Most common reason that indoor plants🪴 dies☠️!

[@mikedan297]

I find that some house plants are difficult to keep such as calathea and alocasia. Their leaves dry up easily, but they thrive in the outdoor environment better than indoor.

[@aingealtara1479]

@Mike Dan.. 4 or 5 years ago I bought a plant, label said it was a Philodendron, and it was huge and beautiful.. I later found out it was an Alocasia, but I still liked it, but.. Then, all of the sudden she decided to let go of the leaves.. One by one until only two was left.. I did everything in the book to understand what was going on and nothing worked.. Other than she went dormant and lost one leaf for every new one she had.. Last year I got so annoyed and angry that I took her out of her pot, cleaned up the roots and gave her a new clean pot with Leca, I dumped her in a bucket from worm casting that I had (the only thing big enough to hold the pot) gave her a lot of water and left her on her old spot: right in front of my garden door.. Now she have 6 new leaves and seems happier than ever.. So far.. But I still struggle to figure out how to deal with her.. If she dies, I won't cry my eyes out, and if she lives, well, then I continue to care for her.. But she's the only Alocasia in my house now and always.. My Calatheas are growing and seems happy, though I don't have the best conditions to give, and they are so easy to handle.. I just give them filtered water and keep them away from drafts, because that's a killer they can't survive..

[@zenobibonsai]

Interesting fact of the day: Humans are incapable it detecting "wetness" or "dampness" due to the lack of hygroreceptors!.. We determine "dampness" by pressure, and temperature... non the less, the best method still, for preventing over watering, is by inserting your finger about 1cm into the soil to feel for moisture. As the man said... if it feels moist DONT water it... if it feels dry then water it :)

[@magspies]

please do a video on repotting plants in self-watering containers....what to do with all the water roots?! :/

[@bathos22]

He's already done vids on self-watering systems. You might find what you need

[@msscamp100]

There are a couple of videos from Swedish Plant Guys on self-watering containers, including one on how to make your own.

[@magspies]

@@bathos22 ​ @msscamp100 thanks, but they've never covered it. I've bought and home made self-watering pots, but repotting plants can cause root shock after a plant has been in one for a couple of years. They don't cover repotting from a self-watering container in any of their videos unfortunately.

[@bathos22]

@@magspies Aah, I misread. Probably because I have not seen anyone talk about repotting in a self-watering system. That would be an interesting video. I wonder whether the principle of pruning 1/3 (max) of the roots applies in this case.

[@magspies]

@@bathos22 Yes, it's a tricky one! Especially as all the water roots are usually broken pulling them through - so would trimming 1/3 of the water roots at a time work (then how long between trims?), or trim 1/3 of total roots (water + container)? Then water roots just have to go into the container of next self-watering pot...? I've tried with two plants 1) removing (a LOT of) water roots - it died. 2) pulling through with minimal trimming, but water roots had to go in next container (as no way to get them back through) and they rotted. ....see why @swedishplantguys need to do a video! 😅

[@teom.5729]

Love your videos ❤ thank you!

[@lindahill2688]

I’m trying to make a business out of plants in vintage pots. You gave me an idea! What if I sew pots that kind of fit the special pot! I just sent back some crummy fabric pots, but the fabric may work. What do you think?

[@roi3272]

I use terracotta on all my plants, when I see the pot is dry I'll fully water it (visual color change and touch). Except for bog plants which I use plastic for, and those like to sit in water anyway

[@Zielona_Migotka]

I dont have huge and heavy plants, so Im takin them out of the pots and water in summer outdoor or over sink. Excess water drains out, and them i place them back to the pots. I use bark, leca and perlite for my soil. I follow them steps, I've never overwater my plants since.

[@moshake8221]

Hi, Can you do a care video on delosperma echinatum aka the pickle plant? Thank you

[@kayslaughter1630]

Swedish plant guy, you promised a video on the Schefflera Amate. Please keep your promise.

[@andyandy2684]

Thanks for the info. If I may ask a question. I have always used the finger method to double check if plant needs watering. Just got a moisture meter last week. Stuck it in pot as deep as it would go and to my shock it read between a 7 and 8 down deep when the top 2 inches felt and looked dry. In fact … this is consistent with all my glazed ceramic and plastic pots ( above 8 inches). If I didn’t have a moisture meter I would go ahead and water it. But with this new situation … not sure anymore. Small pots I haven’t tested, Any insight anyone can offer will be very much appreciated. Thanks. Btw… I live in the tropics and plants are all indoors. Tested on 4 plants which have average to above average light…all by the window.

[@UncleCloud]

Moisture meters are not completely accurate. You're better off watering based on pot weight, dryness of the top layer and just your experience.

[@aingealtara1479]

@andy andy, I use my moisture meter more than anything, whenever I'm in doubt or just want to make sure.. And it never fails mee, though I wait to give water when the level is right on the level of empty.. That's very obvious too when lifted the pot.. I even use it with the plants that is in lava rock, simply because you can't stick a finger in the pot.. The big pots, both terracotta and plastic are to heavy and to deep, so that's when the moisture meter comes in handy too.. Before I used chopsticks or orchid sticks to see if the middle of the pot was moist or dry, simply because the "top inch" was the fool to cause several of my plants to die from root rot and drowning (the top inch do not tell you if the roots are Ook or not, or how the plant is half way down the pot) .. Now I go my own way, watching the plants getting to know them individually and make sure everybody gets what they need.. My Calatheas loves being in lava rock, it's all about the moisture.. I even got a few in a huge self-watering pot along with a peace lily (not in lava rock but in my own soil mix).. And it works..

