Have you ever noticed that after buying the same plant as your friend, its growth is totally different from yours? There are a lot of similar stories of plant owners who wonder why the same plants grow differently in different houses. Even if two people own identical plants, they grow at different rates since each place has specific conditions for plant development. Such things as light, humidity, watering frequency, temperature, and ventilation influence plant growth. Let’s consider seven reasons for this discrepancy.
Every home has different amounts of light
Light has great impact on the development of a plant. For example, a southern exposure provides many hours of sunlight, but a northern window does not. Even in case two apartments in one building are the same, they get different amounts of light due to proximity of the trees, other buildings, etc. The amount of light affects the process of photosynthesis and therefore the color of leaves, their development speed, etc.
Watering frequency is different
Watering is one of the main reasons for such a difference between plants. Although two people can own the same plant, they water it differently. While someone follows the exact schedule, someone else checks the soil condition before giving water. The amount of water which is needed by a plant differs according to the temperature of the room, sunlight, etc.
Humidity is very important for a plant
Indoor humidity is another aspect that has great effect on a plant’s development. The places where air conditioning, central heating, fans, etc. operate have much lower humidity compared to those where there is no such equipment. Tropical plants like monstera, fern, and calathea prefer high humidity. In case of low humidity, you can observe brown leaves’ tips, curling, and slow growth.
Temperature fluctuations make difference
Stable temperature is favorable for the plant development. However, each home has specific conditions that differ a lot. For instance, a place near the heater, fireplace, air conditioner, or frequently opened doors has temperature fluctuations during the day. These fluctuations affect the plant growth, make it sensitive to diseases or insect pests. Even a difference of a couple of degrees affects the speed of plant growth.
Choice of soil and pot
Another point is related to soil and the pot. A pot without holes in the bottom causes overmoistened roots and increases the risk of root rot. Different potting soils behave in different ways: some drain better and some keep more moisture in the soil. Moreover, it depends on whether the pot has old or fresh soil.
Air movement and ventilation influence plant growth
A plant reacts to both light and water as well as ventilation. Poorly ventilated rooms increase the risks of fungi developing in them. Drafts from fans or from an open window can dry the leaves quicker. Good ventilation regulates the moisture around the plant. Therefore, this aspect can make a noticeable difference for a plant.
Plant care is crucial
The most crucial thing in the successful growing of plants is careful attention. Experienced plant owners always control the condition of leaves and soil, turn the pots and detect problems before they appear. Regular small changes make the plant healthier than strictly following the instructions.