If I Only Learnt These Cruel Plant Lessons 5 Year Ago

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

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[@Trini4th]

Here's a tip that got rid of ALL my fungus gnats ,as I own over 155 plants lol. 1st week water with Honey water (anti-fungal, anti-bacterial,) The 2nd week water with peroxide water. 3rd week plain water. Repeat until gnats all disappear. (Bottom watering only) I did this twice. You're welcome haha

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@Trini4th 😁

[@Edvin_Nyman]

Could you make a video with tips for how to care for and make a: Dracaena fragrans thrive?

[@mysticswalk3086]

Terracotta pots are made to be porous so when you water your plants you can submerge the pot half way and leave it sit until the pot changes color. This will take a few minutes. Once it has soaked and become saturated, let the excess water drain off and place in it's tray. Doing this will help the plant need less frequent watering. It also allows for thorough saturation of the soil as well.

[@andyspincat2968]

Terracotta is fine. It's actually amazing for some plants. A few just simply need greater watering care. You simply have to know your plants and know your watering habits. If you typically underwater, you definitely shouldn't use red clay for anything except succulent plants. If you typically over water, there are many water sensitive plants that will benefit from clay. It also depends upon your environment, as dry climates exacerbate under watering issues and wet climates exacerbate over watering issues.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Yep good point. I often forget about my plants in clay pots so prob not great for me 😅

[@bccabernet]

I was thinking the same thing. I am just starting to replace my plastic pots with terracotta pots and saucers. I only have snake plants. They seem to like their new pots. :)

[@jenniferruth812]

I so appreciate the info! I’m a succulent lover and have most of mine in Terra cotta. I’ve seen that chalky coating but had no idea what it was. Thank you so much for the advice! I put my philodendron birkin in terracotta (moved from a plastic pot) and it’s health improved a lot. I just have to water more frequently. I think I’m going to repot my ficus teneke in terracotta. Her leaves look terrible, brown edges, mushy spots.

[@nunyabiznes33]

I think I'd need terracotta pots the next time I attempt to grow rosemary again.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@nunyabiznes33 this plant never survives winter in my garden 😬

[@dajanadedic5133]

When you love Sheffield Plants channel so much that you search everyday until you see a new upload, and this one was two minutes ago - win!! Haha

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂😂 thanks!

[@maryperrysmith5815]

I do this too daily ‼️😄😊👀👀👀

[@itsjustme987]

I set the notifications on so I never miss one. This is the only channel I follow that I allow notifications for

[@natasa378]

it's Tuesday or Wednesday and Saturday 😊

[@karenchristensen8716]

Yes! Isn't this guy the best?! I'm so much braver with chopping on my plants. I hope he never runs out of house plant tips!!

[@seriouslyreally5413]

The terra cotta is NOT the problem, its the dissolved mineral salts that leach out of the hard water and the liquid fertilizers & solidify on the porous clay. That white haze that coats the outside of your clay pots are those dissolved minerals salts. Then everytime your plant is watered the roots get burned when they are subjected to sitting in damp soil as some of the concentrated salts re-dissolve back into the soil. When the pot starts getting the whitish haze its time to knock it out of the pot, set the plant and root ball aside, take a stiff plastic bristle brush to the terra cotta pot to dry-scrub as much of the haze off as you can. Then rinse any dust off under running water. Then place it in a clean 5 gallon bucket with fresh warm water. I let it soak overnight if you can. Rinse off again and then repot the plant with fresh potting mix.

[@not-normal771]

Thank you! I guess I need a brush.

[@GenRN]

How would a white vinegar soak do? Do you think it would eat the terracotta?

[@lolcatz88]

The best piece of gardening wisdom I ever heard was that overwatering kills more plants than any other thing…

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

💯

[@TheSouthIsHot]

I believe it. 👍🏼

[@AlvinKazu]

I've been having issues with i think underwatering. I live in a sub-tropical climate and it's very hot here right now. Outside the plants are thriving, but I have some inside that aren't doing as well. Outside I notice some of the smaller plants will look sad so I will water them when I notice it, usually they get water every 3 or so days depending on how hot it is, and if it rained. My soil is straight sand, so the plants in the sand get watered more than the ones in the soil beds I have (2 of them). I feel like I should be watering more inside, as I only do once per week or so, but I notice the ones outside thriving much betteer then they get constant water. I've read so much how a "dry period" is good for some plants, but It seems like too dry is an issue. I also seem to have lost a plant that lis looking sad, as I thought it might have been overwatered since I watered a little more, but maybe it was actually underwatered, because it's been quite a while since then.

[@hattivat]

That is good advice in general, but it is important to qualify that it is more about the amount of water at once than about frequency. Many of my plants are much happier since I stopped slavishly following the general "wait until the top layer of the soil is dry and only water then" procedure for every plant. I still do it for the majority of them but quite a few actually enjoy being moist all the time, notably calatheas and the more exotic begonias, and consequently I water them a little every day instead of a lot once a week.

[@sorudesarutta]

@@AlvinKazu straight up sand as soil is hardcore, typically when wet the sand will be very compact and the roots won’t be able to get enough air. Usually it’s not a good idea to use just sand for the substrate as it tends to lead to root rot. It’s probably a good idea to mix a small amount of sand with some soil and/or perlite as that’ll be much better drainage and will give your plants the necessary oxygen they need. Also, when your plant looks sad sometimes it’s a good idea to take it out of the pot to evaluate the problem. You can tell a lot just look at the root of the problem

[@AnAmericanComposer]

I bought a bunch of carnivorous plants and keep them peppered throughout my houseplants and they do a great job of hoovering up all the fungus gnats. One of my favorites, a Drosera binata, had over 170 gnat bodies on its leaves at one point. I still have fungus gnats but it's nothing like it used to be.

