If you do not know how to grow a plant, you can turn your black thumb green with a few tips.

How to Grow Plant

How to Grow a Plant: The Pot

Start with the pot. You would not like to live in a shoebox. Your plant is no different. Choose a pot, which is the correct size for your plant. When roots get crowded, your plant will stop growing. When you pot your plant, its leaves should be just shy the edge of the pot. Its root ball should take up half of the container when you place it in the center. This will allow it plenty room to stretch its roots and get bigger. When it is reaching out of its pot and onto your coffee table, it is time for a bigger pot. Choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. If there is not a saucer attached to the bottom, purchase one, unless you like puddles on the windowsill.

How to Grow a Plant: The Light

Each plant has discerning taste in light. Light serves two purposes: food and warmth. Plants use light to produce food through a process called photosynthesis. Place your plant where it can get sunshine. The rays will keep it warm and healthy. If you are cold in your house, your plant is as well. Move it to a sunny spot to keep warm. Plants, which are not getting enough sunlight will drop leaves and grow toward the light that they can see. When windows are not available, keep your plants near a combination of incandescent and fluorescent light. Think of it as a buffet for your plant. After all, light is how to grow a plant.

How to Grow a Plant: The Water

Overwatering a plant is just as deadly as never watering. If your plant is yellowing, drooping, or gathering fruit flies, you have overwatered. What is the right amount? There are four ways to tell if your plant has enough water. First, know your plant. Search the Internet, go to the library, or ask your nursery staff. All three are good sources of information. Second, feel the soil. Stick your finger into the soil about one inch. The top should be dry, but the bottom should be moist. If it is not, water until you can see water in the saucer. Wait until the top soil is dry before watering again. Third, if you still do not trust your judgment, buy a hydrometer (water meter). Your nursery or DIY center will have one to show you how much water your plant has. Hydrometers stick into the soil and change colors when the soil is dry. Lastly, an auto-watering device will give your plant a drink only when it is thirsty. These glass globes have a “straw.” When you fill the globe with water, stick the straw into the soil. The plant “sucks” the water from the globe.

Even if you had the title “Plant Killer,” you can have all the green friends you like now that you know how to grow a plant!