My balcony if very shady, so i bought plants and flowers that survive in the shade. Now their dying, why?

Question

I dont know that much about plants, and i dont know if im watering them to little or too much.

Answer 1

How hot is it outside? My potted shade plants need to be watered every day in the summer when the heat averages 94 degrees. I only have to water every other day in the spring and fall when the average temperature is in the 70's. You can tell if your flowers need water by sticking your finger into the soil about one inch. If it's dry, then water.

You may also need to feed your flowers. Miracle Grow makes some fertilizers that I've found work well with my potted plants. Be sure to follow the directions before your fertilize, though or you can damage your plants.

Answer 2

I'd get a gardening book (even from the library) and read about the needs of each plant.

In addition, the biggest mistake new growers make is not transplanting their new plants into a bigger pot. By the time you get the plant from the store, it is seriously rootbound and you don't want all of those fragile roots on the outside of the dirt up against the wall of a thin pot where they can quickly dry out and even get sunburned.

I'm not sure how shady is shady, but your plants will need Some light to survive... especially if they are flowering. If your balcony is flat out dark, you are going to need to go beyond 'Shade tolerating plants' to plants that need the shade to survive.

There are further tips listed in the links below.

Answer 3

How much ARE you watering them?? If you do it about once every day that migt be too much, but you also didn't mention how big they are! if they are fairly large a goood watering every 5 days or so should do, medium, once a week, small twice a week or less. And remember, ALL plants need at least a little sun. shade plants need it in the mornings and very late afternoons mostly. if this dosent work, buy some fertilizer, still not working? get some plastic shrubs!!!

Answer 4

The most difficult part of plants in pots, is determining how much water they should get. Too much is as bad as too little.
Also the pots should have a drainage hole in the bottom that will let excess water drain out. Every day you should check them out. Use your finger to poke into the soil and see if it feels dry to you or comfortably damp. Then water as needed. I like to gather my water in 1 gallon milk jugs and keep it near the plants. Use it the next day or later. That lets the chlorine escape and brings the water to plant temperature. I have no voice so I do not sing to my plants, but I think it would help.

Answer 5

If they are wilting then they need water, if the leaves are turning yellow then it can be either too much or too little. Put your finger into the pot to your first knuckle. If it feels damp them leave it alone, if it feels dry water it. Get some fertilizer like Miracle Grow in the grocery store or nursery and add to the water. Everything needs to be fed. Good plants for outdoors shade are coleus and impatients. Good luck and happy gardening.

Answer 6

I am assuming you chose ones like begonias for lots of color in the shade and snake plants for durability. If they are wilted and the soil looks dry try adding water to their pots. If the pots are well drained through a hole in the bottom it will be hard to overwater if you wait until they start to look dry. Don't put those plants in the sun because they will really sunburn.

Answer 7

You don't mention what plants you bought. Depending on the plant, they might need a little more sun; more water; less water; or even fertilizer. Help us out here!

Answer 8

I am thinking that the plants are made for shade but are baking in the rays when they bounce of the surrounding or back wall. check the temp of the location when its at it hottest

Answer 9

do u water them

do u sing to them i do that mine live