[@YouHolli]

You sure it weren't 172?

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂😂😂

[@deemaxwell4172]

Me too, I have a pinguicula (butterwort) or a nepenthes on each of my orchid shelves (94 orchids) which have really taken care of the fungus gnat problems for the last two years. The only time I see any is when I've new plants in from an order and they are gone pretty quickly. What does not work are Venus fly traps as the gnats are just too fast for them.

[@gauchesymbiote1039]

I would LOVE to keep a few carnivorous plants, but I'm afraid that with living in Phoenix, I won't be able to keep the humidity high enough. I do have a humidifier in a room where most of my plants ate6, and even my calatheas are happy with that set up, but I'm just afraid it won't be enough.

[@thenande]

My biblis too

[@sarakyoutube]

I would have never thought of using water conditioner that I used for my fish tanks... in my plant water. Pretty genius. Thank you very much for all these tips!!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad you found it useful 👍

[@katiedotson704]

As long as you have freshwater fish, use any water from your tank after a water change or tank cleaning. That water is full of fish guano and traces of composted food the fish missed. and is great fertilize. If there were any harmful chemicals in the water, your fish would have already let you know. Just don't use water from a salt water tank.

[@rrenatabp]

I actually love terracota pots and keep all my plants in them. I feel like it's easier to not overwater with them - however, I do live in a naturally humid environment, meaning stuff dries out slower anyways

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Definitely easier to not overwater 👍

[@kakastachi]

I live in a really dry area and use only Tera cotta. I have had no issues.

[@niallms83]

Agree. I'm slowly replacing my plastic pots with terracotta except for my ferns. I tend to overwater so for me it works well.

[@chelseaclerke3582]

I agree, terracotta is awesome. I don't mind having to water a bit more often.

[@ewhat10]

yep, I'm an overwaterer and definitely prefer terracotta

[@HotPanDan]

Great tips in here! The bottom watering and letting top soil stay bone dry is what worked for me! It keeps the top layer too dry for development!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It does help!

[@NoahNobody]

- If you continuously water with mosquito dunks, you should stop the larvae reaching adulthood, so eventually, when the existing adults die, no more problem. Fungus gnat life cycle is about 2 weeks, so 1 or 2 months watering cycle should be enough to cover all the eggs laid in the soil. - I love terracotta pots for cactus for the reason that they don't hold water. - Thanks for the water conditioner tip.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the tips

[@maryperrysmith5815]

Wow great tips too.

[@jeremiahbullfrog9288]

I've still had better luck with a 2-pronged attack of apple-cider-vinegar-water with a drop of soap, to catch the adults; combined with mosquito bits (or dunks if you prefer) to catch the larvae

[@jpp7783]

On the fungus gnats, I’ve found that watering with diluted hydrogen peroxide even just once reduces them by at least 90%. Also, bottom watering helps a lot as it keeps the moisture down low, beneath where the eggs are laid, so the eggs just dry out and die. Finally, I find terra cotta pots are good not just for cacti but for almost anything other than ferns. Wicking water away is good, even if it means I’m watering once every four or five days instead of once every 7. That’s why we add all that perlite, after all. Terra cotta is rather like perlite all along the sides of the soil.

[@mike20451]

It's been a while I left a mosquito dunk in my watering can. Still have gnats. I only water with it. I even tried to make tea as suggested by someone. I've also been using neem oil, I noticed they disappeared for a while, but they always come back. I'm so annoyed with them that I'm finally considering getting rid of everything that I can't put in a kratky system. Hydrogen peroxide didn't do much either for me. I tried apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar, they didn't even bother with it. I've killed some plants in the process trying to get rid of them, it's so frustrating.

[@aritosoto]

You just helped me find the problem about my chinese money plant! Mine had the same dark parts too. I will water it less frequently now, thank you! When I started watching your videos I only had 3 plant. Now I have more than 40 and all of them are thriving!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nice one! 👍

[@Sm583.8]

As a fish-keeper, I HIGHLY recommend Seachem Prime as a water conditioner. You only need one mL per gallon, so you can put a single drop in your water bucket, swirl it around for a few seconds, and you’re good to go. It’s far, far cheaper than any other water conditioner. By comparison, API’s StressCoat+ needs 10 mL per gallon. It also contains additives that help replenish stressed fish’s slime coats. I’m not sure how plants would react to that.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the recommendation 👍

[@karlad4082]

The way I managed to get rid of gnats is by bottom watering my plants. If top watering, I used dry soil on top right after watering to prevent gnats from hatching or being attracted to my plant 👌🏼

[@tribex11]

Thank you for sharing your issues to help us not have the same problems. A lot of people only like to share their success. My new favourite plant channel 👏

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Awesome thank you 😊

[@Daniele63]

Terracotta pots being porous also gets more oxygen to the roots, works the same in eggs, oxygen can get trough the eggshell and the babies inside do not suffocate. Which is good for avoiding root-rot. That's also why you need to water it more often, i guess.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Fair shout 👍😁

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

I can't agree enough! I bought a very expensive Ring of Fire in March online. It got hung up in the mail, and even though I bought a heat pack, it was severely cold stressed. I lost most of the leaves, all of the roots!! I was able to propagate it, and it's just getting its first leaf.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It’s a nightmare isn’t it 😬

