Potted plants are a great addition to any room, adding a touch of nature and color to your space. With potted plants in your home, you’ll provide yourself with a welcome respite from Dubai’s dry, hot outdoors. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting, caring for potted plants can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

However, it can also be tricky, especially if you are unsure where to start. Luckily, we have gathered expert advice on caring for potted indoor plants to help you keep your greenery healthy and thriving.

Choose the Right Pot for Your Plant

It is important to select the right pot size for your plant, ensuring enough space for its roots to grow. If the pot is too small, it can hamper the plant's growth, but if it's too big, the soil may become oversaturated, leading to root rot. Choose a pot with drainage holes to avoid water buildup and root rot.

Aside from that, repot your plants as they outgrow their containers. This gives them enough space for their roots to grow and access nutrients and water. Repotting should be done during the plant's active growth period and with fresh potting soil.

Pick the Right Soil

Different plants have different soil requirements, so be sure to research the soil needs of your specific plant. A good potting mix should be light, well-draining, and nutrient-rich. Avoid using garden soil or topsoil, as these can be too heavy and compact for potted plants.

Water Your Plants

Potted indoor plants require water to survive, but be careful not to over-water them. The general rule is to water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry. 

However, this can vary depending on the plant, pot size, and environmental conditions. 

Because many plant owners place their pots in air-conditioned rooms, evaporation is much slower, so it’s best to water less. Meanwhile, if you’re placing your plants outdoors, they may need more frequent watering due to Dubai’s dry and hot climate. 

Some misting may even be necessary to keep the leaves fresh, but it’s best not to do so frequently, as it may attract pests like mealybugs.

Some plants, such as succulents, prefer to dry out completely between watering, while others, such as ferns, prefer consistently moist soil. Be sure to research the specific watering needs of your plant to avoid over or underwatering.

Use a Fertilizer

Choose a fertilizer appropriate for your plant and follow the instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can lead to burn and other issues, while under-fertilizing can cause the plant to become nutrient-deficient.

The best way to use a fertilizer is to apply it during the plant's active growing period, typically in the spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions and apply it to the soil, avoiding getting it on the plant's leaves. Some plants may require a specific type of fertilizer, such as a high-nitrogen fertilizer for leafy plants or a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants.

If you would like some DIY fertilisers, read our blog post to know some handy tips here.

Provide Adequate Light

Plants have varying needs regarding the amount and type of light they require. Some need direct, strong light. However, others are prone to getting sunburns in Dubai’s scorching sun, so it’s best to place them in indirect light or in the shade.

It's important to determine the light needs of your plant and place it accordingly. Insufficient light can cause the plant to grow weak and fail to produce flowers, whereas excessive light can damage the plant and lead to other problems.

Inspect Plants Regularly

There are also some common issues that potted plants can face. For example, spider mites and mealybugs can infest plants, causing damage and even death. Inspect your plants regularly and use an appropriate pest control method to prevent and treat pest infestations. Common methods include insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil.

Final Thoughts

Caring for potted indoor plants requires some time, effort, and attention. However, anyone can effectively care for their plants with the right knowledge and tools.

Green Hands provides a wide selection of potted indoor plants in Dubai. We ensure that our plants are healthy and well-cared for before they are delivered to our customers. You can also avail of FREE Lifetime Plant Doctor Service on Call or WhatsApp. Shop from us today!