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Tricks to Keep Indoor Plants Healthy, Growing and Blooming
In the modern households of today, nurturing and growing a full-fledged garden is but a distant dream. Even though the availability of space is less, it rarely does curb our love for plants. Don't we all love to keep at least one indoor plant in our homes?
Not only do these marvellous little creations add a touch of nature to our humble abode, but they also have many health benefits. But just purchasing a pretty little plant and placing it one corner of your room or your balcony won’t do much good. These indoor plants, however small they may be, need and deserve a lot of attention and care to be fully healthy and grow well all through the year. Thus, you need to know the art of taking care of houseplants.
How to Maintain Indoor Plants in Your House
Maintaining indoor plants in their prime health and glory is not a tough job. There are some pretty simple tricks and tips which you can follow to get superb results. Mentioned below are our top favourites.
1. Plant Selection
Choosing an indoor plant for your house is not an easy task, because there are important pointers that you need to keep in mind while making your choice. Here are the main dos and don'ts you should keep in mind.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Always match the plant with the amount of space you have available.
See how much light is available in your home and then decide on a plant.
Don’ts
Don't choose a plant which needs a lot of sunlight, if your house doesn't meet the requirement.
Don't choose a plant which doesn’t match your house ambience and ends up looking out of place.
2. Placement of the Plant
Do you remember those biology classes in school when you were taught how plants need sunlight the same way we need oxygen to survive? Indoor plants are not any different from other plants and demand sunlight to survive. Of course, the fact remains that indoor plants need a little less sunlight than those that grow into trees.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Keep the plant in a partly shaded corner of the room.
Keep the plant somewhere, where the temperature is predominantly warmer than the rest of the house.
Don’ts
Don't expose the plant directly to sunlight over extended periods of time.
Don't leave it out in the open for many days.
3. Water
Before leaving on a holiday, take all your plants and place them on an outdoor sink so that they have enough sunlight. Once done, place a plush towel on the soil of your indoor plants, and wrap it around so that it doesn’t fall off. Ever so slightly turn on the tap and wait until a drop of water falls on the towel and then leave it like that.
This will help your plants in two ways. First, the water from the tap will get soaked by the towel which will further get soaked in by the plant through the soil and second, you won’t have to worry about your plants getting watered too much as the towel will act as a natural filter.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Use a plush towel as it will have low water retention and make sure your plants will get enough water.
Leave the tap open ever so slightly, so that one drop falls at a time.
Don’ts
Don't use a cheap towel, as it will soak all the water and your plant will not be left with anything.
Don't fully leave the tap open else you risk overwatering your plants.
Neither under watering nor overwatering is advised for indoor plants, so always keep this in mind.
4. Soil
A pot holds a sacred place in an indoor plant’s life. Not only does the indoor plant grow in it from the very first day of its existence but it also stays in it for the rest of its life. It draws important nutrients from the soil the pot holds and also grows its roots into it. With all this said, you can truly understand how much of a difference choosing the right pot can make to your indoor plants' health.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Choose a type of soil having a higher water retention capacity.
Always choose clay pots over other materials.
Make sure your pot, has drainage holes for excess water to seep out.
Don’ts
Don't choose soil which has very less water retention capacity.
Don't use cheap pots like those made of plastic.
5. Fertilizer
Just like humans, food plays a very important role in a plant’s overall health and growth. Of course, the soil it grows has a lot of important nutrients and your local gardener might say that’s enough, but experts from around the world have a different opinion on this matter. Plants, like all other living beings on the Earth, need a little bit of extra nutrition here and there. This extra nutrition not only helps to catalyse and speed up their growth process, but also helps them be healthy round the year and blossom better.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Place dried up tea leaves on and around the soil in the pot.
Use the water left over from boiling eggs to provide extra nutrition.
Don’ts
Don't place hot tea leaves on the soil as they will create more damage than good.
Don't pour hot leftover water from boiling eggs onto them.
6. Temperature
We all love those movie scenes where every leaf on the screen has dew on it, portraying a vibrant and soothing look. But keeping your indoor plants moist throughout the day has more benefits for their health than you are likely to think.
Keeping the leaves and the overall plant moist at all times will one, help you make them look fresh and clean and two, moistening is a good way to provide much-needed water to new growing buds and roots. The main logic behind this is that watering directly will create an overload of water while not watering at all will make the plant go dry. Moistening it, on the other hand, is a sweet spot where there is always the perfect amount of water present.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Use a bottle spray and nozzle to keep them moist.
Use clean drinking water.
Don’ts
Don't directly pour the water on to the leaves without using a spray nozzle.
Don't use hard water as it might block the pores on the leaves.