[@jstamps9578]

How much you love plants really comes through every video.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glad it does 👍😁

[@sheilacasper2030]

Fungus gnats used to be a real problem for me. Not anymore. Not even one. I started using Systemic Houseplant Insect Control. It is a bottle of granules. I just sprinkle the appropriate amount on the top of the soil and then when i water it goes down in the soil. This works for other pests as well. It is miraculous. It lasts for about 3 months.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cool thanks for the rec 👍

[@TreeRoot577]

I wish non americans could access those, they are illegal where I live

[@jermainerace4156]

Terracotta pots are good for plants that like to dry out between watering. My snake plants and some orchids do very well in these. It might be worth mentioning I live in a relatively cool wet area of the country (pacific northwest), and I cannot, ever, ever, keep my orchids in sphagnum because of related issues with being too wet, too long.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

💯

[@sazji]

All advice needs to be taken within the context of where we're growing. Lots of normally very good advice doesn't necessarily work in our part of the world!

[@dtry441]

Diatomaceous earth (food grade) works wonders. Finally got rid of the gnats completely after 2 years of fighting them using everything you mentioned in the video. Spread the diatomaceous earth on top of the potted soil and bottom water the plants. The top needs to stay dry. Gets rid of the larvae so they can’t grow into adults. Meanwhile use the yellow stickys until you no longer see the gnats flying around.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Nice tip thanks 🙏

[@becominghealthyandhappy]

Does it only work when bottom watering? I’m a top waterer for the ease of it, but I hate the gnats.

[@gauchesymbiote1039]

​@@becominghealthyandhappy getting DE wet will make it useless. You need to keep the top layer dry for it to even work.

[@deathcouchma3025]

Time for me to see if the DE works after it’s been dried out after watering! I bought a big bag full and I don’t get many gnats on the sticky things. 🤔

[@antoneeyuh]

Diatomaceous earth kills all the bugs! When the gnats land on it to lay their eggs, they get coated in it and die too. We lived in a roach infested apartment complex and we were the only ones who didn't have roaches after we got diatomaceous earth. The stuff is a godsend.

[@sandras940]

Thank you for information. You are my go to for valuable info.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

My pleasure 😊

[@TheSouthIsHot]

I must say, that's a gorgeous photograph of the dastardly fungus gnat. 3:19 EDIT: 2... HOURS... LATER... 🤣 Your dry humor cracks me up.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂 thanks!

[@sandrabeck8788]

Thanks for this video! This could take years to learn…I’ve been gardening over 50 years, I know! However, just moved from cold Minnesota,USA to Florida. Learning all over again! But these hints are helpful no matter where you are.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍 thanks

[@Mojo_3.14]

I love using terra cotta for my Aloe Vera exactly for the reason you stated. It dries out quickly and I have peace of mind that I'm not rotting the roots with over watering.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sure 👍

[@melfuz]

I LOVE the glazing idea for terracotta pots. So awesome! ❤🎉 BTW I'm not the sharpest knife in the kitchen either - but we are cute. That makes up for it. 😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😂 absolutely

[@dylan3315]

I have almost one hundred plants in my living room, all of which are in terra cotta pots. They're doing great, and I only water once a week typically. Aside from plants that need pretty constant moisture, like ferns or peace lilies, pretty much anything can go in a terra cotta pot. In fact, the leaching of the water increases ambient humidity, which a lot of people struggle to maintain. It also helps prevent overwatering, especially with succulents and cacti. If your plants are drying out fast, you might consider your room temperature, amount of light your plants are getting, and your humidity level, all of which will affect how often you have to water your plants regardless of what pot you use.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍👍👍

[@Cloppa2000]

Brilliant video!!! So much great information! I have not been able to keep indoor plants alive ever and once killed a cactus! It shrivelled up and imploded! Your channel is really inspiring me to try again!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You’ve got this ✊

[@jan4222]

I definitely agree with you about the darn terra cotta pots!! I had 3 Christmas cacti- 2 of them in terra cotta and one in a plastic pot. The one in the plastic pot was thriving and the other 2 looked like they were ready to meet their maker. I repotted them in plastic and they perked back up. No more terra cotta here no matter how cheap and pretty it is!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Glazing is an option!

[@jan4222]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I never even thought of that until I saw you do it!! I'll have to glaze the ones I have so they can be reused.

[@jaaustin500]

I’ve just resigned myself to a few gnats flying around. I use the stickies everywhere and they keep it under control pretty well, but I’m also going to add some soil amendments as well. 👍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍👍👍

[@elenaperova7409]

Thank you very much for your advice! ❤I also tried adding fish conditioner to the water and I see amazing results on my plants! I underestimated how important the quality of water is for them, and that simply keeping it open for a day is not enough. My plants look much better and are growing more actively!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Wonderful!

[@scarletleigh7273]

I've seen great results fighting fungus gnats with neem oil. I just put some neem oil into a spray bottle, mix it with water and spray my plants, both foliage and soil, every time I water them. I'm being consistent and there's very few gnats I'm seeing this year as opposed to this time last year

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@bettinawhite7553]

I thought about using Neem oil, but I read on a site (don't remember the name) that Neem oil kills the good bacteria in the soil. I decided not to use it just in case. I have been growing plant since I was a teen now in my 60s, never had fungus gnats. I researched found lots of stuff and started. First cinnamon in my tote of soil and sprinkled on top of soil on all plants, second, mosquito bits every 3 days sprinkle some in every pot then use a fork to stir into the soil about 1 to 2 inches down, third apples cider vinegar mix in little cups around the house forth, the yellow sticky traps taped to my windows or on shelves but not in planters ( they attract the gnats so lead them away). I am having great success and have them down to minimum in just 4 weeks. Hope this helps.

