Caregiving Level-II

Based on June 2021, Curriculum Version 1

Module Title: Care for Plants

Module code: LSA CRG2 M12 05 22
Nominal duration: 20 hrs

Prepared by: Ministry of Labour and Skill

April, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Acknowledgment
Ministry of Labor and Skills and Ministry of Health
wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives of TVET
instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to
the development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).

Acronym

OHS Occupational Health &safety

TTLM Teaching, Training and Learning Methodology
TVET Technical, Vocational Education and Training

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 Table of content

Content Page

Acknowledgment _____________________________________________________________ 1
Acronym ____________________________________________________________________ 2
Table of content ______________________________________________________________ 3
Introduction to the module _____________________________________________________ 3
Unit one: Indoor plants ________________________________________________________ 5
Indoor plants ________________________________________________________________ 6
Types of indoor plants _________________________________________________________ 7
Feeding and watering materials for plants care _____________________________________ 8
Self checks __________________________________________________________________ 13
Unit Two: Care for indoor plants _______________________________________________ 14
2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) _______________________________________ 15
2.2. Fertilizing and watering plant ____________________________________________ 16
2.4. Pruning, trimming plants ________________________________________________ 23
Self checks __________________________________________________________________ 26
Reference _______________________________________________________________________ 27

Introduction to the module

In Care giving field; the Infection Prevention
and work place OHS helps to prevent infection transmission at work environment.
It also helps to create healthy, safe and secured work place.
This module is designed to meet the employer requirement under the care giving
occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Provide Care for
Plants in a Household

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This module covers the units :
 Indoor plants
 Care for indoor plants

Learning Objective of the Module

 Identify indoor plants
 Give care for indoor plants
Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following
module instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise

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 Unit one: Indoor plants

This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information

regarding the following content coverage and topics:
 Indoor plants
 Feeding and watering materials for plants care
 Tools, chemicals and supplies needed for plant care
 Safety measures while caring for plants
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover
page. Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
 Identify Indoor plants

 Care for indoor plants

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 Indoor plants

A plant grows indoors in places such as residences and offices, mainly

for decorative purpose. A plant grows in a container inside a house.
Plants that require a low amount of light and water to thrive are typically
known as indoor plants.

Figure1. Indoor plant

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 Types of indoor plants

1.1.1. Large

1.1.2. Small

a. Large indoor plants

If there is another room to grow

Table1.1. some of large indoor trees

Plant Light Water Pet

friendly

Money tree Bright, indirect lights Water when the soil is Yes
almost completely dry
at top

Rubber plant Indirect direct sunlight about 1 to 2 times a No

week

Madagascar indirect light when soil dries out at No

dragon tree top

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 b. Small indoor house plants

These recommended if your plant can’t be another roommate.

Table 1.2.some of small indoor plants

Plant Sun light Water Pet friendly

Polka dot plant Indirect sunlight is Well-drained and Yes

best moist soil.

Calathea ornata Medium Weekly Yes

Rettle snake tree Defused light Don’t let to sit in Yes

water

Marble queen Low light soil on the dry side No

photos

Jade photos Be kept far from the Water weekly No

window

Feeding and watering materials for plants care

Plants need food, water and sun light to grow , to fulfill this one needs
materials/supplies

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 Table 1.3.supplies for watering

Water can

Watering pot

Light weight hose

Programmable timer

Bright hose nozzle

Slow drip irrigation

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1.2. Safety measures
Safety is a must in all activities to avoid risks of injury.
1.2.1. Wear glove

Figure1.2. Wearing gloves on plants care

1.2.2. Warm up

Just like an athlete does before a game, you should warm up before digging
in the garden. Walk around your garden for a few minutes and do some pre-
gardening stretches

1.2.3. Avoid repetitive motions

Prolonged and repetitive motions, such as digging, raking, trimming,

pruning and planting, might irritate your skin, tendons or nerves. To avoid
this, switch up your tasks every 15 minutes and take between-task breaks.

1.2.4. Banish bending

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 Kneeling instead of bending will put less strain on your back. For extra
comfort, consider wearing kneepads.

Figure1.3. Banish bending

1.2.5. Check your lifting

When lifting objects, especially, heavy ones engage your legs and not your back.
When you’re carrying heavy objects, hold objects them close to your body to
reduce strain.

