Plug plants are young plants raised in small, singular units, either seedlings or cuttings. It is seen as the stage between a seed and a mature plant. When you get your plug plant, you must open them up and put them in water immediately to make the compost moist and place them in a warm, well-lit room before potting for at least 24 hours.
Why are my plug plants dying?
You may also get garden-ready plants that can be planted directly in their flowering position without any fuss. Growing plug plants is an economical way to beautify your garden, particularly in spring and summer.
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Why do plug plants die?
Several factors can contribute to the death of plug plants. Although you may not be able to revive an already dead one, it is important to find out what happened so that it does not reoccur.
Deep planting may lead to plug plants dying
Your plug plants naturally need warmth, water and oxygen to grow effectively. This is why they are usually grown close to the soil surface. Deep planting can cause your plant to rot.
Poor watering routine may lead to plug plants dying
If you don’t water your plant as required, the roots will start to dry up and lead to the death of your plug plant. However, it is more common for them to die from overwatering. Overwatering your plant will cause water to replace oxygen and result in loss of vigour. This will cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventually, the roots of your plug plant will die.
Too much fertiliser may lead to plug plants dying
This can change basic soil components resulting in high salt concentration and consequently, alter microorganisms in the soil that are beneficial to your plant. Too much fertilisation can cause your plant to grow rapidly while the root system remains underdeveloped. This will lead to an inadequate supply of water and nutrients to the plant.
Too much, or too little light may lead to plug plants dying
The amount of sunlight your plug plant is exposed to can affect photosynthesis, respiration, and various other growth processes it will pass through. Excessive exposure will cause the leaves of your plug plant to become bleached and blotchy. On the other hand, limited sunlight will cause photosynthesis to slow down resulting in a process known as etiolation where the plant starts to grow upward, stretching its stems and leaves to reach for sunlight.
Incorrect Humidity may lead to plug plants dying
It is recommended to start with high humidity when growing one’s plug plants. You may lower the humidity as the plant grows. High humidity can cause mould and bacteria to grow. This can damage your plant and result in its death. On the contrary, low humidity will cause your plug plants to become severely dehydrated. There will be stem drooping and browning of leaves. Sooner or later, your plug plants will suffer permanent damage and die off.
Pests may lead to plug plants dying
This is a problem commonly encountered by plant owners. Some of these pests may be too difficult to spot. Luckily, most of them leave ‘footprints’ such as cotton masses of fine webs. Pests may eat up the leaves of your plug plant causing reduced photosynthesis, causing injury that will predispose your plant to various diseases and eventually death.
