I used to absolutely let every plant I had suffer a long death. My family would tease me each time I brought one home, saying it was a waste of money and cruel really to the poor plant. But after a while I became determined to figure this out. I’ve raised actual human beings for crying out loud! I should be able to keep a plant healthy. I think I have finally figured it out and want to share the five things that changed my plant parenthood with you.
You don’t have to stay cursed with the “brown thumb” reputation. I fully believe that everyone has a “green thumb”, you just have to know a few basics and you will be posting pictures of your own thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig or Monstera in no time!
Research
The very best start to bringing home any new plant is to do a little bit of research about it. Ideally, you’ve done this before you bring it home so you know what you are in for. But, I am a pathological plant impulse buyer. I see it, its so pretty, buy it and figure the rest out later. Either one is totally fine, but a must either way.
At least once you’ve brought that stranger into your home, you should find out a little bit about it. Even if you just figure out it’s lighting needs. That one thing will get you going on the right track. Does it need a lot of light? Or is it happy a little further away from the window?
Once you start picking spots in your home that are based on the needs of the plant rather than your décor, you will start to see these guys clinging to life a little longer. They are living things after all.
The best place to start is with an app called Picture This. All you do is take a photo of the plant (any plant) with the app and it will immediately tell you the name. Which is a super important first bit of information in any relationship. Aside from that it will also tell you its basic lighting and water needs. It will even tell you if it is a beginner friendly plant or if it is a little more difficult to care for.
After I get the basics with the Picture This app, then I move on to Google to brush up on some blog posts and typically a YouTube video or two.
Moisture Meter
Besides lighting, the other equally important factor is water. For the longest time, I was getting this wrong on both ends of the scale. Before I was never watering them enough, very absentee plant parenting style. Then when I became determined to be able to keep a plant alive, I developed a suffocating plant parenting style and drown the poor things.
Yes, apparently overwatering is a thing and will kill them faster than underwatering I learned.
The absolute biggest game changing thing for me was when I started using a moisture meter to learn when the plant needed watering again and when to leave it alone for a few more days.
This is helpful because not all plants have the same watering needs. And not only does every plant type differ, but their size, planter and even time of year play factors as well. Watering on a schedule, isn’t always the best policy. In fact, I have learned it almost never is.
While your Snake Plants prefer to dry out for the most part between watering. Your ferns are pretty needy when it comes to watering and usually don’t appreciate letting the soil dry as much. The moisture meter will let you know how things are going inside the pot. Particularly towards the bottom, which is important information if your plant to prone to root rot. Fiddle Leaf Fig…I’m looking at you.
My first Fiddle Leaf Fig I way overwatered. Over and over. Eventually, it developed root rot, which I didn’t realize at the time. Once I started using a moisture meter and figured out the best watering practices, I decided to give a Fiddle Leaf Fig another try. Although picky…these are one of my favorites. And! I can finally keep them healthy and growing!
The other thing I realized with the moisture meter was my overwater tendencies were creating a haven for those super annoying gnats! Especially in my Rubber Tree pot. Once I started backing away from the watering can, it nearly eliminated those gross things.
Good Drainage
While we are on the topic of watering, the next game changer was making sure that pretty planter I picked out had drainage holes. The key to watering your plant is to give it a heavy, deep watering that soaks the soil. So that all of the roots for the whole plant get a good drink.
But sitting in stagnant water is not good. That water needs somewhere to go so it isn’t collecting in the bottom of your planter. Inevitably, the roots will get soggy and develop root rot, which can take out the whole plant.
If you just can’t resist that planter even though it doesn’t have any drainage holes, don’t worry. You still have a couple of options. You can pot your plant (or leave your plant) in one of those plastic containers that you likely bought it in. This way, you can pull it out and dump out the extra water.
Your other option is to drill holes yourself. Maybe easier said than done if you don’t have the proper tools. Before you try this one, I recommend watching a few “how-to” videos first so you don’t ruin that planter you had to have.
Food
Also, perhaps as equally important as light and water for a plant…is food. As with any living thing, plants needs certain nutrients to survive. Most purchased potting soils have some of these mixed in already. However, if you are going for any of those DIY mixes you can count any nutrients out.
Even if you are using a reputable potting soil, like Miracle Gro or something similar, overtime your plant will use up those nutrients and deplete its planter of any good food.
I use a liquid fertilizer with each watering, like this one. You can also check out my post about other ways to fertilize your plant. While this post was for Monstera in particular, it can be true for just about any house plant.
Aside from a regular liquid fertilizer, my favorite go to is an occasional banana water . Although mentioned in the post, I will tell you about it here as well. It is a super easy way to give a potassium treat for your favorite plants. All you do is hang on to that banana peel and drop it in a Mason Jar filled with water instead. Put a lid on it and let it set for a couple of days.
After that use that water as a concentrate and add a little to the watering can the next time you water. There is no particular dosage, I just try and spread the love among all of my plants.
Neem Oil
The other must have is Neem Oil. This is good for two main reasons. The first being it helps prevent pests. Spraying it directly on the soil is a good way to get rid of and prevent gnats. Spraying it on the leaves will help prevent other pests that could cause damage to your plant.
The main reason I started using this is when I realized that these guys need to be cleaned. This goes back to the lighting needs. When the leaves get dusty, it blocks out it’s ability to absorb sunlight. It is like trying to get a suntan while wearing a fuzzy sweater…not happening!
So once a month or so, I grab a microfiber cloth and neem oil and do a little dusting. Spraying it on the leaves and wiping them down. Plants in nature have Mother Nature to keep leaves clean and rinsed off each time it rains. But inside…not so much.
That Sums It Up
You got this! I hope you take these 5 tips and it helps you have growing, thriving, amazing houseplants. So grab your moisture meter, neem oil and fertilizer and pick your plant baby.
Do you have another great beginner tip to share? Let us hear them! Comment below.