Water me please!

I got a new plant a couple of weeks ago although I don’t know what type it is because I lost the tag. It was cheap, about £4.00, and it’s leaves are maroon with a slim dark green edging that goes all the way around them. It’s very pretty to look at. I was told by the shop that all I need to do to take care of it is to give it plenty of water and keep it away from direct sunlight if possible, but the main thing is that I must keep it well watered. My history with plants has not been good, I tend to either let them dry out or I over water them and they die. I’m ashamed to say it but I’ve killed a few plants in my time and so I really really want to be successful with this one. So far it’s still thriving on my windowsill mainly because this plant is very obliging and communicative. Every time it needs water its leaves droop noticeably. You would have to be blind not to see it. I give it a little drink and it perks up again almost instantly. It’s so easy to look after. I wish my other plants were as dramatic as this one is at alerting me to their needs. I need a gadget that you stick into the soil and every time your plant needs watering it says “water me” and tells you the amount it needs as well so that you don’t overdo it. I’m sure there must be one.

Talking of gadgets I found this website which has loads of gyroscopes and other interesting gadgets. I really like looking at things like this and I particularly like the pocket microscope. Have alook for yourselves at www.gyroscope.com

Another new editor. Oh boy!
Helpful Houseplant Hints from gt
I like houseplants. A few years ago, I read up on indoor gardening. The #1 thing to remember is that more plants die from overwatering than from underwatering. Each pot should have drainage, so the water doesn’t sit there after the plant has had its full. Before watering, feel the soil. (You can get a gizmo that tells you, but the plants will respect you more if you reach in and touch the dirt.) If the soil is moist, do not water. Droopy leaves are usually an indication that the soil is dry.

Plants enjoy music. It relaxes them, so sing to them often. In my case, I play music.
Hope that helps. -gt-
I apologise in advance if the ‘br’ codes do not work. It’s my first post using this editor. Pretend ‘br’ stands for Botanical Research.

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the hints about houseplants… Really good stuff. You’re right of course.. & that whole thing about how plants will respect you more if you touch the dirt… is so true imo… So cheers again for that. I appreciate it.

& No worries about the ‘br’ code thingys.. they seem to be working fine.