How to Grow Low Maintenance Foundation Plants - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Low maintenance foundation s is a plant that is easy to take care of. It does not require a lot of water or fertilizer to survive. This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases.

How to Grow Low Maintenance Foundation Plants - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Aloe vera
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Chamomile

Things to Know

  • They provide a natural-looking finish without the need for excessive touch-ups throughout the day.
  • They help to control oil production, keeping your skin looking matte and shine-free.
  • They tend to be more hydrating than their matte counterparts, making them ideal for those with dry skin.
  • They typically contain SPF, providing an extra layer of sun protection.
  • They won't settle into fine lines or accentuate pores, giving your skin a smooth, flawless appearance.
  • They won't cause breakouts or clog pores, making them ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
  • They're long-wearing and won't rub off easily, meaning you can enjoy your makeup for hours on end.
  • They come in a variety of formulas to suit all skin types, so you can find the perfect one for you.
  • They're widely available from a variety of brands, so you're sure to find one to suit your budget.
  • They make a great base for other makeup products, allowing you to create a variety of looks.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For low maintenance foundation s, first step is to get rid of that old, damaged or discolored concrete. You can do this by chipping it away with a chipping hammer or by sandblasting.
  2. Once the old concrete is removed, you'll need to prep the area for the new foundation . This means leveling off the ground and making sure it's free of debris.
  3. Next, you'll need to install a vapor barrier. This will help keep moisture from seeping into the foundation and causing problems down the road.
  4. After the vapor barrier is in place, it's time to start pouring the concrete. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
  5. Once the concrete is in place, you'll need to trowel it smooth.
  6. Once the concrete is smooth, you can add any desired textures or colors.
  7. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before continuing.
  8. Next, you'll need to install the steel reinforcement. This will help the foundation withstand any settlement or movement.
  9. Finally, you can backfill around the foundation with dirt. Be sure to compact it tightly.
  10. That's it! You've now installed a low maintenance foundation that will last for years.

Related plant:
Blue Billow Hydrangea

The Soil

About soil condition, low maintenance foundation s are ideal for those with dry or normal-to-dry skin. Those with oily skin may find that their foundation wears away more quickly, however. Pores can become clogged if sebum and makeup mix, so it's important to keep skin clean and exfoliated when using a low maintenance foundation.

About light

So, like the other foundations, a low maintenance foundation will require some sun light in order to look its best. For this reason, it's important to keep your foundation in a well-lit area of your home. If you have a window in your bathroom, make sure to open the curtains or blinds when you're doing your makeup routine. This will help ensure that your foundation looks smooth and even.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions are perfect for low maintenance foundation. The foundation will not melt in the heat, and will not freeze in the cold. It will also not change color in different lighting conditions.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become increasingly stressed. If the humidity is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this plant food, is there to give the plant a quick boost of energy. The root on the other hand is responsible for the long term health of the plant. Just like we need a balanced diet of healthy foods to maintain our health, so too do our plants need a balanced diet of fertilizer and root.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your low maintenance foundation plants is an important part of keeping them healthy and looking their best. Foundation plants are often the first thing people see when they look at your home, so it’s important to make sure they’re looking their best. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, and can also help to control the size and shape of your plants. When pruning foundation plants, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. This will help to prevent damage to the plant and make the cut cleaner.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. Many plants can be propagated from seed, but some, like low maintenance foundation plants, are best propagated from cuttings. To propagate a plant from a cutting, first choose a healthy, disease-free stem. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the stem in a pot of moistened, well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse, and place it in a bright, warm location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in a few weeks, you should see new growth.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast, meaning they will fill in quickly. Many of these varieties also have shallow root systems, so they are less likely to cause damage to sidewalks and other hardscapes.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the foundation may not be level and the concrete may not be properly mixed. These problems can be avoided by ensuring that the foundation is level and the concrete is properly mixed.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your plants regularly. They will need about 1 inch of water per week.
  • Fertilize your plants about once a month to give them the nutrients they need to grow.
  • Be sure to deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Place your plants in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
  • When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball.
  • Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
  • After planting, mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • When watering, be sure to apply water directly to the roots of the plant.
  • Avoid using herbicides or pesticides on your plants.
  • Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or disease and take action accordingly.

Related Plants

  • Plant for low maintenance
  • Plant for foundation
  • Plant for front yard foundation
  • Plant for landscaping
  • Plant for shade
  • Plant for privacy
  • Plant for sun
  • Plant for guidance
  • Plant for color
  • Plant for decoration

Source:
Low-Maintenance Landscaping, G6902 | MU Extension
Barren Strawberry, A Low-Maintenance Native Groundcover
Recommended Plants - Kansas State University

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