Owning a house plant can seem intense, complicated, and time-consuming. However, owning plants should be relaxing and quite enjoyable. With an increasing number of plant moms on the rise as of lately, you may be wanting to jump on the bandwagon yourself. Before you get started, here are some pointers to help you on your journey to becoming the best, knowledgeable plant owner.
Choose the right plant… and pot
Unless you own a greenhouse, your home will not be considered perfect conditions for a majority of plant types. For instance, tropical plants require the constant misting to boost the humidity they need. Other plants aren’t too keen about salt and chemicals in regular tap water, while others may require just the right amount of moisture in their soil which may require a certain type of pot that can either get rid of excess water easily or retain the correct amount. Terracotta pots are a great option for this, but are fragile since they are made out of clay. If you’re looking for indoor terracotta pots, click here.
If you don’t want to start out with a high-maintenance plant, succulents, aloe, Chinese Evergreens, Jade Plants, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Philodendron Birkin, and Guiana Chestnut, are just some types of low-maintenance plants that you should look into. For more low-maintenance houseplants, check out this article by Good Housekeeping. For example, you can buy an indoor plant light for your plant.
Be consistent
Just like kids, plants require care and attention, although not as much. Therefore, be sure you make time to tend to your plant’s needs on a weekly basis. The best way to be consistent is to pick a time where you know you can dedicate five or ten minutes without hassle. If Saturday mornings are best to water your plants while you enjoy a cup of morning coffee, then that should be your day and time every week. If you don’t plan and schedule for your plant’s care, you will fail. Once you make it a routine, it will become easy.
Get to know your plant
Some plants need more natural light during the day to survive more than others. Choosing the right spot for your plant is very important and it will tell you when it’s not in a happy place. Doing research prior to bringing home your plant will allow you to pick a spot in your home based on the information, along with, knowledge on how to care for your plant. Find out how much to water, what type of water, and any other care instructions your plant will require.
Be patient
Pay attention to your plant’s needs. It will tell you what they need more or less of. You can expect a few leaves to fall within the first few weeks as that is a sign of your plant getting used to their new digs. After that, if you’re still experiencing some weeping leaves, you may want to move your plant toward more light if it should require it, or in other cases, away from sunlight.
Another issue is overwatering. Since plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil, make sure you read on how much water to give your plant on watering days. As a general rule, you should water your plant when the top part of the soil is one or two inches dry. When watering, remember to water the soil, not the plant, and water thoroughly. If your pot has a saucer, lift the pot from the saucer to get rid of excess water.
There is so much information about caring for individual plants. Before bringing a plant home, it is recommended that you do your research thoroughly so that you know which plant will fit your lifestyle and home.