Do you track the growth of your plants?

[nicola]

I'm curious to know how many of us track the growth of their plants, and if, in what way.
I use two ways.
One, through an annual calendar, printed on an A4, on which I mark watering, fertilizing, repotting, misting, for one or more plants with similar needs.
Second, a series of monthly photos, to which I add (if any) short notes.
The first is very practical, my memory is not so efficient, and it helps me to decide on when and what to do.
The second is because I believe that a picture is worth a thousand words.
In addition the time scale of the plants, is slower than ours, sometimes it seems like nothing is happening, and comparing the photos you may notice even small changes.
I'd love to hear of your methods. or advice
ciao Nicola

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[No-Pro-mwa]

At this time I am not doing anything. I keep trying to figure out how to as I do want to but I keep changing my mind as how to do it. First I started to use file cards, then I was thinking of getting a note book. So far nothing.

[bil]

All of a sudden springs to mind the English irregular verb.

I am thorough.
You are obsessive.
He is anal.

[rbarata]

Watering only...the rest is in my mind with soma ocasional photos. But I have just a few orchids so I'm not a good example.

[dangerouseddy]

I don't really keep track of them just give them a quick look over every day to check non have succumbed to rot/fungus and am happy if I see any new roots/leaves/spikes.

no long term plan, seems like too much hard work with the amount of orchids I've got.

[Zabeta]

I have also been trying to figure out the best way to keep track of things. Currently, I have an Excel file that includes a column for notes. There, I note when I see new growth, decline, or generally any changes in condition, and any other random notes or even questions (I have other columns for dates for blooming, repotting, etc.).

Excel is limited, though (hard to include pics), so I'm in the process of transferring everything to Microsoft OneNote, which I use for other things already. It's easy to insert files, pictures, websites, and random clips of things, so it's more comprehensive.

I used to have a calendar where I noted the watering schedule, but it got so convoluted that I now just use my memory. My memory, however, is faulty, so something else is needed, preferably something not very labor intensive.

My goal is to have a narrative/story of each plant that I can refer to for context. Sometimes it's nice to look back and realize that the plant that has been growing so well started out as a rootless mess. Or to be able to figure out what caused an improvement or decline.

I like Nicola's idea of taking regular pictures of all the plants!

[bil]

With the change in seasons, it is impossible to have a fixed watering system. I end up with a weekly schedule that slowly morphs across the year.

[My Green Pets]

I keep a blog, take photos, AND record videos. So far I like video the most because you can capture several angles, make comments, and get a general feeling for the conditions as well, all in one form of media. Plus it gives you a chance to work on your photography skills.

[Leafmite]

No, I do not.

[silken]

There have been several recent threads on this topic.
I use OrchidWiz which I find to be a very useful tool for tracking my orchids' progress. I also use it to look up info on the plant's cultural needs and info and pics of ones I want to see, whether for prospective purchase or to help someone else with culture advise. Or to find registered names of crosses.
It has a journal feature so all of my plants are entered. There are sections to fill in as to when acquired, re-potted, start spike, start bloom, end bloom, what type of media, pot size, is it fragrant, any awards, etc. etc. You can add photos and add your own categories to some lists. I know it costs a fair bit to keep up to date but it also has all current registered hybrids and full Bakers culture sheets on many of the species. I use it almost daily for one thing or another so it is a valuable piece of software for me.