Today is houseplant appreciation day! Buy a new houseplant, fertilize the ones you have, or just breathe in that oxygen your plants are working hard to make for you. Whichever way you choose to celebrate it, today is a reminder to treasure your houseplants and give them a bit of TLC.
The History of Houseplant Appreciation Day
January 10th was dedicated as Houseplant Appreciation Day by the Gardeners Network. In the aftermath of the holidays, as trees and wreaths are taken down and decorations put away, everything looks plain. Your plants may have also suffered from neglect in the stress of the season. This day acknowledges the joy and beauty greenery brings, even after the holidays have passed. It’s a day that recognizes houseplants and how they improve your health and the décor of your home. It reminds you to check up on your leafy friends.
People have spent more time at home these last few years, making it more desirable to own houseplants. Plants are a great way to contribute to good mental health and brighten up a space.
Common Houseplant Management Mistakes
There’s nothing more wonderful than houseplants. Little green bundles of joy you take the time to name. Names like Edgar Aloe Poe, Keanu Leaves, Cactus Evergreen, or Fred. Yet, Fred doesn’t look too good, and you made sure it got plenty of water, so what’s the matter?
Believe it or not, you may actually be killing your plants with kindness. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes that new plant parents make. The use of too much water can be detrimental to your plants.
In addition to overwatering, underwatering and other improper watering methods are among the top common reasons for houseplant death. Listed below are some examples of improper watering techniques:
- Putting a plant in a pot without drainage
- Failure to evenly saturate the root zone
- Using very cold water
- Watering on a rigid schedule
Even thirsty plants need their soil to dry a little between waterings to allow for proper oxygen exchange and to promote root health. Check the soil to make sure isn’t still wet before re-watering.
Cultivating Confidence
In addition to protecting your plants from drying out when you forget to water, Hydretain can give you the confidence to not overwater. After an application of Hydretain is watered into the root zone, the hygroscopic humectant formula attracts humidity in the soil and turns it into water droplets your plants can use. So after you water, the moisture in your soil will keep your plants hydrated for longer periods without the risk of soggy soils.
This water-saving technology can reduce your watering by up to 50%. It is NOT a wetting agent or superabsorbent polymer. Hydretain will not swell up and hold water in the soil, which can cause root rot. It simply converts humidity from the soil that would normally be lost to evaporation into water droplets that plants can use. Make no mistake, you still need to water your plants, but a Hydretain application can ensure that your plant will be okay, even if you forget about it for a couple of extra days. It will also help ensure your plants won’t shrivel up while you are on vacation. One application of Hydretain can last up to three months.
Helpful Hydretain Hints
Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of Hydretain:
- Hydretain comes in both liquid and granular forms. Liquid can be added to your watering can and drenched into the soil during a normal watering cycle. The granular formula can be incorporated into the soil at planting or added topically at any time – just be sure to water in it into the root zone, so the product can be effective.
- Do not cut back on the amount of water you are using. Instead, try cutting back on the frequency of waterings. This ensures root zone saturation with each watering, which is beneficial to your plants.
For more information on caring for your houseplants over winter check out our blog on Houseplants & Humidity.
