Plant Care
Light Requirements
Light is the most important factor in plant health. Think of these categories as a spectrum:
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Bright Direct Light: The plant should be placed right in a sunny window where it can see the sun directly. A few hours of morning or late afternoon sun is usually best.
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Bright Indirect Light: The plant thrives in a bright room but should not have the sun’s rays hitting its leaves directly. Placing the plant a few feet away from a sunny window or behind a sheer curtain is perfect.
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Medium/Partial Shade: These plants are happy in rooms with plenty of natural light but away from windows, or in windows that get filtered light throughout the day.
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Low Light: These plants can tolerate darker corners or offices with artificial light. Note: “Low light” does not mean “no light.” All plants need some light to photosynthesize!
Watering Needs
Overwatering is the most common cause of plant distress. Always check the soil before adding more water.
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Allow to Dry Completely: Wait until the soil is dry from the top all the way to the bottom of the pot. These plants are often drought-tolerant and prefer to be neglected rather than pampered.
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Allow Top Half to Dry: Let the soil dry out about halfway down the pot before watering again. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil or using a wooden chopstick.
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Keep Consistently Moist: These plants like their soil to feel like a wrung-out sponge. Never let them dry out completely, but ensure they aren’t sitting in standing water.
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Wait for Wilting: Some plants will “tell” you when they need a drink by slightly drooping their leaves. Once they perk back up after a watering, they are happy!
Pro-Tips for Success
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The “Finger Test”: If you aren’t sure if it’s time to water, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels damp, wait a few more days.
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Drainage is Key: Ensure your decorative pot has drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.
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Rotation: Turn your plant slightly every time you water to ensure it grows evenly and doesn’t lean toward the light source.
Propagation 2: Weird, Wild, and Advanced Ways to Multiply Plants
As I said in Propagation 1, I love propagating. I buy plants just so I can have the experience of propataging them. This is one of the reasons why I love Alocasias so much. Once you realize how many different ways plants have evolved to clone themselves, it’s hard to…
Propagation 1: The Art of Duplicating Your Plants
I love propagating. It is almost as much of a hobby for me as buying more plants. I buy some plants just so I can propagate them. So, if you’ve ever looked at your favorite plant and thought, “I wish I had another one just like this,” you’re ready for propagation….
Repotting 101: When and How to Refresh Your Plants
Repotting is one of those plant care tasks that some find intimidating, and others (like me) have a hard time waiting till the plant actually needs it (like a Moonlight Schefflera, that I potted too soon, in too big of a pot, and killed). When done right, as I have…
Fertilizer 101: Feeding Your Plants the Right Way
If you’ve ever looked at a shelf full of fertilizer and felt confused by the options, you aren’t alone. We often hear that plants need “food,” but fertilizer is actually more like a vitamin supplement. It provides the nutrients a plant needs to build strong cells, but…
Soil Basics: Why What’s Under the Surface Matters
When we look at our plants, we tend to focus on the leaves. But if you want a thriving collection, the secret is actually in the pot. The right soil—and the right amount of it—is the foundation of every healthy plant; root health is imperative. The “Apartment vs….
What’s Bugging my Plants: Pest Identification and Treatment
One of the most frustrating parts of plant care is discovering unwanted visitors. However, pests are a reality for almost every plant owner, and they don’t have to be a death sentence for your collection. The key is catching them early and being consistent with your…
No Widow, No Problem: Understanding Grow Lights
I very much wanted a lot of plants in my bedroom, where I had a corner that was perfect for shelves, but significantly less than perfect for lighting, so I have to “supplement” with grow lights. (Actually 100% of those plant’s light comes from grow lights, so I…
Beyond Dirt: A Guide to Hydroponics and Semi-Hydro
I love Alocasias, but I once had an Alocasia sit for 2 months with one leaf and no new growth. I tried more light, more fertilizer, a smaller pot with no changes. Out of other options, and honestly curious, I decided to move it to a semi-hydroponic set up. Within one…
Support Systems: Moss Poles, Stakes, and Finding What Works for You
In nature, many of our favorite houseplants are climbers. They use trees to reach for the light, anchoring themselves with aerial roots along the way. In our homes, we have to provide that “tree.” There is a lot of debate about which support is “best,” but my…
Light 101: Why Your Plants Might Not Be Growing
Have you ever had a plant that just… sat there? You’ve watered it, fertilized it, and given it plenty of love, but it refuses to grow. It’s not dying or rotting, but it’s definitely not thriving. Once I joked to my husband that I thought I may have bought a fake…