For your ornamental plants to show good growth,it’s important that they are properly taken care of. Gardeners also need to be extra vigilant during the peaks of summer and winter as extreme weather conditions can be harsh on your ornamentals. Ornamental plants are grown for a reason— their high visual appeal. And the beauty of these plants can only be ensured and maintained with regular care.

Yes, you follow a good care routine for the plants in your garden, but your delicate ornamental plants seek extra attention. And that’s why they highly benefit from a well-planned care program. You should have a care plan that includes everything from fertilization, watering properly, pruning, mulching, and weed control. These steps will go a long way in supporting the health of your ornamentals. Here is what you can do—

• Fertilizing- 

Similar to how people fertilize crops, you must also fertilize your ornamental plants with the correct fertilizers for healthy growth. There are many choices when it comes to fertilizers. It’s important to evaluate not only the cost but also the nutrient content in the fertilizer to ensure that it is suitable for the needs and requirements of the plants.

• Watering-
  

You should water ornamentals in the same way as you would your lawn. Water deeply. Give your ornaments a deep soak once a week. It is also a good idea to water in the morning, as this will prevent evaporation. This, in turn, will allow water to reach the roots. You should be aware that some ornamentals like the soil are a little dry; so, refrain from overwatering. It’s based on the type of soil the plant is in and how much water it usually requires should you decide the frequency of watering. Pay attention to signs of dehydration in your plants. Signs that show your ornamentals need watering include yellowing and wilting.

• Stabilizing-You can use stakes to support taller ornamentals and keep them safe from strong winds. Note that a lot of perennials and annuals can become brittle after heavy rains. So, stabilizing is extremely important.
• Pruning-
   Maintain the shape of your ornamental plants and remove diseased or dead branches. To increase air circulation and encourage new growth, you can give your plants some trimming.
• Mulching-
   Make sure you mulch your soil beds every year. Mulch can provide root insulation for plants during the extreme summer heat. Mulch will also help to prevent weed growth. It will also retain moisture in the soil.
•  Weed Prevention-
  Another important part of caring effectively for your ornamentals is keeping weeds out. Like all other plants, ornamentals too need sun for their healthy growth. Although mulching is a good way to keep weeds away from your ornamental beds, there are other options too. These include landscape fabric, ornamental bedding treatments, and hand-pulling of weeds.
• Pest and disease control- 

These measures can be implemented as part of your ornamental plant care program to encourage healthy growth and decrease the chances of diseases or pests. Yes, no matter how much care you provide, there is still a chance of it happening. It’s possible to spot signs of damage such as holes in the foliage or discoloration if your plant is infested. With regular checks and proper pest control treatments, you can protect your ornamentals from these unwanted guests.

• Using the right media is important
  Before you place an ornamental plant in your home, make sure you know what type of media is best for it. To plant ornamentals, most people will use planting pots. You must ensure that the soil in your pot is suitable for the plant. The soil should also be fertilized. This is to ensure that the soil provides nutrients for the plants.
• Know what plants will be ideal for your home
  There are many ornamental plants that you can decorate your home with. However, it is important that you choose a plant that grows best at room temperature. This will make it easier for you to take care of your ornamental plants.
• Make sure to take the plant out on a regular basis
  There is no doubt that plants need sunlight. Sunshine is just as important for plants to grow as water is. It is important to remove the plant from the shade and place it where sunlight can reach it. If your indoor garden doesn’t see much sunlight, it’s best to bring the plant out once every two weeks. The plant will soak sufficient sunlight with this practice.
• Mind the humidity in the air
  You must ensure that the humidity in the air is adequate. The humidity of the room will decrease if you have an air conditioner. It will also make your plants wither. Place a container in your room filled to the brim with water so that the humidity level is not disturbed.

Lastly, keep your ornamental plants clean. Dust can settle anywhere, even on plants. Dust stuck to plants can cause photosynthesis to be impeded, which hampers plant growth. The dust settled on your ornamental plants could also reduce their beauty. Thankfully, it is easy to clean your plants with a water sprayer.

Remember, it’s only with proper care that you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your gardening efforts, and you will also be able to have healthy ornamental plants that your neighbours will envy.