GETTING STARTED
THE BIG WORLD OF PLANT PARENTING MAY LOOK DAUNTING BUT WE CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED!
EVEN THE PRO'S STILL LEARN EVERYDAY.
Things to consider when buying a plant
Light
- What kind of natural light exposure do you have in your home or office?
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- Where are you planning on putting your plant?
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- Will it be receiving the best light for its needs
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- Will if be receiving direct sunlight in your window or will it be placed further away
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- Have a bathroom with no window? Sorry but no plant will live in there.
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- Drafty cold or hot windows?
Watering
- What kind of waterer are you? Do you have time to tend to your plants or water when you remember?
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- Research which plants best fit you & your schedule.
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- Some plants will require you keeping their soil moist & misted daily. Others require watering once per month
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- Humidity - is your home hot & dry in the winter? You may need to add some humidity
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Space
- Keep in mind - plants grow! And some grow BIG. Do you have the right amount of space for your plant?
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- Is the space you plan on putting your plant accessible for easy watering or taking down the plant?
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- Do you have house pets that love to snack on plants or children that touch everything? Lot's of plants do not like to be touched.
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- Most plants do not like AC or Hot vents or drafts
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Maintenance
- Will you be okay with the plant out growing its pot & it requiring a new one? Most houseplants require re-potting every one 1-2 years.
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- Monitoring for pests & disease every time you water
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- Fertilizing every spring, summer & fall
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- Pruning when plants get leggy or over grown
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BASIC PLANT CARE 101
SUCCULENTS & CACTI
LIGHT - Succulents & cacti are dessert plants and most require lots of light. Place them in a sunny or at minimum a very bright location. Give them a google to see what they need.
WATER - They are very drought tolerant. Water these guys well once every 2-3 weeks at most and allow the soil to dry out well between each watering. Root rot is the main cause of death.
TIPS - Shriveled leaves - time to water. Getting leggy & stretched - needs more light. Mushy leaves - over watered & let dry out.
SHADE TOLERANT - There are succulent species such as Haworthia that will tolerate lower light situations without being detrimental to its plant health.
TROPICALS
LIGHT - Most tropicals are "jungle" plants and require some shade. Place these plants in a location with lots of bright in-direct light. Near a window but not in direct afternoon sun which would scorch the leaves.
WATER - For this you will need to know exactly what kind of plant you have & what it needs. (Give it a google or see us in store) Most tropicals require watering every 1-2 weeks allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out. Others will require their soil to be evenly moist at all times and need tons of humidity.
TIPS - They may need some time to adjust to your home and may even drop some leaves. Dropping, crispy brown leaves or looking wilted - time to water. Yellowing of the leaves - over watered or pests.
SEMI TROPICALS - There are plants like Snake plants & ZZ Plants that kind of fall in the in between category. They are a tropical but require minimal watering & will tolerate lower light.
AIR PLANTS/TILLANDSIA
LIGHT - Place these wonderful tropical plants in a location with lots of bright in-direct light. Avoid direct sun as this will cause them to burn and/or dry out.
WATER - The name Air Plant comes from the fact that they absorb their nutrients & moisture from the air. They are a high maintenance plant and require special care. Submerge and soak the whole plant root to tip in lukewarm water for approximately 1/2-1hour weekly. Allow to dry upside down for an additional hour to dry out any trapped water & avoid rotting at the base. Mist through out the week or place by a humidifier.
TIPS - Getting crispy ends - time to water, water often & increase humidity. Getting mushy & brown at the base - reduce watering frequency & let dry out upside down longer.
HELP!
Our knowledgeable staff is here to help! Whether it's choosing the right plant, answering all your plant care questions or trouble shooting your plant ailments.
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Come see us in store for a complimentary plant consultation or send us an email with your plant questions. If troubleshooting a plant - make sure to provide us with all the details & include some pictures.
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Check out our Plant Care Journal for specific plant topics, tips & tricks, or take one of our Plant Care Workshops.