Indoor plants won’t survive for long in a humid environment, so make sure you add moisture to your plants according to the level of humidity around.
7. Lustre
Are your indoor plant leaves looking dull and boring? Take a bowl and create a half and half mixture of water and milk. Take a small piece of sponge, dip it and gently rub them on the leaf surface. This will create an everlasting shine without the side effect of blocking your leaf pores.
Another trick you can use is to take a paper napkin and rub a little bit of mayonnaise on the surface of your leaves. In some cases, this trick has proved to be much more effective than the one we mentioned earlier, with the shine lasting for several weeks and in some cases even months.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Use pasteurized milk as it has less density and will not block the pores on the leaf surface.
Use vegetable mayonnaise only.
Don’ts
Don't use unpasteurized milk as you will risk blocking the pores on the leaves' surface.
Don't use egg-based mayonnaise for the treatment.
8. Repotting
Repotting in gardening is a procedure where one changes the existing soil of their indoor plants. But just doing it one random day won’t help. The best time to repot, according to experts in gardening, is to begin just before your plant’s new growth starts. This way, it can get used to the new soil and thus lead a healthy and secure life in the future, without further repotting being needed.
Here are the main dos and don'ts.
Dos
Use fresh soil purchased from a plant nursery.
Use fresh fertilizers to add nutrients to the soil.
Don’ts
Don't use old or damp soil.
Don't use expired or very old fertilizers.
FAQs
1. How Do I Prune My Indoor Plant?
Pruning an indoor plant isn’t a regular affair but, once in a while, it can be done. To prune your indoor plant, take a small pair of scissors or plant pruners and just cut away the excess parts which you feel are not necessary.
2. Why Is My Plant Becoming Brown or Yellow at the Tip of Its Leaves?
Your plant can change colour because of a number of reasons. Two of the most common are, not getting enough water or having unsuitable soil. Changing either of these will definitely improve their condition.
3. Should I Move My Indoor Plant after Certain Intervals of Time?
Yes, you should; because they are not meant to be kept at constant exposure to sunlight and this might cause much more harm than good.
Gardening is an art that is learned over many years of experience and hard work. But for indoor plants, the few tricks and tips we shared above should do the job. Just remember to make a schedule and follow the tricks outlined above with sincerity and commitment. These will not only help your plants grow well throughout their life but also keep them healthy and blossoming.
Also Read:
Indoor Plants That Can Clean & Purify the Air in Your Home
Best Flowering Plants to Brighten Up Your Home Read more
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5 Tips to Make Eye Contact
It is a known fact that an impeccable personality, good dressing sense, and impactful voice attracts all. But when we speak with someone or are giving a presentation, we need to connect with the person(s) sitting in front of us. And to connect with our audience, making eye contact is necessary. It can change the way people think about you. In this post, we will talk about the importance of eye contact and will give you some tips on how to make eye contact properly while communicating with someone.
Importance of Eye Contact in Communication
Making good eye contact is no doubt difficult for many, but it is extremely important for good communication. Find out why!
Eye contact helps you focus and concentrate on the topic of discussion. The moment you break the eye contact, your mind may wander away from the problem, breaking the flow of the conversation.
When you look directly into the eyes of the people you are addressing, they will show interest in the matter. It will help you create an impression in the minds of your audience regarding a particular message you want to share with them.
When you make eye contact with people you are addressing, you will appear as a confident and authoritative person. Your audience will also believe you. Try to smile with your eyes; it will make the conversation flow in a positive direction.
When you maintain proper eye contact while having a conversation with someone, the person listening to you is more likely to buy your message. Inability to maintain eye contact can cause the other person to look elsewhere and even stop listening to you. When you address a group of people, you have to understand them. You should know what to speak and when to speak if you want to be a successful speaker.
Maintaining eye contact in non-verbal communication is also important. Non-verbal communication involves communicating through gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Eye contact plays a crucial role in non-verbal communication as it helps you understand a person’s likes and dislikes.
Maintaining eye contact with your audience will encourage them to engage in active conversation with you. You will also come to know about their reaction to your words by their facial expressions like – a nod, frown, smile, or raising of the eyebrow.
Eye contact will give you the right signal, and you’ll be able to understand whether the audience concurs with your thoughts or are sceptical about it. It gives you a chance to drive the conversation into your favour by saying reassuring words or stating the facts backed with proof or examples.
Once you get familiar with the surroundings and connect with your audience by maintaining eye contact, it will help you set the correct pace of your speech and presentation. Using simple language and using words like ‘cool’, ‘awesome’, ‘incredible’, etc. will keep the conversation light.