1.2.6. Block the sun

Apply sunscreen that provides an SPF of at least 15, as well as ultraviolet A

and B protection. Put on a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face,
head, ears and neck. Keep in mind that 10 a.m.-4 p.m. during daylight
saving time (9 a.m.-3 p.m. during standard time) is the most hazardous
period for UV exposure

1.2.7. Look for pests

Check your clothes and body for ticks, which can cause several diseases

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 1.2.8. Clear the air

Wear a protective nose and mouth mask, sunglasses or

protective eyewear to help prevention allergy and asthma

attacks.

1.2.9. Stay hydrated

Be sure you’ve got water on hand so that you don’t become

dehydrated.

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 Self checks

Answer the following self check questions

Short answer

1. describe safety measures to be followed during plants care

2. Describe Feeding and watering materials for plants care

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 Unit Two: Care for indoor plants

This unit to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Fertilizing and watering plants appropriately
 Pruning, trimming plants
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Fertilizing and watering plants appropriately
Pruning, trimming plants This guide will also assist you to attain the learning
outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically, upon completion of this learning
guide, you will be able to:
 Fertilize and water plants appropriately, regularly
 wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
 Store ttools and other supplies used in plant care
 Follow safety measures

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 2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipments are help full to prevent transmission of

infection/infestations from person to plants, from plants to person,
between plants. They include the following equipments:
1. Apron,
2. mask
3. eye shields
4. Gloves
5. boots
6. hard hats

Figure2.1. personal protective equipments

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 2.2. Fertilizing and watering plant

2.2.1. Fertilizing: Although plants get some important elements from

the air, they draw most of their nutrients through their roots. For
those grown in hydroponic plant environments, it’s up to us to
provide fertilizer in the water. Simply add a good quality,
water-soluble fertilizer to the container every time you change
the water – usually every four to six weeks or sooner if half of
the water has evaporated. Use a weak solution consisting of
one-quarter the strength recommended on the fertilizer
container If your plants are looking a little puny or if the foliage
is pale, you can mist the leaves with a weak fertilizer solution
weekly. For best results, use bottled spring water, rain water or
well water, as city water tends to be heavily chlorinated and
devoid of most natural nutrients

Figure2.2. indoor plant with clean water

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 2.2.2. Watering plants
To know when your houseplants need a drink, touch the
soil. If it's dry, the plant needs water. If the surface is
moist, hold off on watering. Check every single specimen
– just because one needs to be watered doesn't mean they
all do.You can set a schedule for checking to see if your
indoor plants need water, but don’t base your watering on
the calendar. Sticking to a once-a-week plan can lead to
overwatering and under watering, as some houseplants
may need watered more or less often
2.3. Tips for keeping plants alive

Not everyone is born with a green thumb but thankfully there are tips,
hacks, and tricks to keep your plants alive and thriving. Understanding
the needs of your plants will lead to reduced stress, cleaner air, and a
happier environment

Figure2.3. watering plant by can

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 2.3.1. Get the right plant
No matter how positive your vibes are, you can’t grow an orange tree
in Alaska. Some plants are doomed at your doorstep, not because you
lack green instinct, but because they’re a bad fit. Ask your local
garden center for a plant that will bloom in your climate and with your
lifestyle. If you’re terrible at remembering to water your plant, cacti
and snake plants will cherish your neglect. Always mention if you
have pets; cats may become ill from lilies or daffodils. Eg. Succulents
tree doesn’t need much water

Figure2.4. Succulent’s indoor tree

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 2.3.2. Let there be (not too much) light!

Figure2.4. different levels of light for plants

2.3.3. Change is bad

As a plant care giver you need to be consistent with your plants. Plants are sensitive
to change. They’re slow to adapt to new environments, so if they’re doing fine,
changing the lighting or the height of the plant is a no-no. Remember if you’re
planning on growing a giant plant baby to start it off in a location where it will fit
when it gets big

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 Figure2.5. Constant watering

2.3.4. The plant chooses the pot

Choosing the right size and type for your plant container will help it grow in
the right direction, literally. Like snails, plants outgrow their homes.

