You don't always need si (if) to state a condition. Instead, you can start a sentence with a gerund.
Spanish gerunds are the equivalent of English "-ing" verbs, ending in -ando (for -ar verbs) or -iendo (for -er and -ir verbs). Placing a gerund clause at the beginning of a sentence sets up a condition, often translating to "If you..." or "By...".
| If you grow the cactus indoors, you use less water. | Cultivando el cactus en el interior, usas menos agua. |
| If you use the spray bottle every day, you keep the fern beautiful. | Usando el rociador todos los días, mantienes el helecho hermoso. |
Giving Instructions and Advice
You can pair a conditional gerund with a command to give specific instructions.
| If you care for an orchid, always spray it with the spray bottle. | Cuidando una orquídea, pulverízala siempre con el rociador. |
| If you see a rotten stem, cut it immediately. | Viendo un tallo podrido, córtalo inmediatamente. |
You can also pair the condition with an impersonal se structure to share general advice.
| If you take a cutting from the succulent, another plant is obtained. | Sacando un esqueje de la suculenta, se obtiene otra planta. |
Warnings and Consequences
This structure is also useful for warning someone about negative consequences.
| If you water the orchid too much, you damage the plant. | Regando la orquídea demasiado, dañas la planta. |
| Watering the orchid too much, the root usually rots. | Regando la orquídea demasiado, la raíz suele pudrirse. |
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