Is there some trick to having a green thumb?

Question

Everytime I buy any kind of plant and plant it, it dies, I can't even seem to keep things alive in my house. My husband bought me this plant one time that was supposed to grow to like 6 feet tall and it died in like a few weeks.

Answer 1

The love of it, a couple of tricks and a lot of damn work !! RScott

Answer 2

I agree with the others, it is really just a matter of education, and learning to think like a plant. What does a plant need? Light, water, soil with good nutrients in it in the right amounts. But you do have to figure out which plants need what light, how much water and what kind of soil. Some plants are defiantely easier than others - if you want to start with one I would try Mother-In-Law's Tounge, Snake Plant or Sansiervia (all names for the same plant spelling may be off). You can find it at most garden or houseplant stores, it's quite popular.
Pick up a copy of The Houseplant Expert - it has so much information in it and it's all you need to keep a plant alive indoors.

Answer 3

Placement in right window,so to much or to little light doesn,t affect a plants nreeds. Watering another issue,find out what plant needs, as some are killed by over watering. Call a local florist/garden center, and ask what are conditions needed to grow a particular plant (thats their business) Even a person with a "green thumb" has bad experiences thats what it,s all about "Live and Learn" so keep trying.

Answer 4

I don't really have a green thumb either. But I think I finally have learned how to keep plants alive.

It's a matter of knowing what your plant likes and needs. Be careful not to overwater: You don't want to drown the plant. But do make sure your plant has enough.

A number of times, I've run google searches to get information about some plant or other. That might help you too.

Good luck!

Answer 5

While it is true that some people have chemicals in their bodies that kill plants, it is mostly a knowledge matter. Read about what the specific plant needs as far as nutrition and watering. With plants, more is not always better. There are many plant Forums online for about any type of plant growing. We grow exotic plants (Plumeria and Orchids) "by the book". Neither of which is native to Arkansas. We get lots of help online.

Answer 6

Do some research and give a plant what it wants. If it dies, replace it. Keep trying! Everybody loses a few. Most people over water houseplants. Sounds like you like plants. Don't give up.

Answer 7

See if the following tutorial is of help to you:

"Since you are a beginner, this year start your garden with plants that you get from a garden center or nursery. They are called bedding plants and come in a six pack. Look for a little tag sticking in the six pact showing directions on how to grow the plants. If the tag is not there, ask for one or buy something else. Directions are VERY important.


Seeds are not always easy to grow. And wildflowers are the hardest so don't be disappointed if they don't show up.


Two good things to do for yourself is to call your local County Extension Service and ask for all the information that they have about gardening in your area. They usually have a packet/kit of things for the home gardener.


And number two would be to pick up a couple of beginner books. You really do need to know about soil, compost, mulch and etc. My sweet hubby and I have always liked the Dummies series, but there are many, many good books to buy, or visit your local library.


To keep from over watering or not watering enough, buy a water analyzer from a nursery or garden center. Be sure to read the directions. This will be one of your best tools.


Send for some free gardening catalogs and get use to the different types of plants, colors, and when to plant. They are filled with good informtion and pictures. And they will keep you company during the long winter months. Here is a list of just a very few. There are hundreds more. You do not have to buy from them:


http://www.waysidegardens.com
http://www.dutchbulbs.com
http://www.jacksonandperkins.com (Roses)
http://www.parkseed.com
http://www.burpee.com

Other catalogs:
http://www.leevalley.com
http://www.gardeners.com
http://www.GardensAlive.com
http://www.deerbusters.com (all types of animal control)
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Container/pots/window boxes needs:


All need holes in the bottem for water drainage,
Potting soil that comes in bags,
Slow release fertilizer for flowers (not for green plants), OR liquid fertilizer that will need to be used more often-read directions,
Water crystals to be mixed into the soil for holding water,
Bedding plants or full grown plants.


Here is an excellent link to check out for color combinations and plants that look good together: "


http://www.fernlea.com/awesomeaccents/recipes.html

Answer 8

Kid, get a good book on gardening. i FEEL FOR THE POOR PLANTS. They do not deserve to die.