[@jeanettedavis-fb6zj]

Extremely good question! I hope someone answers. Send it to me if they do!?!

[@jeanettedavis-fb6zj]

My house plants always feel dry, so I'm scared to NOT water them! ??????????????????????????????

[@ebinom8112]

Can you mix the soil with all the three i.e. pumice, perlite and leica pebbles? Or will that be overkill?

[@nancyx5]

I’m confused about the advice to water on a set schedule. If you have more than a few plants and you’re watering based on the additional (and correct) advice to water only if it needs it, isn’t the watering schedule going to go out the window pretty fast? Every plant has its own unique needs based on many variables. Trying to water or not water on a schedule will just keep you rescheduling indefinitely. Is the purpose of the set schedule to ensure you’re consistently checking on your plants?

[@msscamp100]

Exactly!

[@sharonholmes2470]

I use the calendar method on all my plants. The varieties that need watered more often I go by weight by picking them up. Seasons winter/summer are the only variable or I myself call it common sense.

[@ilzebluke7399]

Do you have any video how to take care after Boston ferns, please 🙏

[@1339su]

Hi. Good tutorial videos tips. 💙💚🩷💜Question? I have in door herbs plant summertime they were out and I bring them in for winter ❄️. But they get bugs a very tiny flies something similar to fruit flies but it is not fruit flies. I sprayed with home remedies mix Cinnamon with a drops of dish soap. My herbs 🌿 are not strong enough to look even healthy to grow nicely like before. How to fix home plants herbs at home? Thanks 🙏

[@pozzee2809]

I have always watered til it comes out the bottom. Not sure I water when it is dry enough 🤔🤔 Mine stay alive but they don’t really grow

[@georgekot6377]

My thoughts exactly. I do the same

[@pozzee2809]

@@georgekot6377 I have a dragon tongue plant, he definitely doesn’t know he is supposed to get tall 🙄😉

[@MisterCynic18]

Might be a light issue. Most indoor environments are alot dimmer than people realize. Even right in front of a window is like half as bright as if the plant was fully outside.

[@msscamp100]

Pozzee - How long does it take for the water to start draining? If you water your plants and water starts draining immediately, chances are good your plant is root bound, cannot absorb the water due to no soil left, and they need repotted. Check drainage holes for roots, or slip the plant out of the pot and check the roots. You could also have a lighting issue where your plants are not getting enough light, or a combination of a lighting issue and a root bound plant.

[@sharonholmes2470]

Pozzee Fertilizer?

[@derekthornton-j2d]

Good video have you done one about Aloe Vera house plans

[@barbaraowens2299]

I lost a couple plants because I put a coffee filter over the drainage holes to keep the soil from falling out. The paper coffee filters keep water in. It doesn't take long for root rot to develop. I've never lost a plant from under watering.

[@msscamp100]

Barbara Owens - the coffee filter wasn't the problem. Think about it. If coffee filters kept water in, we couldn't brew a pot of coffee without the filter basket overflowing all over the counter and floor. I have regularly used a paper towel over the drainage hole and had no problems. Paper towels are a lot thicker than a coffee filter. I suspect the problem is either watering too frequently, improper light, the wrong soil, or some combination of all of the above. Potting soil is not a one size fits all kinds of plants sort of thing.

[@sharonholmes2470]

​@@msscamp100 I totally agree! I've been using coffee filters for years...no issues.

[@barbaraowens2299]

@@msscamp100 I make a very well draining soil mixture with plenty of pumice and orchid bark. When I watered the plants with the coffee filters they weren't free flowing with water like my pots with screens. The cone filters I use take about 15 minutes for one cup of coffee to drip. That's a long time to wait for my much needed cup of caffeine. I'm glad the coffee filters work out for you.

[@msscamp100]

@@barbaraowens2299 Ok, then stop using coffee filters.

[@aingealtara1479]

.. I use paper coffee filters too and I never had any problem doing that.. The water runs free and fast out the bottom.. I never lost a plant because of coffee filters, but I did lose plants to the wrong soil and to over watering and everything with it..

[@MiscellaneousMichelle]

💚

[@omgnerv]

can you make a video on BLUMAT watering system/ cones?

[@sarahberlot777]

Can i grow terrestrial bromeliads in pumice?

[@lindahill2688]

Or fabric glue them!

[@thephotographersunny]

🤞🤞🙏🙏

[@carolstuff]

👍

[@PlantYes]

*most common reason that indoor plants die

[@erinjames377]

VIDEO ON DUMB CANE PLANT DIEFFENBACHIA

[@msscamp100]

I am very surprised at your advice to water plants on a schedule. There are too many variables for a schedule to be effective - time of year, growth rate, light exposure, natural light or grow lights, whether the plant is dormant, etc. If you have been caring for plants for 20 years, as you've often stated, you know this and you know a schedule will not work for most plants.

[@sharonholmes2470]

Calendar method works for me. Seasons summer/winter is the only difference for me and that also goes for fertilizing.

[@Robert-cd2ht]

Actually you are incorrect. Plant roots degrade due to lack of oxygen which also promotes anerobic activity, synthetic fertilizer in the presence of constant water can potentially coat the roots preventing water uptake. Many plant species can thrive immersed and even submersed fully in water.

[@MisterCynic18]

Wouldn't the water quickly become deoxygenated when it's trapped within a medium like dense soil? The roots would take what they need and the remaining water wouldn't have enough aeration to reoxygenate.

[@Robert-cd2ht]

@@MisterCynic18 Microbes in the medium will use oxygen while producing carbon dioxide this killing off beneficial microbes allowing anaerobic life to take over, plus water does need surface movement to exchange gasses. An aquarium air pump in the soil will somewhat help.