[@ceemohw-qn3km]

I KNEW IT! Those anti-chlorine solutions for aquarium are also good for plants. I'm so glad to have confirmed this. And I couldn't agree more with your terracota pot discussion. My grandma's very old plants (outdoor plants) have been in terracota pots ever since i can remember. Now that she's passed, my husband and i are left to care for the plants. Those plants who like moisture tend to struggle since they dry up so fast. And by the way, i'm from Southeast Asia with very warm to hot weather in the summer. The plants who love unglazed terracota pots are the cacti and succulents. So, i'm now thinking of using a different kind of pot for the other plants. Thank you once again for sharing your tips. Very much appreciated!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@silviap4478]

I agree 100% on the fungus gnats. Two years ago the larvae almost killed my peace lily. Last year in spring I bought Nematodes and yellow sticky traps. Since then I have only seen two or three gnats. Best choice I ever made. Now spring is in full swing and I see more of the little buggers again, so I ordered Nematodes again.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I definitely need that!

[@nunyabiznes33]

The nematodes don't reproduce? Also, what nematodes are safe for humans and pets?

[@silviap4478]

@@nunyabiznes33 the Nematodes do reproduce but in my case there were no fungus gnats in the winter so they starved. Nematodes are completely safe for humans and pets. You won't even notice them, even when handling the soil they live in

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@silviap4478 OK TY. I must have thought of some other microscopic animal.

[@amcginnis1234]

​@@silviap4478 predatory nematodes sold in horticulture are safe for humans, you mean! There are nematodes that parasitize plants (e.g. root knot nematode) or humans (e.g. hookworm). Obviously you were talking about the predatory/horticultural ones but I just wanted to specify so people don't get the wrong idea.

[@stephown5374]

Not sure if I'm the only one who recommended using aquarium water conditioner. So glad it worked out for you. Cheers

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

💯😁

[@stephown5374]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I actually use the water from my aquarium to water plants as well. Can't be sure if the fish poop is what ia making my plants happy but it is not hurting. I have so many plants, that the water from weekly aquarium water changes is not enough for all of them. So I started using the water conditioner on all other water used for my plants. So far so good. Love your videos BTW. Take care.

[@K.Schenck]

Clay pots is colder than other pots because of evaporation. Since many plants prefer colder soil, this can be a advantage.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

How come they like cold soil?

[@elleboman8465]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I think it's more like not liking hot soil! Aside from the tropics, it's pretty rare for all available soil to be room-temp both day and night all year round. (For example, I found some figures for the avarage yearly soil temperature in Italy at 50 cm depth: mean 14.4 C, min 4.6 C, max 22.7 C. So even in relatively warm temperate areas, most of the soil only reaches room temp during the hottest summer months.)

[@sandyloyst1811]

I stopped using these pots years ago. I had real bad luck with them. Love and Peace.

[@DineshPatel-zw8ny]

Great! Love the self deprecating humor!😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😁 cheers!

[@michelleh7133]

I love your humor and the inserted funny videos!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@TheNetsrac]

Thank you for the good and informative video (as always) 👍🏻 My experience with terracotta pots is pretty much the same as yours. I switched to some higher-quality plastic pots, that look somewhat better than the nursery pots. I haven't tried the coating tip for the terracotta pots yet, but I might give it a go, because like you say, they look nice and rustic (and I still have my empty terracotta pots in my basement storage room) I've used the water conditioner as you recommended for about two months now, and I can already see the difference on my more sensitive plants. That and the moisture meter are gamechangers for your indoor plants. Thank you for all the great tips and advice. I'm learning a lot from your videos, and/or getting my scatter brain memory refreshed about stuff I heard or read, but forgot about

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cheers mate. It’s well worth looking at glazing them pots. Makes a big difference. Have a good weekend

[@TheNetsrac]

@@SheffieldMadePlants A good weekend to you and yours as well

[@bakerteacher2905]

I have learned SO much from your videos! Thank You.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I'm so glad!

[@curiouskitty7972]

Nice one. I have to use clay pots on my windy balcony so I appreciate the tip. It's hard being a plant parent. 💕☘️

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sometimes it’s stressful 😅

[@Stumpybear7640]

Omg! My heart aches for you! So many precious plants suffering! Xxx

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😅

[@TourniquetTwin]

I just regularly add new recruits to my Amblyseius army every once in a while, and keep a payer of sand on top of my pots. This has severely reduced the problem, and since the various types of amblyseius prey on different pests (I also have a thrips population to keep in check), I’ve found that rotating additions of various strains keeps my jungle happy and healthy in spite of the pests in the soil, and that hitchhike with new plants.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Cool thanks for the tip 👍

[@simransimran9339]

I'm Indian and we, as a country, have decided that terracotta is the least problematic planter. Reason: most of our plants stay outdoors (all of mine are on the balcony, even the "indoor plants). We use at least 40% garden soil with some well draining media and organic matter like compost and cocopeat. We don't spend too much money on buying potting media. So it's a very retentive mix, because summers are brutal. So terracotta and cement pots are great. Prevents excessive use of fertilizer as it just doesn't drain away, but also prevents over watering, because that just evaporates. In winters even they need to be watered only 1-2 times a week.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Fair enough in your climate 😁

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@SheffieldMadePlants You're probably using the terracotta wrong. Which isn't your fault, the ones that are in common use are pretty dumb. They should have no holes in the bottom and should be submerged in a tub of water. You fill the water on the outside, it trickles in via the terracotta and the soil stays nice and moist at the edges, but not too moist. For the typical house plants, it works out pretty well and my strawberry plant seems to really love it.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade so they stay in water?

