Two-second trick to stop your houseplants dying in winter
Two-second trick to stop your houseplants dying in winter
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A plant expert has revealed the easiest and quickest way to work out if your plants need watering - and it only takes two seconds. "Winter can be a tough time for plant parents," warns Elise Harlock, brand manager at Prestige Flowers. "The possibility of overwatering and underwatering is extremely high during the colder months because watering routines change and it's tough to work out just by looking.".
But watering doesn't have to be a gamble, insists Elise. Her top tip? "All you need to do is stick your finger about an inch into the soil," she says. "If it feels dry, it's time to water your plant. If it's still damp, hold off - it's as easy as that!".
This simple two-second technique can be lifesaving throughout winter, as plants face the danger of excess watering. With cooler temps and reduced light, indoor greenery often requires less H2O than in their growth phase. "Most indoor plants go into a semi-dormant state in winter, slowing their growth and metabolic processes," explains Elise. Drowning your botanical buddies in too much water could lead to mushy soil and root rot - a killer condition for any greens, reports the Express.
"The two-second finger trick can save a lot of heartache for plant enthusiasts," she adds. Alongside the quick soil check, Elise suggests another few hacks for healthy houseplants: Low light in winter can distress your leafy pals, so "Consider moving them closer to a window or supplementing with a grow light," Elise advises.