On Mother’s Day many of you would have received potted plants and flowers. There were many new varieties of potted plants on the market in a rainbow of colours, and quite eye-catching too. However, some are only novelty or 
seasonal plants.
Now many of you are left wondering how to take care of these new plants. I had many phone calls and enquiries this week asking for help with this. Some are already drying out with flowers and leaves turning yellow and falling. What to do? First thing, when you buy a new plant you simply ask the seller for the care instructions and the name of the plant. This way you can always google the information and read up on the plant. In these modern times, information is just a click away.
If the seller does not know, well why are they selling plants? Do not expect to buy from one seller and go to another seller to get the necessary information.
Once you know the name of the plant this would play a major role in the after care. Some plants were planted in a soil which holds too much moisture and can cause root rot. The best thing to do is to repot the plant and remove some of the soil. Check the location where you are placing it.
Several plant friends have voiced their concern that they did not know this and have lost many of their orchids and other prized potted plants in consequence.
There are many different soils for different varieties of plants. Many times you may pay less thinking that you are getting a bargain, and it’s a case where you end up being penny wise and pound foolish.
Then there were the cases where plant friends bought plants that were dyed and did not know. After they took them home and wet the flowers and leaves, the dye ran and the flowers were ruined. This is no joke! People were betting each other about who had the most amazing colour of flowers only to have their faces crumble when they saw that colour running.
As one stranger said to me, only you can help me to restore my flowers which had been ruined, and when I explained that they had been dyed and the flowers would eventually revert, that was another drama. Let’s hope that this week would be more productive and peaceful.
Until next week, Happy Gardening!
