Lemon Balm Potted Plant (Melissa Officinalis)

WHAT TO DO?

• Every plant has different type of light, feed and water requirements.
• Most of the plants like moderate watering, let the couple of inch at surface dry before watering again.
• Some plants require frequent feeding but most, once in a year, feed the plant at beginning of spring.
• Repot the plant every couple of years in slightly bigger container.

WHAT NOT TO DO?

• Avoid frequent watering in winters, it will kill the plant.
• Avoid temperature shocks like taking it suddenly indoors or outdoors.
• Avoid partial watering and use water sprayers to water equally in all directions.
• Avoid repotting plants in large containers, most of the plants likes to be in groups.
• Avoid over fertilizing, quantity depends on NPK ingredients but plants do need not more than a spoon.

COMMON UNDERSTANDING

Plants are living creatures require a little sensitivity towards them, following common instructions are helpful for keeping them happy:

• Dig around the root zone with your fingers to a depth of 2-3' for small plants and water generously when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Use a balanced fertilizer i.e., 10-10-10, 14-14-14 (Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)) food with micro-nutrients.
• Be observant of the changes in plant vigor and growth, plants are more susceptible to disease and pests if they are weakened through poor maintenance.
• It is good to make it a practice to inspect plants progress so you can spot systems of disease or insect infestations well in advance of any serious problem.
• Pruning is required at times for plant health and aesthetics, as a general note remove the damaged leaves and branches as soon as those are noticed to avoid infections.