needs a few basic things: food, water, light. These elements differ depending on the conditions, but it’s important to maintain certain levels of all three throughout its entire life. If your plant does well in full sun, make sure to place it in a well-lit spot. If it only needs a little bit of water to wet its roots, don’t drown it weekly. Become familiar with the particular needs of the plants you choose for your indoor or outdoor space and then see how easy they are to care for when put in the right situation.

Off to a Healthy Start

Once you’ve got the right plant for the right spot, the next basic task for all species is making sure it starts healthy. Examine any plant before buying—unless, of course, you’re purchasing seeds. Look for firm, white, evenly spaced roots; strong stems; and lush leaves. Beware of some of the warning signs:

• Dead spots or discolored leaves.
• Rotting stems.
• Tiny holes or signs of pests.
• Dark, soggy roots.

Purchasing a plant that’s already sick not only makes more work for you but can compromise the rest of your garden. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your plants for any of these signs after they’re well established in their “perfect” spots. Just because you found the place where they’re supposed to thrive, other factors—like sudden changes in temperature, not enough nutrients, and animals or pests—can get in the way of their wellbeing.

Pruning Any Plant

There are proper pruning techniques for both indoor and outdoor plants. Inside, you’ll still want to cut back any dead leaves and branches. Outside gets trickier if the plant you’re pruning starts to grow taller than you can reach from the ground. When it comes to pruning, timing and technique may vary from plant to plant, but it’s still an important task for maintaining health.

If you’re still unsure how to prune or maintain any of the plants in and around your home, contact the specialists at Elite Tree Care. From potted varieties to the tallest trees, we have more tips and tricks for keeping your greenery in great shape.

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