Monsoons are great times, they provide chill, and relaxing vibes, save us from the scorching heat, give us time to plan vacations and much more. But little do we know, monsoons are also the best time for planting. Plants are at their full potential to grow in fiberglass pots during monsoons and bask in their rich glory waiting to be adored.
But, as with all things, the period of monsoon is also the period to exercise caution. Diseases, outbreaks & rains are in their full swing. Plants need special care during monsoons, want to know which things are to be taken into account? Worry not, we have got you covered. Whether you have plants in Indoor planters or outdoor fiberglass pots, we have got tips for all.
We list down 10 fabulous tips to make sure your plants stay safe & healthy during monsoons.
1. Avoid Overwatering
Monsoon means rains, which basically means water. As we know excess of anything does more harm than good, and so does more water. One needs to be careful while watering the plants in the rains. Excess water increases the chances of disease outbreaks, soil loses fertility & there is a threat to plant survival even. We should water, but be very careful as to not overwater, this can happen by working on decreasing the frequency of watering or watering plants below the required threshold.
2. Adding Fertilizers
Fertilizers are essential for plant growth, they are the key to soil fertility. Without them, there are high chances of stunted growth. They need to be applied to the soil in proper proportion. Overuse or underuse, both are harmful to the plants. Chemical fertiliser usage must be limited, organic fertilizers could prove beneficial. One can also go for live creatures like earthworms.
3. Pruning
Pruning is one of the most important things to be considered during monsoons. Going for pruning significantly reduces the chances of the disease spreading, prevents infestations, rejuvenates plants & makes the plant look good too. Pruning is recommended both for indoor as well as outdoor plants in the rainy season. For best results, try to do pruning pre-monsoon, just a pro tip, you know.
4. Unclogging Holes
Proper aeration & ventilation is a must during monsoons. The holes at the bottom of the planters ensure that water is not stagnating and that excess water is drained out to get proper plant growth. Careful inspection of such holes and removal of blockages needs to be done prior to monsoons & at regular intervals afterwards.
5. Weed Removal
Let’s be obvious, no one wants weeds in their beautiful plants. They sabotage the beauty, and grandeur of the flowering plants and are a nuisance to their growth as well. Regular removal of the weeds is a prerequisite to successful plant growth during monsoons. Rains make the plant more vulnerable to such scenarios, extra attention needs to be paid during this time to ensure quick removal. Worth noting, that weed growth is rampant in outdoor plants in the rainy season with low soil fertility.
6. Use of Perforated Sheets
A common practice during rains is to cover the plants using thin plastic sheets to avoid excess water from entering plants. While this protects the plant from rains, it traps the moisture flow & hinders plant growth. To prevent this from happening, we can use perforated sheets such that both protection & moisture flow happen simultaneously. Perforated sheets can be used for indoor plants as well, just make sure that they get proper sunlight too.
7. Use Fungicide
Fungus outbreaks & insect infestation are the common problems of monsoons. These are a time when plants are vulnerable to such disease outbursts. The use of fungicides & other pesticides in limited quantities will prove beneficial for the plants. This will help prevent or control the outbreak as the case may be. Extra care needs to be taken when spraying or applying fungicides, though good, in large or excess amounts may prove toxic and even fatal for plants.
8. More Sunlight
Proper Sunlight is a luxury during monsoons, the plants need adequate sunlight for their normal growth. Sunlight also helps in keeping the infections & outbreaks at bay. We all know plants use sunlight to produce food, lack of it may hinder growth & make plants weak. We need to ensure that plants get exposed to ample sunlight to promote their growth & development. Indoor plants in the rainy season need special attention to meet their sunlight requirements.
9. Repotting
Repotting during monsoons is often recommended. Shifting of plants from smaller to medium-sized fiberglass pots & other sizes accordingly need to be done. Repotting also helps in mixing & shaking nutrients well in the soil, any disease that might have been overlooked might also get noticed & can get treated accordingly. Repotting helps in restoring soil fertility & provides much-needed space for plants to thrive well. Repotting at regular intervals keeps the plants healthy too.
10. Providing Physical Support
A lot of plants might get blown away during the strong gutsy winds of monsoons & rains, to help avoid this scenario, plants need physical support in form of stunts that can be provided to give stability & support to the plant. Winds also have the capacity to break the plants, and damage them, support is useful in such cases too. Support comes in many types from ready-made options like a trellis and spindle, to just tying a stick to the plant in absence of ready-made options.
Some Final Words:
So, there you have it, our top 10 recommendations to keep your plant healthy & safe during monsoons. It’s not an either-or scene here, all of these steps outlined above must be implemented to ensure proper growth & stability of the plant.
After all, monsoons are also the time to relax & enjoy the natural beauty of the flora in fiberglass pots as it spreads its wings in full splendour.
One can even improve the aesthetics & decor of their places by going for fibreglass planters from reputed brands, they come in trendy & classy designs, shapes & sizes. No doubt, they are a visual treat for all visitors, and for boosting your social media followers by showcasing them in reels & whatnot.