5 Tips to Make Better Eye Contact
Now we know about the benefits of eye contact, so the next thing that comes up to our mind is how to make eye contact correctly while speaking. Read on the following five tips to help you make eye contact while communicating with people:
1. Connect With Your Audience
Before you even begin discussing the subject matter, pause for a second and make eye contact with the person. If you are addressing a group of people, then scan the audience and try to make eye contact with each of them. Making eye contact even for just five seconds with each person will help you connect with them better.
2. Follow the 50/70 Rule
Continuous eye contact can be misunderstood for staring. To avoid that misunderstanding, maintain eye contact for 50% of the time while you are speaking and 70% of the time while listening. It will show your interest in the subject matter and you will exhibit confidence.
3. Refrain From Looking Away
Maintain the eye contact for at least 4-5 seconds at a stretch before looking somewhere else. Also, be careful while looking away. if you look away too fast, then it can be mistaken as a sign of nervousness or shyness. You can glance sideways before resuming the eye contact.
4. Keep Practising to Get Better
It may seem weird at first, but regular practise will help improve your eye contact while speaking with someone.
5. Avoid Eye Contact in the Following Situation
At many occasions, eye contact may make other people feel vulnerable and disrespectful. In many countries, looking in the eye while communicating with an older adult is a sign of disrespect. So avoid looking in the eyes of a person if he or she feels awkward.
Looking directly in the eyes can make you conscious, but it is important and required to make the other person understand your thoughts and message. With practice and experience, you will easily be able to master the art of maintaining eye contact while communicating.
Also Read:
How to Do Multitasking
Habits of Successful People
Body Language Tips Read more
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Thought of Every New Mommy - "Am I a Bad Mother?"
Being a first time parent includes both anxiety and fear - anxiety of carrying a baby first in your womb and then in your arms, and fear of what if something wrong happens, though no one wants that 'something bad' to really happen but still that is what a fear is, right?
Mine was a Cesarean delivery with a good pregnancy period (just with tid-bits of normal health issues). The day my baby Rishaan (name is what we did decide earlier) came into my hands I was totally confused about the emotions I had...I was happy as I had a big achievement of my life come true, but I had some worry too - how will I? How will I be the best mother, how will I give what my child wants, how will I understand his needs? There were many questions.
These questions were not because I didn't have any elderly person at home, but were because times have changed a lot, and with these changes parenting techniques too have changed. With the hope and strength that all will be fine, we started our parenting journey.
From bath to oil massages, oils to baby products, clothes, diapers, doctors, formula milk and what not, all made us so fussy like we want everything to be the best...subscribed to many YouTube channels, read many blogs, researched many things, downloaded many apps, posted many questions, eagerly waited for replies and did whatever could be done to care and protect our little one.
But with all these efforts there were times when everything to me seemed like everyone else in the world is perfect and I just had one question - am I a bad mother who is not able to take care of her child? This question usually popped up when my child was sick, not feeding well, not gaining weight....but then my husband suggested to me to post all the queries I had on the 'Parenting' section of the FirstCry app (I did use this app for shopping but not for parenting). I started doing that, and believe me, from oil to massage, from bath to clothes, from diapers to household remedies, I got everything on it! Not just by expert doctors, but I got advice from real time, experienced and expert mommies. Gradually days came when I too started suggesting to new mommies about baby care!
Though this journey is lifelong, we did it! My child is now twenty months, and we as parents have also grown along with him. Parenting has never been easy, be it feeding, making him eat, play, etc. But we tried our level best to give it our best shot.
Sharing your knowledge and experience can really make wonders of a difference, and this is what my ongoing learning is. For all new mommies out there - never feel you're a bad mother or feel that this is a tough phase. Everything will pass. Just be patient, and keep loving as this time won't come again with your kid. Just enjoy, and keep some good apps, friends, doctors at your reach so that you never feel, "I am a bad mother".
All the best and happy parenting to each one out there. Stay blessed, and keep smiling!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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My preemie..Deetya Mridula survival story! The pain of a mother seeing her preemie...
