The 6 most difficult plants to care for in the world

Azalea bonsai in bloom

When you investigate more, when you go deeper and deeper into a world as fascinating as that of botany, you discover that the plants that you have ever seen in the nurseries or in the gardens of your area are just one of the very few that can be adapted to the climate of your area. Yes Yes, There are many species that, if you put the right substrate on them, can be wonderful, although it is also true that you will surely not be able to plant them on your land..

They are difficult plants to care for, not suitable for beginners, which require a series of care and attention to be healthy. There are several more than you might expect. We have selected these, to see what you think .

Before getting into the subject, it is important to tell you that Any plant can be difficult to care for if it is grown in an area where the temperature, humidity and / or soil is not adequate for it to survive. Thus, even an elm, which is a very hardy tree, would have a lot of trouble growing properly in a tropical climate. Why? Because it precisely needs to be cold in autumn and winter; otherwise, it would weaken and end up dying.

With this in mind, we are going to tell you about the plants that usually cause more of a headache for fans (and experts) of gardening.

Alocasia

Specimen of Alocasia macrorrhiza

Alocasia, also known as Elephant Ear, is a herbaceous perennial plant so beautiful that many of us have ever acquired it to decorate the interior of a room. However, it is not easy to maintain it. It needs frequent waterings, high humidity, and space for its roots. which, although they are not invasive, as the plant develops it needs a bigger and bigger pot.

It is not suitable for gardening, unless the minimum temperature is always above 10ºC and it is planted in semi-shade.

Japanese maple

Acer palmatum in flowerpot

Copy of my collection.

If you live in a climate with mild temperatures in summer and cold in winter, with the japanese maple you will not have any problem. But if, on the other hand, you are in an area where it is very hot for several months a year and there are no significant frosts, you are going to have a very difficult time. If you, like me, find yourself in this situation, don’t worry too much: place it outside, in semi-shade, and put a substrate that drains VERY wellsuch as akadama alone or mixed with 30% kyriuzuna.

Water it every 2 or 3 days in the hottest season, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year with rain or acidified water (dilute the liquid of half a lemon in 1 liter of water). Don’t forget to compost it with acidic plant compost from spring to early fall.

Begonias

Specimen of Begonia rex 'J. Gillinwators'

Begonia rex ‘J. Gillinwators’

Begonias are little plants that, although they do not grow more than 50 centimeters depending on the variety, if they are kept indoors there are many that have a really bad time. The air currents and, above all, the excess of irrigation weakens them quickly, and is that being tropical they are not able to withstand even a little cold.

Therefore, if you dare to purchase a copy, place it in a very bright room, without drafts, and water it only when you see that the ground is dry. To find out, you simply have to weigh the pot once it is watered and again after a few days. The difference in weight can serve as a guide to know when to water. Use lime-free water, and remove the excess water from the plate or tray within ten minutes of watering. In addition, it is highly advisable to fertilize it with universal liquid fertilizers in spring and summer following the instructions specified on the packaging.

Bonsai

Maple Bonsai

Bonsai are miniature trees or shrubs that grow in very low trays. They are by far one of the most difficult common plants to care for. Although they are not able to speak, they demand a lot from their caregiver. The irrigation, subscribers, The pruning, fences, pest prevention and transplants They have to be done in good time, otherwise the leaves will start to fall, endangering the health and life of the bonsai.

For this reason, it is often said that they are not plants for everyone. Only those who have enough patience and respect for the plant that is working will be able to create real wonders. If you need more information on the subject, Click here.

Ferns

Fern leaf

Ferns are plants that have been used for many years as a houseplant in cold temperate climates, and outdoors in shade in warm climates. They are found naturally in forests and rainforests, where they have high humidity and shade. When they are grown we have to know that they need a substrate that has good sewer system, but also rich in organic matter. A very interesting mix is ​​the following: 60% mulch or compost + 30% perlite + 10% coconut fiber.

The frequency of irrigation has to be high, especially in summer. We will use rainwater or water without lime and we will irrigate trying to avoid that the land remains dry for a long time, because they do not resist drought. In addition, once a month we can pay them with guano (liquid) in order for them to have optimal development and reach winter with enough energy to overcome it.

Flying Duck Orchid

Curious flower of Caleana major

If what we are looking for is an orchid that is very, very difficult to care for, then we can talk about the caleana major. Known as the Flying Duck orchid, it is a species native to Australia. It is terrestrial, and very small: its single leaf measures about 25cm and its floral stem only reaches 40cm. It is very difficult to have it, since it needs temperate-cold climates and soils of sand and sandstone, without forgetting rainwater or no lime.

Which one did you like the most? Do you know other plants that are difficult to care for?

The 6 most difficult plants to care for in the world

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