At Thornton Nursery, we know not everyone is born with a green thumb. If you try every year to bring home pretty new green things to plant just to watch them wither away, Thornton Nursery is here to help with some quick tips on general plant health. Knowing what to look for may be the hardest part of the battle. Is your plant getting too much or too little sun? Should you water your plants every day or is the rain enough? While each species of plant is unique, having a good understanding of why your plant looks like it needs a doctor is a step in the right direction. 

If you are the proud new owner of any of our plants, making sure your plant is getting enough water is crucial to its long and fruitful life. After planting your new addition in the appropriate soil, make sure you give that plant some water, enough to get at least 6 inches of the soil around the root area completely wet. Newly planted trees require extensive watering: start with a thorough watering every day for 4 or 5 days, then gradually reduce the frequency of watering. When watering, slowly apply water to the rootball and the surrounding soil. 

Keeping a relatively consistent watering schedule is an important part of plant care. Plants are pretty self sufficient as long as we are able to give them water. However, if you notice any of these signs of under-watering, you may need to give your plant some extra love. Wilting or dry, dead leaf tips are clear signs of a plant that is not getting enough water. Soil that is dry to the touch a couple inches down or has visible animal footprints in it are both good indicators of under-watering. Slow growth could also be a sign that your plant may need to be watered more, but keep in mind this could also be an issue with your soil or sunlight exposure. 

Lack of sunlight is generally a bigger issue for indoor plants, but can be a problem for outdoor plants, too. Is your plant yellowing on the leaves or looking dull? Is its growth slowing or stopped? Maybe its stems and leaves are small and thin, or it just won’t flower? All of these symptoms may indicate a need for your plant to be moved to an area that gets more sun. 

Understanding what your plant needs so that you can get the most out of your new green friend is as simple as knowing what to look for. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still have a beautiful yard full of thriving, healthy plants. 

Keep in mind, these are general tips and may not be specific to your exact plant. Always follow the instructions of our knowledgeable nursery staff, and feel free to contact us with questions or concerns. We’re happy to help!