In this plant care guide we'll look at how you can take care of your lavender plants, from the time you bring them home until they have grown into healthy and happy plants in your house!
Written by Roelof Jan Elsinga
Last updated on:
If you are new to houseplants, lavender is a great one to start with. It is easy to take care of and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. In this plant care guide, we'll look at how to water and fertilize your lavender plants, as well as how to deal with common pests and diseases. I will also provide some tips on how to keep your lavender plants looking their best all year long!
Let's look at how we can take care of this versatile plant!
How often should I water my lavender plant?
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Plants need water to grow happy and healthy. Lavender plants should be watered about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. They are drought-tolerant plants and can withstand periods of dryness, but they will not produce as many flowers if they are not watered regularly.
When you water your Lavender too much, it has a higher chance of getting root rot, which will most likely kill the plant. Younger plants should be watered a little more often though because they're still developing their roots and need extra moisture to grow. Once they've settled into their growing environment, they won't need to be watered as much anymore.
How much water should I give my lavender plant?
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When watering your lavender plant, be sure to give it enough water so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so it's important to find a happy medium. To check if your lavender plant needs water, use your finger to feel the top inch of the soil. If it feels dry, add water until it drains out of its pot. If the soil is moist, no water is needed yet.
On average, you should water once per week if you've got well-draining, sandy soil.
What type of soil should I use for my lavender plant?
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To take care of lavender, it is important to use the right soil. Lavender prefers sandy, well-draining soil. You can either create your own mix or purchase a commercial blend specifically made for lavender. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can mix in some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Keep in mind that Lavender is very drought tolerant is prefers to be dry, rather than sit in wet soil. So a mix that contains sandy and/or perlite is essential for your Lavender to be happy and healthy.
Should I fertilize my lavender plant?
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Lavender is a plant that is known for being able to grow in infertile soil, where no other plant can survive. This makes it a fantastic plant for you if you forget to fertilize your plants all the time, or you just want a low-maintenance flowering plant.
So fertilizing your lavender plant is not necessary, but if you want to encourage growth and flowering, you can fertilize it once a month with a balanced fertilizer. I recommend fertilizing your lavender plant in the spring when new growth will begin. Lavender does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a good organic fertilizer with plenty of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will work well.
Fertilizing your lavender can help to improve the soil a little bit, which will make it an excellent growing environment for your plant to grow for many years.
When do I harvest the lavender flowers?
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Lavender can be used for many things, including making tea, essential oils, and other aromatherapy products. So you might be wondering how you can harvest your lavender plant(s) to incorporate into other products. Let's find out how and when you should harvest your lavender!
The best time to harvest lavender flowers is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. Harvest lavender flowers when they are in full bloom. You can determine when it is ready to harvest by looking for buds that are starting to turn purple. To harvest, cut the stem about an inch below the flower head. You can harvest lavender flowers up to twice a week, but make sure to leave enough flowers on the plant so it can continue to bloom.
How do I dry the lavender flowers?
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Once you have harvested your Lavender flowers, you'll want to dry them to use them in other products. To dry the lavender flowers, tie them in bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area. Once the flowers are completely dry, you can remove the stems and store the flowers in an airtight container.
Can I eat the lavender leaves?
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We've already figured out that we can use Lavender to make tea and create essential oils, but did you know you can also eat Lavender? Eating lavender is a great way to take advantage of its many health benefits. Lavender leaves are safe to eat and can be used to add flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. Adding lavender to your food or tea can also help with indigestion and anxiety.
What are the benefits of lavender plants?
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Now that you know that you can eat and drink lavender, let's see if there are any other benefits to Lavender, besides being a beautiful flowering plant. Lavender is a fragrant herb that has many benefits, both for your home and for your health. Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing effects. It can be used to help treat anxiety, insomnia, reduce inflammation, and relieve stress. Lavender plants also help to purify the air and can act as a natural insect repellent. So you can say that Lavender is close to a miracle plant.
Is Lavender toxic to pets?
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Lavender might be safe to eat for adults, but it's not as safe for pets and small children. Lavender is mildly toxic and becomes a problem when your pets have eaten quite a bit of the flower or ingested essential oils that contain lavender. If you notice that your small children or pets have eaten Lavender, it's best to call your doctor or veterinarian to see if you need to come in for a check-up.
Conclusion
Lavender plants have many health benefits and make a beautiful addition to your home! Lavender is an easy houseplant to take care of as long as you provide it with plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and water it about once a week. When your lavender is happy and blooming, you can dry the flowers to be used in tea, food, or have it made into fragrant potpourri or lotion.
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
Tags:beginner-friendly, Plant care tips, drought-loving, sun-loving
Posted on: Nov 5, 2022