Once you decide to start investing in plants, whether you put them indoors or outdoors, there is more to becoming a first-time plant parent than going into a store and buying any plant and bringing it home. Besides, even though you order one online before you learn about what your plant will need, it is unwise to do so. Preparation is important as there are some considerations that you should focus on first. You can learn this from experienced plant owners that have made various mistakes, after rushing to taking care of a plant with no idea what is required. In this article, you will learn things to consider before you buy your first plant to successfully grow them.
- Choose the plants wisely
If you love to grow plants that you may have seenin a friend’s house or on a friend’s page. Do not rush to buy it before you understand how best to take care of it, especially now in this fast-paced society where no one takes time to study. It is best to research a plant that suits you and your particular situation as well. This includes the space you need to accommodate your plant. But also how you plan to take care of it depending on the routine you have. Consider how much room is there in your home. You can grow a sago palmindoors instead of outdoors, since various plants grow in different ways and require enough space to fit well. Importantly, consider the amount of time that you have to commit to the plant. Do you have a lot of time to tend to the plants, or are you away a lot, and you require a plant that needs little attention and has to care for itself? So consider choosing your plants wisely as you plan to get your first one.
- Learn of the plant needs
No matter the plant that you want in your space. You need to reach the plant needs necessary. Every plant you wish to buy has its different needs, and you need to know if you are in a position to care for them. Some plants require more care than others, and it is important to be familiar with their individual needs, especially the ones that you are bringing home. For instance, how much light, maintenance, and moisture does the plant need? Plus, does your home have adequate light for them to grow? As there are low light plants and those that require full sun. Besides, if you get succulents, they do not need much water, and many people need to learn about this before they over water. Ferns are the opposite. As they are moisture-loving and you have to ensure too, not to underwater them. Learning plant needs is vital to avoid killing the plant.
- Do not buy a lot of plants
Once you get your first plant and love the experience. It is easy to go ahead and buy more. Although it is not wrong to buy more plants as one is not always enough. However, as you buy, ensure you are ready to take care of them. Be careful not to purchase too many than you intend to have as you may not have enough time to take care of all of them. Consult from other plant lovers who can explain to you the mistakes they made when they added more plants to their collection. To know how best to add more plants and what you need to consider as you keep on adding to avoid facing the same challenges as them. Also, when it is time to stop buying more plants as you cannot accommodate them all. So, as your collection grows and you become more confident in taking care of plants. Remember, you need to consider how available you are to care and maintain them as you keep adding.
- Think about location
Where do you plan to locate your plant? Although various plants can grow both indoors and outdoors as well. Others you need to be sure where you intend to locate them to ensure they thrive. Knowing where is the best spot for your plant and how you will display it is vital for your first plant. For instance, will it sit on a table, grow vertically on a hanging basket, grow in your balcony or the window sill. Others prefer having a tall floor plant that will take center stage. So, it depends on where your motivation comes from, but plants are more suited to space that will make them thrive. Plus, the plants you choose will dictate this as every plant has its particular needs.
- The type of container
The choice of the container you choose for your first plant is important. If it holds soil, it will then accommodate the plant as well. Still, there are some considerations that you should account for here. According to the plant that you choose, not all of them are suitable for the container that you have. Besides, some plants perform best in containers than others. For instance, if you want to buy succulents as your first plant, as they require little water. The best container for them should be a terra cotta pot, something porous. If you prefer plastic containers, it is better to choose plants that need more water as this takes more time to dry out. As every plant has its own needs, there are also different types of containers for various plants.
To conclude, if you are new to growing plants. It is important to do your research first and follow the above considerations as it is not the same as caring for a pet. This is about attending and nurturing to the needs of a plant and care for it as it grows. Having a plant for the first time is about being responsible, to ensure that the plants thrive to its full potential.
