These 5 flowers are prone to root rot when overwatered, a must-read for beginner gardeners

Gardening friends often say,"Flowers die from watering, not from neglect," and that saying really isn't wrong! Beginners especially, always afraid their flowers will get thirsty, carry a watering can around every day to water them, and before long perfectly good flowers turn yellow, develop root rot, and end up in the trash. Today let's talk about the five flowers that "fear water" the most. Once you learn this, you can be sure half as many of your plants will die!

Clivia (Clivia miniata):This flower looks elegant, but its root system is actually very "delicate." Its roots are plump fleshy roots, just like the radishes we eat, and they can store quite a bit of water inside. If the potting soil stays constantly damp, these fleshy roots get smothered and can't breathe, and within a week they turn black and rot, while the leaves also start to yellow from the edges and feel soft and mushy to the touch. When growing Clivia, remember: water only when the top 2 cm of potting soil has dried out, water thoroughly each time but don't let water accumulate in the saucer at the bottom, and when it rains just move it indoors so the rain doesn't soak it.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):Some people may wonder: isn't pothos a water-loving plant? How could it be killed by watering? Actually, pothos "likes moisture but fears waterlogging." Its roots are finer than those of Clivia and even less tolerant of standing water. Many people grow pothos in a glass container with no drainage holes, so the water just pools at the bottom, the roots sit soaked in water for a long time, and they quickly rot. The leaves suddenly turn yellow over a large area and start dropping. Remember, don't water pothos too often. In a well-ventilated spot, once a week is fine; in a poorly ventilated spot, water once every ten days to two weeks.

Aloe (Aloe vera):Famous for being "drought-tolerant but afraid of waterlogging," it is itself a desert plant, and its leaves are full of water, like a little reservoir. If you water it every day and the potting soil stays damp for a long time, the aloe's roots will quickly rot, the leaves will start to soften from the bottom, go limp when pinched, and gradually turn black. Growing aloe is actually very simple: water only when the potting soil has completely dried out, water thoroughly each time, and normally keep it in a sunny spot; it basically needs no care.

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica):Many people keep one at home for good luck, but it is also a major victim of "watering killers." The money tree's root system is very weak, and it is often planted in garden soil, so the potting soil has poor aeration and water simply can't drain through when you water too much. The roots quickly suffocate and rot, the leaves start to yellow from the top and drop off, and in severe cases the whole tree dies. When growing a money tree, remember: don't water too frequently, water only when the top 3-5 cm of potting soil has dried out, and water thoroughly. Normally keep it in a well-ventilated spot and avoid harsh sun exposure.

For these water-fearing flowers, it's better to underwater than overwater. When beginners first start growing flowers, there's no need to aim for growing them perfectly; first make sure you don't water them to death, gradually build up experience, and in the future you'll be able to grow lush, green plants!