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Yes, there's a little bit of the water that works its way into the pot from the outside that waters the plant. You can also do the same thing in reverse, where the water goes in the terracotta and the soil goes on the outside with the plant. It makes a very effective self-watering system where you just keep it topped off from time to time. From what I understand, it was a common practice in parts of Northern Africa for conserving water.

[@Shreeladebi]

I've always wondered how nurseries here manage to keep their plants alive as they are made to stand in pools of water and be watered with a hose pipe multiple times a day. But then, they do use dense clay as soil. I guess that's the reason. I live in Delhi which can be very warm and very dry. But they do the same in the winter!!!

[@manupbritain5232]

I kept aquariums for many year. Keep in mind with Water Conditioners it needs some time to do its work. For indoor plants it is well worthwhile letting your water come up to room temperature to prevent cold shock. Add your conditioner first, give it a couple of hours and it will be a good temperature and well conditioned.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the tip

[@captainlovebug]

For the Terracotta pot situation I just keep the reservoir full of water for my monstera and pink princess. Since the pot is so porous it acts the same way in reverse! Keeping the pot hydrated keeps the plant happy and raises the local humidity. Both of my plants in these guys are thriving

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Do you mean the saucer?

[@captainlovebug]

@@SheffieldMadePlants Yes! I use the saucer as a reservoir. Using your bottom watering technique, I found that as long as water is in the saucer the terracotta absorbs majority of it and doesn't cause root rot for a more aroid centric potting media. As long as the terracotta is hydrated it doesn't suck all the moisture out of the soil. This has even allowed some moss to spontaneously pop up in my pink princess and begin to thrive. I also put worm castings in ala planterina and I believe that acts as a constant source of nutrients for my plant as well. So Its almost like a mcguivered self watering pot. I love your channel and learn a lot from it! Can't wait to see what you post next!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@captainlovebug thanks 😊

[@muCephei_]

Hi, this confuses me because I thought monstera's prefer a dryer soil. Doesn't keeping terracotta pots in the saucer full of water keep the soil moist? I don't understand how this does not lead to root rot, when the soil will continue to suck in water from the saucer. Could you explain further?

[@Sunny_Now_and_Then]

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing. Water is always a worry in the US as well. And we have no idea what chemicals are there besides the chlorine and flouride.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Grim isn't it!

[@lizbr100]

I have to disagree with the sweeping statement that terra cotta pots are bad for plants. They do allow them to dry out faster, but that isn't always a bad thing. I live in Louisiana where it's humid and rains nearly every day in the summer, and terra cotta pots are absolutely essential because they allow them to dry out. No matter how many drain holes you drill in plastic pots it is almost impossible to keep patio plants from getting root rot due to staying soggy all the time. It also depends on factors like what type of soil you are using and what type of plant you're growing.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

No problemo 👍

[@11rb13]

Mr. Sheffield Greatings from Nevada USA, love your videos and you have taught me a great deal about how to care for houseplants. I don't have many and it has been quite the struggle to keep them happy. Don't discount clay pots just yet, they have their uses. Bear with me for a few sentences. clay pots are good for succulents and plants that like dry soil. I was struggling with fungus gnats. I have Amaryllis and snake plants, I had them in glazed pots and regular potting soil. The soil was staying to wet for too long. The gnats were terrible, and I tried everything except nematodes to rid myself of them. I watched your video and a few others and read up on Amaryllis. After reading and viewing I decided to repot them in clay pots and on the advice of another youtuber I used, I repotted using succulent soil and 11/2 - 2" of SAND on top of the soil, I have had NO Fungus Gnats since. It has been two months now, and my Amaryllis and snake plants are thriving. AND NO FUNGUS GNATS! Try Sand and see if it works for you, Your loyal follower from Nevada USA

[@hangin-in-thereawesome4245]

Thank you for your videos!! I've learned so much about taking care of my houseplants!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I'm so glad!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

See you like Lipstick plants too. What varieties do you have ?? My favorite is Acheanthus Speciosus. (I know that im spelling that wrong) My stroke brain is not working today. I just love how the flowers come out in late summer and make my trees look like they are on fire. ✌🏻♥️

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I think mine is a Aeschynanthus Japhrolepsis and I like it very much

[@renegadetherapist5664]

I put my peace lilies in self-watering pots, it stops that cycle of droop, water, droop. And, I tend to under water my plants.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Good idea 👍

[@neverhomeguideservice]

This was a great episode! Passed it in to a lot of family

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Awesome thank you

[@ravertaking6343]

I've learned so much from your channel. The only plants I have are peperomias, an orchid, lithops and my Norfolk Island pine. I took your suggestion and bought a water meter. What a help in determining if my peps need water.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It’s a win for sure 😁

[@CapysGardenShop]

As always, great video! And entertaining too! 😂 I’ll be glazing my terra cotta! That makes sense. My picky pin stripe Calathea is looking great, but down to 2 leaves. The stress coat wasn’t helping it in a porcelain pot. I actually had switched to a smaller terra cotta. I’ve been watering it w/ distilled water only about every 5 days. Regarding fungus gnats, after trying everything for 4 yrs, it seemed like adding H2O2 to watering helped as well as the clear sticky strips I add to my plants. Harris brand. I trim them to 1” strips. I use the yellow sheets too & trim those down. Saves a little $ to buy them in sheet form.

