Taking care of hanging baskets
For best results, re pot your hanging basket into a larger container. The larger the container, the bigger your plant can grow and the easier it will be to care for.
When and How to Water
Early in the day is the best time to water. This will allow the foliage to dry during the day, which helps prevent problems that can occur if left wet overnight.
We determine whether a plant requires water by lifting the basket. A lightweight basket indicates dry soil, while a heavy basket indicates wet soil. Heavy baskets should not be watered until the soil is drier, as repeatedly watering wet soil causes the roots to rot and the plant to fail. Plants should not sit in water so be sure to tip the basket to remove any extra water that may have drained through.
On warm, sunny days your plant will use more water than it would on a cloudy day and should be checked more than once. However, the wind will also strip your plant of water, even if it is cloudy. If your basket has become severely dry, the soil may pull away from the sides of the pot. To fix this, simply add more soil to fill the holes and then water thoroughly.
Note: Every hanging basket may use different amounts of water, even those with the same type of plant.
Fertilizing
Fast growing plants, especially when growing in a container, will use nutrients quickly. To replace what’s taken up, use a liquid fertilizer at least once a week or a slow-release fertilizer per manufacturer instructions.
Pruning
Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering on plants that require deadheading.
All baskets can be trimmed to rejuvenate and maintain their shape. Use a sharp pair of scissors or shears and remove 1-2” from the entire plant. If your plant has become too large, you may wish to remove more than this.
Troubleshooting
Yellowed leaves – Low nutrients OR Too dry/wet
Wilted leaves – Too dry/wet
Few flowers – Lack of nutrients OR Not enough light/too dry
Long, stringy growth – Not enough light OR Needs to be trimmed
Our goal is to ensure that every plant leaving Chuck Hafner’s is healthy. With proper care and attention, it will continue to thrive. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our experts as soon as possible.
For a copy of this guide to download and keep please click here.