Hello, I just got to this community! I’ve taken care of plants for only a year or so.

I was wondering if you guys could recommend some good sources to learn about how to take care of plants and learn about them, what they need, how to know, etc.

Also, I’ve been noticing some of my plants are holding more water than before. I bought some univeral substrate when I bought them, and I think that with time it has compacted into itself, preventing good drainage. Do you have any recommendations? I was going to transplant some of them, so I thought I’d take advantage and try to fix the issue.

Thank you so much in advance!

  • Polkira@piefed.caEnglish
    2·
    16 hours ago

    When I started out I looked up plants on The Spruce and got tips from there. My first battle was moldy soil, but adding in some things to make it more airy eliminated that problem (I use 1:1:1 soil, pumice, and orchid bark these days).

    I got a lot of tips from Reddit before I left with the whole API debacle. Honestly these days I just use Planta (phone app) and water/fertilize every week or two (or 3 or 4 if I’m feeling really lazy) depending on if the soil feels dry and Planta says it’s time.

  • swelter_spark@reddthat.comEnglish
    2·
    18 hours ago

    Forums for specific plant types are the best resources I’ve found.

    You can mix perlite, pumice, lava rock, and/or clay balls into your soil to improve drainage.

  • prettybunnys@piefed.socialEnglish
    4·
    21 hours ago

    Your assessment of substrate compacting over time is a good one, one reason repotting is important!

    For a per plant basis, if you can find a plant store nearby I bet the owner would love to tell you how (and show you products specifically designed) to care for your plants.

    What kinds do you have? I’m happy to talk plants :)

    • bibluz4@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      3·
      20 hours ago

      Thank you so much for answering!

      I don’t really have any nerby, I have at most commercial flower stores, so I thought there might be some books or studies I could hold on until I’m closer to one.

      Two of my plants died because of the draining issue before I figured out what the problem was, and a couple just died because they’re annual and had already given fruit, so they are whithering (T_T my babys). As for the other ones, tomorrow I’ll upload some photos of them. I want to share them and I’m sure I can learn a thing or two about them from someone in this community ^^.