[@CapysGardenShop]

…once the gnats stopped, I stopped adding H2O2 to watering. I didn’t want to throw off the fertilizer, etc. I also keep those tennis racket looking bug zappers around now. I’m addicted & now own 3, just for everyday bugs getting in. My teens are making fun of me for buying too many zappers. 😂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Ooo I need me one of those 😁

[@Breakdafunklooseforever]

Dude I'm so glad I found your videos

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@bugseye66]

I love your videos so informative and entertaining.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@haitch04]

I'm using Leca and find the semi hydroponic method combats gnats and watering problems, the plants appear to love it as long as they are introduced correctly. I also have 3 aquariums which supply a lovely amount of really good water. I'm in Lincolnshire and tap water is rock hard. The water conditioner for those who don't have aquariums sounds a great idea. Love your videos, thanks for sharing.x

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for sharing. I really must try leca. Is it time consuming to maintain?

[@irinad.7802]

Thanks to a response someone left under my calathea-related comment below one of your videos on your channel, I’ve discovered lechuza pon… now I have half of my plants in semi-hydro! Never going back to soil if I can help it.​@@SheffieldMadePlants

[@haitch04]

@@SheffieldMadePlants I really don't find it time consuming at all, I just flush it through every couple of weeks and refill the reservoir with nutrient enriched water, as long as there's water in the reservoir you can flush ( I just pour a 2 litre jug through just to get any residue out) just when convenient.. Some flush with the tap but I like to use my aquarium water as my tap water is very hard and over 8 PH and I don't fancy using that. Why not try a couple of pots to see if it's for you?

[@jozina1]

​@@SheffieldMadePlants Do invest in a good hydroponics fertilizer before starting out. I didn't and some of my plants suffered because of it. I have started to introduce the fertilizer a couple of weeks ago and I already see a positive change. And to me it isn't more or less time intensive than soil. With repotting it is even way more easy and doesn't cost much time at all. Because you can reuse the Lyca you already were using Ans just add to it. Do try to wash the dust of the balls before use in the garden or somewhere away from your drains. Because the dust could possibly clog your drain. But that is only a thing when they are new or have been dry for a long time. 😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

@@haitch04 I will do when I get round to it thanks

[@triphophoney]

As a new plant mom who has killed a succulent and a peperomia, your presentation has resonated with me the most. (No disrespect to all the other plant influencers out there who are also providing amazing content.) This episode is precisely the viewing I needed to get back on the horse and not quit on rehabbing another sick plant under my care (cannot remember the name of said plant, unfortunately.) I just subbed and look forward viewing to your backlog and future posts. 🙂

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Awesome thank you 😊

[@Gkrissy]

I did the same thing. I will never order plants during winter. They had heat packs but one of these leaves looked like it was dying. I think maybe the soil didn't have enough aeration. I bought 2 geoganthus plants on Etsy and it died. Luckily, my local Lowes had the same plant and I bought a new one. My 2 year old calathea pinstrip also died this year and seeing it in the video made me sad lol. I always used rainwater for it but I moved it and maybe it got made at me.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

It’s always the Calathea behaving badly 😡

[@hollish196]

Love the news about glazing terra cotta. I do not like plastic pots because, well. . . plastic! Such a useful video I subscribed.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@necoragha65]

Thank you for sharing. I learn most from your failures.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

My pleasure 😊

[@antoneeyuh]

I was actually thinking of trying the aquarium conditioner for my plant water the other day but wasn't sure about it. Definitely going to now!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@PedroLuis-yp9ed]

I gave up on all these fungas gnat solutions and just did the most basic thing which was cutting them off from the soil. 2 inch layer of sand on all my pots, as well as blocking off any drainage holes that are exposed with sand. Got rid of my moss poles too since they loved that as well. Now no more gnats other than the ones that fly in from the garden outside.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@jaclynns.jungle]

Glad your Philos have started to bounce back! Give them a pole and they'll take off! I got a machine that sucks the bugs into a sticky trap! Highly reccomend! Way better than the yellow stickies bc the light attracts them and the fan sucks them in ☺️ For terracotta I only put Cactus in there, but I'll do the plastic nursery pots and put the plastic into the terracotta, especially if you can find the ones without drainage!

[@ellem4067]

Could you provide a link to the machine you used? Thank you!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks although the Melanochrysum keeps getting stuck new leaves. Does yours do that? What’s the machine called? I deffo need that

[@gauchesymbiote1039]

The machine is called a Katchy. I just got one today!

[@markrathkamp7681]

Great channel. Your posts are informative and entertaining. Thanks

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@Rob1337]

Terracotta is amazing on my outdoor Japanese imported bonsai trees but never tried them with indoor, I’m pretty much an indoor noob however but a capable bonsai keeper for years

[@msnyx823]

Terracotta pots should only be used for plants that come from hot and dry climates, like succulents and cactuses. Especially if you tend to over water. I’ve had my monstera deliciosa in terracotta too. Most houseplants will only do well in terracotta if you are happy to water them frequently.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

💯

[@watapacchi676]

I've stopped using terracotta pots, except for my succulents. They absolutely love being in there, along with some gritty cactus soil.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Even some of my succulents struggle a bit 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DovidM]

Terra-cotta pots are helpful if the potting medium doesn’t drain well, and you tend to overwater. However, you are better off providing plant soil that drains well, and learning to water judiciously.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sure 💯

[@lucyculinescu8848]

Few years ago I had a terrible gnat flies infestation, from a bag of potting soil (now I make my own potting mix!), I tried different things, but they still managed to spread to all my plants. I was desperate, it was quite bad... what finally worked for me, was nematodes! I actually didn't have much faith that they would work, but I was running out of things to try. It took a couple of months or so for them to work, but it was visible that I had fewer flies, until they disappeared. What a relief! :)

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds great!

