It is easy to root them to grow new plants; usually, you only need to soak the base of the seedlings in water for a few days to help them take root, and then you can plant them underground. If you prefer plants to do the job, but the plants in a container with water and the roots (and capillary action in the soil) will pull out whatever they need. When the plant absorbs water from the roots, pour the water directly on the soil around the base of the plant. Water when the soil becomes light or cracks. Add water as needed until the potting soil is moist. Lift the plant out of the water and set it aside to squeeze out excess moisture. Repeat until the water stops flowing, and the plant has received the correct amount of water. If you are waiting for your plant to show you a sign that it needs watering, try testing the soil first. To avoid over-watering, water the plant slowly and watch when water stops flowing through the soil. If you notice rot, try cutting off dead roots, replanting the plant, and using less water in the future. If your plant has root rot, carefully trim off the rotten parts with sterile scissors. For best results, remove and transplant the plant into modified soil if possible. Water the surface of the soil gently; avoid getting water on the leaves or crown of the plant. If the soil is extremely dry, the water may not be absorbed, but will quickly flow down the sides of the pot and out into the basin/saucer without bringing moisture to the plant roots. Water should come out of the drain holes in the bottom of the pot. When watering the plants, be sure to do it carefully - you should see the water dripping from the drainage hole. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if a plant looks sad because it was underwater, or because it received too much water and has root rot. It may also require more light or less water, so take the time to analyze all conditions before adding more plant-based foods. If your plants lose their luster despite sufficient water and sunlight, consider adding fertilizer. Apply water-soluble fertilizer four times a year, but avoid applying fertilizer in winter. If you choose to cleanse the plants, mix a small amount of warm water with some dish or plant detergent and soak a clean rag in the mixture before thoroughly cleaning the leaves. Dust collects on the leaves, so rinse them in a light shower at room temperature or scrub them with a soft brush if the plants have hairy leaves (which can retain moisture and contribute to disease). Keep a close eye on your plants - the leaves often change color slightly and begin to fall off when the plant needs water.
Whereas a deciduous plant requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers or potting soil. Cacti and succulents need less water; flowering plants usually need a little more. Therefore, plants need less water to stay hydrated, and excess water can lead to root rot. Keep in mind that different plants have different water requirements - drought-tolerant cacti and other succulents may not need watering at all.
Shallow soil can dry out faster during the winter months, but this is not the best indicator of a plant's water requirement. For most plants, the golden rule is to check if the soil is dry in the first centimeters.
If you see mold on the surface of the soil or water at the bottom of the container, it means the plant is overloaded. The idea is that your plant doesn't float in the soil, which can lead to water overload. A plant pot tray is the best way to trap excess water and prevent clutter.
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