Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

How to pick the best plants and pots for your home

As the lush tropical region of North Queensland continues to attract an influx of plant lovers, it’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges and considerations that come with pot and plant care in our area.

Best plants

Tropical gardens are well suited to the far north, with stand out varieties such as palms, gingers, crotons, ferns and cordyline, Strelitzia, Anthurium, Spathiphyllum, and Bougainvillea being happy to be planted all year round. Likewise, native varieties such as Callistemons can be very successful when planted in winter, as they can harden off to the sun before the spring and summer heat.

Size matters

First, finding a pot suitable for your plant is important for the plant to thrive. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current size if the plant is currently in a 10-inch pot or smaller. If your current pot size is smaller than 10 inches, choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter.

Plant Care

One of the most important aspects of plant and pot care in our North Queensland climate is choosing the right container and soil. It’s crucial to select pots that are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, as heavy rainfall can quickly saturate soil and drown roots. Additionally, using a high-quality potting mix that is specifically designed for the region can help ensure that plants receive the necessary nutrients to thrive.

Watering

Striking a balance between providing enough moisture for plants to thrive and avoiding overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues, is essential in keeping our plants alive. It’s best to remember to pour no more than 1/3 of the container/pot size in water. This allows the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Porters Mitre 10 is having 25% off Plants and Pots this Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th of April at participating stores; Mackay City, Marian, and Sarina.

T&Cs apply, please visit in-store for more information.

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