[@EggHeadJo]

Also with those annoying flies, I found you can buy these really cool looking fly trap plants and you just have to keep them moist with filtered water and lots of sunlight, and they attract those little flies like crazy! The plant is called Spoonleaf Sundew

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Oh yeah they look like they're from another planet 😂

[@kwillie05]

Thanks for the water conditioner tip!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You bet!

[@allenpost3616]

Great advice all around. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@bethrogers5040]

I love your videos and take notes from your tips. The one that struck me today was about the water purifier. It make more sense to me than running water through a filter and carting it around. I just ordered the one you use. Api Stress coat. I'll let you know!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@willsander6178]

Fungus Gnats are seriously hampered by pitcher plant! Love my pitcher plant. Zero gnats in the room with pitcher plant (used to be A LOT). Only downside is you need really good light (recommend plant light) and distilled water for the pitcher plant to make pitchers. But they're super easy to maintain! Just add distilled water every three days or so and regularly mist it -- done.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for the tip

[@UltraFlashlight]

Been watering my plants with fish water for a few months now. They absolutely love it. The fish poop gently fertilizes the soil and the growth rate is very consistent. I'm also propagating cuttings in my fish tank. The tank light helps with providing additional light and I never have to do water duty. You just have to make sure the plant is clean and has no chemicals sprayed on the leaves.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great stuff 👍

[@damesaphira9790]

Tell me more! Do you have videos where you learned this, what is this technique called, how can I do this????

[@remmirath42]

The most satisfying way to deal with plant problems is getting more plants. Especially plants that eat the problem. No more fungus gnats in my tea since I strategically placed a few sundews here and there 😊

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Great tip 😁

[@ramenchuu]

Love the water softener tip

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍

[@fletchoid]

I like to use terra cotta pots for succulents and other plants that like drier soil. Most of the rest, I try to use a cheap plastic pot inside a fancy ceramic container that leaves an air gap between the plastic pot and the ceramic container. This air gap helps keep my plants from over heating in the summer when I move most of my plants to my balcony. My main problem is that during the summer, pests find the plants, and I spend the fall fighting them when I bring the plants back in.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Sounds like quite the undertaking!

[@degagnemarc]

Hello @SheffieldMadePlants.! I feel there is more nuaces than just black or white in some of your points. The problem you got from having plants ship during cold weather season is caused by Pethium or Phytophtora, which are like you mentionned caused by cold, but not just plain cold. These diseases apear mostly on Aracea family and are caused by fast drop in temperature and very high moisture (condensation) in the packaging. You are very perseverant to try saving these and most of the time when this happens it's in the compost pile they go. Usualy we need to change soil with very porous and chunky texture of soil to bring back the plants, increase overall heat and controll too high relative moisture for a while. Fungus gnats can be dealth with easely by using yellow sticky trap (like you shown) and one of two very light sprays on the soil of product containing permithrin or Peritrin and BUTOXYDE PIPERONYLE. For terra cotta pots, all you need to consider is always the right pot in the right soil for the right plant. You need to amend you mix to accomdate the fact that terra cotta pots dry faster but on the other hand bread more and thats very good for the roots. For water have you ever considered that the aquarium aditive your adding is also changeing your water PH and alkalinity? I have maintaned plants (over 30 year) in cities where there is chlorine added to water and this was never the concern on long run but PH and alkalinity of city water eventualy changing the soil PH and salt content (mainly calcium). Bugs in compost... There is more good ones than bad ones unless you freakout on any bugs. Having plants indoor means having some of the nature inside and bugs do come with it!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I have considered the ph. The one I use doesn’t change the ph so all good

[@ShaneyElderberry]

Terracotta is wonderful for mature cattleyas alliance plants in a quick draining medium. My Cattleya trianae has been in the same pot for several years.

[@not-normal771]

You can defeat the gnats by buying a roll of tight or fine mesh screen and cutting a piece to fit in your pot. Cut a hole for the stem and cut from center to outer perimeter and set some small stones on top to keep the screen from rolling up. Just make sure that the stem can't rub on the screen so make the hole a little bigger to accommodate. It probably won't get rid of all of them, but it significantly reduces the amount of area for them to lay eggs and for the babies to get out from under the screen. Cheap screen. Then you can keep on watering without issue. It helped me a lot. Those critters can drive a person mad after a while.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Interesting idea thanks for sharing 👍

[@not-normal771]

@@SheffieldMadePlants You're quite welcome! I went to war against the gnats. 😅 I also learned that putting plants in trays and bottom watering helps a lot too. Have a great day.

[@sooper109]

Great information once again! Thank you!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@TheC3.]

