Don’t wet your ‘plants’! Well, actually… do, because it’s Plant a Flower Day on 12 March! Being a proud plant parent is very much on trend these days, and we’re very much here for it. But even though it’s easier than ever to buy plants online, keeping them alive is still a challenge. So, if you’re shopping for a present for your favourite new plant aficionado and have no clue what would best suit their capabilities or you’re finding plant parenthood hard yourself, don’t fret—this guide is here to help! In honour of this ‘blooming’ occasion we’re digging up a few of our most helpful tips to choose and care for your plants.
‘Pot’ It Like It’s Hot With Fantastic Flora
Choosing a plant — especially when you don’t know what kind of light it needs, or how dedicated you need to be to keep the plant alive — can be challenging. Thankfully there are steps to choosing the right plant. And, if you already have some planted, we can help you keep them alive and thriving.
Of course, there’s a myriad of different plants. But for the sake of Plant a Flower Day, we’re focusing on a few of our fabulous flowering pot plants and an undemanding green plant option for those who have watched one too many petals wilt away. But, no matter how positive your vibes are, you’ll struggle to grow a juniper tree in South Africa’s climate. Some plants are doomed at your doorstep, not because you lack green instinct, but because they’re a bad fit. So, start by choosing the right plant based on either the environment or level of care needed.
For The Planting Pros
While many don’t, plant care is something you should also think about before you buy a plant because some require more care than others. As beautiful as the world would be if our favourite plants grew without us lifting a finger, in reality, most good things require some effort – and flowering plants are no different. But we’re here to stick up for those fussy, difficult flowers. Trust us – if you’re willing to put in the time, the reward can be sweet!
Just One Of ‘Rose’ Things
There’s no beating around the (rose) bush on this one: some roses are high-maintenance plants. Despite being some of the hardest flowers to grow and maintain, their stunning looks and versatility as gifting flowers for any occasion make them popular – and we get it! But even if rose bushes look great on Instagram (and other social media platforms), they can be difficult to keep alive, even for Plant a Flower Day.
Environment: For the best blooms, place your potted rose bush in a location receiving at least six to eight hours of sun daily. Although more sun is usually better, too much can overheat the container and stress the roots, especially in hot weather or in warmer climates. Be cautious in the summer months as high temperatures can cause the plant to become dormant.
Basic care: Roses appreciate moist, well-drained soil, making consistent watering critical to the health of your plant. They should also be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Expect to water every day in hot weather, checking the moisture level with a finger inserted into the soil mixture. It’s vital to keep potted roses well-watered since the soil tends to dry out quickly.
Make It Y-‘orchid’
Ah, the orchid: notoriously one of the hardest plants to grow. But we’ll never give up on you, orchid! And neither should you. We promise growing flowering orchid plants doesn’t have to be painful. With a little education and a lot of love, you can enjoy orchids all over your home – in fact, you can pick one up from our online florist and get straight to work!
Environment: While many orchids are hard to grow, even for seasoned growers, there are dozens of varieties, and hundreds of hybrids, that are perfectly happy growing on a sunny windowsill. As a general rule, orchids are light-hungry plants. For best results, they should get 12 to 14 hours of light each day, year-round. Orchids should be kept near a south or east-facing window if possible. They need a lot of light, but not direct light.
Basic care: Most orchids can tolerate drought far better than they can tolerate excess moisture. Nothing kills an orchid faster than letting it sit in a water-logged pot. Without adequate air circulation, the plant will suffocate and die. As a very general rule, orchids should be watered once a week. In the winter, keep your plant warm and cut the water back to once a month or so. Mist it every so often to make sure it stays hydrated, but wipe away moisture on the leaves if you mist too heavily.
Side note: If that sounds like too much work, then you are better off choosing a plant that requires less maintenance for Plant a Flower Day!
For The Budding Beginners
Of course, not everyone has a green thumb when it comes to keeping plants thriving, but that’s alright because there are plenty of hard-to-kill plants out there! Don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance, they are more durable than you think; some can even withstand some serious neglect. Plus, they’re pretty too!
Low-maintenance But Lovely Lavender
With its strong, refreshing fragrance and vibrantly coloured flowers, lavender is among the most easily recognisable plants around. It’s also one of the most versatile herbs you can grow because it has a whole bunch of medicinal, aesthetic, and culinary purposes. Its scent has a calming effect on humans, so lavender is used in all kinds of stress-relieving items like bath and beauty products. While we love the sweet scent, bugs hate it and it even acts as a natural repellent for scorpions as well. Besides all its mental and physical well-being benefits, it’s the perfect beginner plant!
Environment: Potted lavender needs enough elbow room to accommodate flowers. Ideally, try to space plants as far apart from furniture as they’ll grow tall. This plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soils, even poor soil. Its main requirements are lots of sun and good drainage. Place your potted lavender plants somewhere they receive full sun (at least eight hours per day.)
Basic care: Water lavender plants once or twice a week until the plants are established. Water mature plants every two to three weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest.
Pretty Fly For A Cacti
Succulents and cacti are the ideal houseplants for ‘budding’ enthusiasts. Keep in mind, however, that while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. So, if you or your plant-obsessed giftee are newbies and you’re sticking to the hard-to-kill plants, go for succulents. Even if they ‘succ’ at taking care of plants, these cute little florae are low maintenance!
Environment: Succulents thrive when there is a balance of moisture and sunshine. Though they don’t like direct sunlight, make some indirect light and plenty of shadows available to them each day. Place their pots near a window with some direct light coming through during daylight hours. If you’re terrible at remembering to water your plant, cacti will cherish your neglect.
Basic care: The succulent plant is adapted to dry conditions, so it doesn’t need a lot of watering. Because of their special ability to retain water, succulents tend to thrive in warm, dry climates. They need to be watered sparingly, but they require water for the plant’s roots to not dry out completely between watering periods over time.
Not everyone is a planting pro, but chances are you know somebody obsessed with collecting flowering plants, whether they’re a budding enthusiast or a seasoned grower! If you’re ready to find the perfect plant for your or a loved one’s home this Plant a Flower Day, look no further than NetFlorist! Plant parenting can be tricky, but when you or your ‘bud’ follow our plant guide for choosing a plant, we’re sure they’ll stick around for some time.