2.3.5. Use the good dirt

Common dirt could contain weed seeds, fungi, or pests.
Potting soil from your local garden center contains a mixture
of materials that can include peat moss and organic matter,
suggests certified Garden Designer Madaline Sparks

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 for Real Simple. When you pot your plants, make sure the
dirt is slightly moist so the roots can begin working

Figure2.6. Opt for good, high-quality soil

2.3.6. Cut the dead stuff
To keep leaves growing, The Flower Shop Network says
you must trim dead ends. The process of pruning using
scissors, pruning shears, or your hands can even be
therapeutic. Bid goodbye to anything that’s brown or
spotted. A layer of dust on forgotten leaves blocks out
sunlight, so regularly spritz plants with water and wipe
down with a dry cloth.

Figure2.7. Trimming dead stuff

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 2.3.7. Don’t over-water your plants.

This is the most common mistake beginners make. Some plants, like
succulents, only need watering once a month. Parlor palms and
creeping fig like their soil as dry as possible. Avoid drowning by
reducing hydration in the cold winter months. For proper watering
technique, water the base, not the leaves, to stimulate growth. Test the
water for a lukewarm temperature; cold water can shock and damage
the roots.

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Figure2.8. over watering

2.4. Pruning, trimming plants

2.4.1. Pruning: is the practice of selectively removing plant parts

(branches, buds, spent flowers, etc.) to manipulate the plant for
horticultural and landscape.

Figure2.9. pruning

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Figure 2.10: pruning materials

a. Why Prune Plants?

More important than knowing when or how to prune is to know why and
what you are trying to achieve. There are many reasons to prune, including,
but not limited to:
 Maintain plant health
 Always cut out dead, dying, diseased or damaged wood.
 Remove crossing or rubbing branches.
 Maintain good air circulation within the plants framework.
 Remove unwanted shoots. bypass pruner

b. When to trim?
When is the best time to prune? “When the knife is sharp” goes the old saying, and
it means using the natural life cycles as a guide. For example, when the plant is
growing rapidly and you want to maintain a certain size, prune lightly and
frequently, removing shoots or shoot tips when they are small. When removing the
very immature tips, the practice is known as pinching. Pinching and light pruning

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also increase branching of the stem and result in a stockier, fuller plant. When the
plant has outgrown its container, root pruning is advisable. Pull roots away from
the root mass then cut them back to within 1 inch of the soil mass. An alternative
method is to make three or four vertical cuts 1 inch deep in the soil ball on the
opposite sides of the root ball. If you are re-using containers, make sure that they
are clean by washing out any old compost, chemical, or paint residues. Sterilize the
container by placing it in a 10% bleach solution and rinse well. A clean plant is a
healthy plant. Water flow causes salt accumulation along the leaf margins and/or
tips, creating necrotic areas. Dust dulls normal leaf coloration, lessening plant
value, but it also shades plant surfaces, reflecting light that can be used in
photosynthesis. Dust on lower leaf surfaces may clog stomata (specialized cells
involved in water transpiration), inhibiting gas exchange within the leaf. Leaves
with thick, shiny cuticles (Croton, Ficus, Peace Lily, Bromeliads) should be
cleaned with a damp sponge.
c. Why pruning?
Indoor trees, such as Ficus and Dracaenas, tend to grow vertically,
but it is possible to encourage branching by trimming off the
topmost point of growth. Doing this will force your plant to branch
out from the sides of where you cut, rather than continuing to grow
directly upwards. By branching off of this idea, you can control
where and how your plant grows, allowing you to tailor your tree’s
growth to suit your indoor space.

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Figure 1.11 Trimming plant

Self checks

Answers the following questions and check either you are right or not.

I. MCQ
1. practice of selectively removing plant parts (5points)
a. Pruning b. burning c. watering d. fertilizing
2. The purpose of pruning the indoor plant (5points)
a. Branching b Growing c. coloring d none

II. short answer

3. Describe the purposes of pruning indoor plants(5 points)

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Reference

1. Bodie V. Pennies (Extension Floriculture Specialist) growing indoor plants with

success,2020

2. Manaker, G. H. 1997. Interior Plantscapes: Installation, Maintenance, and

Management. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

3. McConnell, D. B. 1978. The Indoor Gardener’s Companion: A Definitive,

Color-Illustrated Guide to the Selection and Care of Houseplants. Van Nostrand
Reinhold Company. New York, NY.

4. Pruning plants with a purpose ,march 11,2019

5. Millcreek garden since 1955

6. https://www.ambius.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-indoor-plants/

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 Participants of this Module (training material) preparation
No Name Qualification Field of Organizati Mobile E-mail
(Level) Study on/ number
Institution
1
2
3
4
5
6
7