I was 34 weeks pregnant, my baby stopped breathing since 3 days, I noticed it on the very first day but doctor asked me to lie on my left and make a count on baby kicks... That was a diwali season. As there was a shortage of staffs during festive season, They ignored the importance. I felt helpless. I was so afraid about my baby's survival as I got pregnant only after 2.5 years after my marriage. Suddenly a male doctor came for rounds, I told him everything. He realised it's already too late. He urged the emergency team to take me on an emergency cesarean section. They took my Deetya Mridula out of my womb who weighed just 1.18 kgs, and kept her in NICU...She was looking so blue, i heard that from my mother. They didn't show my baby to me as she was shifted to NICU on an emergency basis. She was not breathing, was on ventilator... I felt more hopeless. On day 3, they allowed me to see my daughter. I stood next to her ventilator, leaned more closer to her face. Seeing her very little nostrils holding very big ventilator tubings, I started crying but not so loud as that was an ICU. Later I talked to her more positively, asked her to survive for her dad n me, and told her how much we love her. Day to day I saw improvement in her health, she started breathing by herself. She was there in NICU for 21 days. I used to give kangaroo mother care, at that time since she was a very feeble preemie, her body and ear lobes used to firmly stick on mine. I feel very unusual and pity for her. Days ran away... She slowly struggled and fought all her battles of life and survived by god's grace. Now she's 3 years and 2 months old. She's my Deetya Mridula that means, a tender woman came as an answer for my prayers. She means the world to me... I love you deetya! This is the survival story of my sweetheart preemie deetya.
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Teach your kids joy of sharing
Usually kids fight with each other because they don't want to share their stuff with others. We as parents always tell and teach them that sharing is caring.These are some simple tips I follow to teach my child how to share.
In my childhood,I remember my mom used to give me chocolates and tell me to share with all our family members before I eat any.Today sharing comes naturally to me and I experience the joy of giving.
Today we as parents giving same chocolates and toys to both our kids and tell them "Tum apna khao,Tum apna khelo",Jhagda mat karo".Are we teaching them habit of sharing?
Here, we are not teaching peace but teaching them how to think selfishly. Kids begin to use words like "My chocolates,My toys,My life,My choice".
Importance of Teaching Kids the Habit of Sharing
Learning to share is an important life skills that every child must learn. It's something that kids need to learn so that they can make friends and play together.It is important that as a parent you teach your kids basics of sharing right from tender age.
Teach kids about compromise.They should learn that if we give to others we will also get some what we want.once your child start going to childcare,pre-school or kindergarten he or she will need to be able to share with others.
Tips for Teaching your Kids How to Share
1. Be a role model
Best way for your child to learn generosity is to witness it. So, share your special things with him he will also learn to share with you.
2. Make it fun
Play games in which he has to play together with others. By saying "My turn,Your turn" kid will learn habit of sharing his toys and other belongings.
3. Praise your child
Use encouraging words when he shares As parents we should get into a habit of praising our children when they are behaving well instead of criticising them when they aren't.
4. Create an environment
When you start teaching sharing, it is important to realise that you can't teach him forcefully.Instead work to create an environment of sharing in order to encourage habit of sharing
5. Talk to your child
Help your child to express emotions that relate to sharing.If your child is snatching or holding something back make him realise how his friend might be feeling.Tell your child how happy his friend would be if you share toy with him and play together.
6. Make It a game
Let's teach our kids habit of sharing in fun manner. Give her some biscuits and tell her to share them with everyone in room.This will help your kid to learn value of sharing.
These are simple tips to teach your kids joy of sharing which I as a mommy also follow. Don't always force your child to share.Just teach him by example.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Black bean Burrito
A burrito consists of a wheat flour tortilla rolled to completely enclose the filling. The flour tortilla is usually lightly grilled or steamed, to soften it and make it more pliable.
This black bean burrito is a tasty Mexican dish of tortilla filled in with veggies and favourite beans. You can be as creative in making this recipe as you decide on the choice of veggies.... probably you want to sneak in the ones your child dislikes. Give it a trial with this easy and quick recipe.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
3 Minutes
10 Minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp(tablespoons) (30 ml) oil
1 small sized onion, chopped
2/3 cup ([160 ml.) canned black beans
1/4 cup [60 ml] grated feta cheese
4 wheat tortillas or taco shells or pita breads
For The Filling
1 cup (250 ml.) shredded cabbage
3 to 4 sliced radish (mooli) or sliced cucumber
3 to 4 black olives, thinly sliced
1/3 cup (80 ml) chunky salsa ( hot or mild)
Method
Step 1
Saute onions in a frying pan for 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2
Mix in black beans; cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.
Step 3
Mix in grated feta cheese.
Step 4
As soon as cheese has completely melted, spread it, warm, over tortillas; cool.
Step 5
Garnish with mixed filling; roll, as you would a jelly roll.
Step 6
Serve cold or reheated, in oven or microwave.
For The Filling
Delicately mix lettuce, radishes or cucumber, black olives and chunky salsa.
Nutritional Information
Calories
280
Calories from Fat
72
Total Fat
8g 12%
Saturated Fat
2.6g 13%
Cholesterol
5mg 2%
Sodium
630mg 26%
Carbohydrates
44g 15%
Dietary Fiber
5g 20%
Sugars
4 g
Protein
5 g
Vitamin A
6%
Calcium
4%
Vitamin C
0%
Iron
15%
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
8 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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