Cyclone Alert — How Gardeners Should Protect Plants During Storms | Plants & Life

🌪️ Cyclone Alert — How Gardeners Should Protect Plants During Storms

A brewing storm over a garden — stay prepared before Cyclone Montha.

A cyclone like Montha can cause massive damage not only to homes but also to your beloved plants. As heavy rain and wind approach, it’s time for every gardener to take smart precautions. The right preparation before, during, and after the storm can save months of your hard work in nurturing your green friends.

🌧️ Why Cyclones Damage Home Plants

• Too much water → root rot: Continuous rainwater suffocates roots, leading to fungal decay.
• Strong wind → pots fall, branches break: Gusty winds can topple potted plants and snap tender stems.
• Low light & constant rain → fungal attack: Damp conditions and poor sunlight make perfect ground for fungal growth.

Fallen pots and broken branches — a common sight after cyclones.

🪴 What to Do Before Heavy Rain or Cyclone

• Move pots to a sheltered area: Keep plants near walls or verandas to protect them from direct rain and wind.
• Tie tall plants / use wall support: Secure weak stems using ropes or bamboo sticks to avoid bending or breaking.
• Stop fertilizing 5–7 days before storm: Fertilized wet soil increases rot and stress during extreme weather.
• Improve drainage fast: Place bricks or stands below pots so excess rainwater can drain easily.

Shift your plants to safety before the storm arrives.

⚠️ During the Storm — Do Not Do These Mistakes

• Don’t prune in rain: Fresh cuts in damp weather invite fungal and bacterial infections.
• Don’t water already wet plants: Extra water during rain only worsens root rot.
• Don’t keep trays full of water: Stagnant water becomes breeding ground for mosquitoes and fungal spores.

Too much water can silently kill your plants — avoid overwatering during storms.

🌤️ After Cyclone or Heavy Rain — Recovery Steps

• Drain extra water immediately: Tilt pots or remove saucers to release trapped water.
• Apply fungicide (Mancozeb / Trichoderma): Prevent root and leaf infections early.
• Give indirect light for 2–3 days: Let plants rest in a bright but shaded area.
• Resume fertilizer only after soil dries: Wait until soil moisture returns to normal before feeding again.

Post-storm care helps your plants recover faster and healthier.

💚 Conclusion — Stay Safe and Stay Green

Cyclones like remind us of nature’s power — but also our duty to protect what we nurture. Take these steps seriously to ensure your garden weathers the storm safely. And most importantly, take care of yourself and your loved ones during such extreme weather.

Stay safe, stay green, and let’s rebuild our gardens together. 🌱

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