I put plastic pots in terracotta pots to stop them from drying out too fast. And those gnats… I just bought predatory mites for my terrarium because the yellow sticky traps look horrid in two days… I am sorry you lost those first plants. They were looker for sure! I enjoy your videos a lot!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you 😊

[@stefancarew]

Love terracotta pots... they're perfect for some of my plants!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Succulents and 🌵 I guess

[@IndigenousArtst]

3:00 We got rid of the gnats by adding a few carnivorous plants in the mix. They love those gnats. Yum!

[@KabbaVArtAndDesign]

Creative tip For over watered plants. You can stick a tampon into the soil and it will absorb a lot of the excess water.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

😳

[@ceem9924]

Sheffield! I have the answer for your fungus gnats, mosquito dunks! One round tablet sits in my watering can and that is enough to keep me gnat free for 5 years now!!!!! I even take my plants outdoors half the year and I have zero pest issues. Took one month for all of them to disappear and I've never seen one again

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Unfortunately it's banned for home use in the UK

[@borleyboo5613]

I sadly lost an Aspidistra to those annoying gnats. I was so upset because I’d always wanted one. I know what to do in future now. Thank you.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

You bet!

[@Everything_Andy]

With terracotta I've learned for my style of watering(I tend to water regularly) I don't find the issue of drying out. Because of my watering schedule but obviously terracotta isn't for everyone. But it doesn't work for everyone's watering style regardless of plant but if you understand terracotta pots to start and the plants watering needs then the issue can be kinda avoided but not always. Then to this you can add substrate medium to soil to make it hold onto water a bit longer to help combat the issue a little longer so it could help. Maybe I'm wrong but maybe it helps. Thank you for the video.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you. It’s proving quite time consuming for me to keep up with it

[@katiedotson704]

Your advice depends on the type of plants you are keeping. For the succulent and cacti people, the quick drying terra cotta pots are the way to go. The lesson here to make the adjustments your plants need. When you paint or varnish a terra cotta pot. First wash and then use a bleach solution to soak the pot for 30 minutes. (1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water will kill pretty much anything that may want to hide in the porous crevices of the pot) Allow the pot to dry thoroughly. You can put the pots in the oven at 150*F/65*C for 30 minutes. ( I just cut the oven off after 30 mins and let everything cool at it's own pace.) That pot is now sterile and ready for anything. Paint or varnish inside and out. Two coats on the inside. If you don't, moisture will seep through the pot and before long the outside varnish or paint will begin to deteriorate, then flake off. Paints, varnishes, shellacs. polyurethanes all have a myriad of chemicals in them. These will gas off given time. Read the label on the finish you are using. There is a dry time and a cure time. I am guilty of baking anything I paint as well. I have never had any finish to fail after 30 mins to 1 hour at 150*F. This speeds up the gas off time but I still wait 24-48 hours before using the pot.

[@mayasalgado2595]

Great new tips as always 👍 Thank you 🙏

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thanks for watching 😁

[@natasa378]

I love terracotta pots but I use it only for my succulent and cactus. after 3-4 years I must say they love it. I just need to water them more often than expected. Anyway, it's even environmentally friendly compared to the plastic pots

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

That’s true

[@Okaydokay2638]

I love terracotta but I overwater everything…even my calatheas!

[@carvedwood1953]

Multiple things here. First of all, the gnats are pretty easy to eliminate. Just cap your soil with sand or fish gravel and the adults cant get into the soil to lay eggs, problem solved. Secondly, you CAN grow plants in terracotta. It does dry out faster than other pots, but that can be a benefit depending on the plant. It also provides the roots with more air, and air prunes to some degree as well. For the plants that need it, I only glaze the inside of the pot because I don't like the glossy finish personally.

[@cactsai]

Quick tip about fungus gnats. Someone may have said this already. I scanned quite a few comments and didn't see it mentioned. Nematodes are a great way to handle gnats, however, a cheaper option is BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). It's a fungus/bacteria that dissolves the soft bodies of the larvae in the soil. It take 2-3 weeks to completely work because the adults still need to die off, but their offspring won't survive it. I had a problem with this as well and one good watering of this powder COMPLETELY wiped out fungus gnats from my home. It's amazing. Try it out. Take care!

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Thank you. That’s unfortunately banned for home use in the UK!

[@cactsai]

@@SheffieldMadePlants OMG! I wonder why. It's completely harmless. It's amazing what various countries are okay with and not okay with. That's too bad, man. Tanlin drops and sticky strips it is for the UK.

[@andreacondon7969]

I use the water from my fish tanks for my plants. It has been treated with the water conditioner and has the added benefit fish waste acting as fertilizer.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

Perfect 👍

[@NicoleJara445]

Terracota is great for succelents. You don't need to do this treatment...the whole point of the pot is to benefit of root breathing

[@georgebrown9260]

Have you tried neem oil for your fungus gnat issue? I'm not very experienced with plants, but I have used neem oil concentrate mixed with water in a spray bottle to get rid of some minor fungus gnat issues I was having. It's organic and safe for the plants as long as you mix the oil in the correct proportion to water. Also make sure to shake well before using as the neem oil and water do not mix well.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

I’ve not but thanks for the tip 👍

[@Rhaphidophile]

The thing I've learnt after being a plant hobbyist for a year and a half: if your aroid mix drains super well and is chunky, very airy, with very little moss/coir/peat, you should put the plant in a plastic pot with plenty of drainage holes. The roots need the humidity from what the aroid mix was able to retain and that's where they will get their water from.-- if they're in a clay pot, the pot will simply sip all the moisture off. A terra cota pot will also not save a plant with a very soppy soil mix.

[@SheffieldMadePlants]

👍👍👍