Introducing our Plant Care Masterclass: Top 10 Tips!

Excited to level up your plant parenting game? Introducing our Plant Care Masterclass: Top 10 Tips!

1.​ ​Choose plants based on your light

Assess the natural light in your space to select the right plant. If unsure, begin by identifying the direction your windows face. In general, south-facing windows provide bright light, while east & west-facing windows offer moderate light & north-facing windows provide low light. Although most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, some, like snake plants & ZZ plants, can adapt to lower light levels

2.​ Pick plants that work with your schedule

New to plant care? Juggling work, social life, and occasional forgetfulness might lead to unintentional neglect of your plants. Not to fret, some plants can flourish in such circumstances. For those with a busy schedule, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant options like succulents, ZZ plants, or snake plants are perfect. Just make sure they get enough light (bright or low light as needed) to thrive while you're off on your next adventure If you're ready to commit time & effort to pamper your leafy pals & do your homework on their specific needs, you'll be all set to pick your green squad. Maybe an elegant orchid, a trendy fiddle leaf fig, or a fragrant gardenia could be your new plant besties!

3.​ ​Water with care

It is better to underwater plants than to overwater them to prevent root rot. Instead of following a fixed watering schedule, only water your plant when needed. Check the potting mix or soil is dry at least 2 inches deep before watering. If the soil is dark, moist, and sticks to your finger or a chopstick, the plant has enough water. The watering frequency changes throughout the year. Plants need less water in winter when growth is slower due to shorter days and less sunlight. If the soil dries quickly from heat or grow lights, more watering may be necessary. Signs of plants needing water include wilting leaves or soil pulling away from the container's sides. Warm water is absorbed better by plants. Direct water around the plant's base as plants absorb water through their roots, except for Epiphytes like air plants, which absorb water through their leaves. For planters with drainage holes, use a saucer underneath. After watering, let the plant soak up excess water in the saucer before draining it after a few hours.

4.​ ​Raise humidity levels when needed

Sticking to your plant's roots is the secret sauce to transforming your indoor greenery into a lush oasis. Here are some top tips from the plant whisperer: Tropical plants crave a steamy ambiance and love soaking in gentle sunlight. In the winter months, clustering similar plants together can generate a humid microclimate. Remember, a humidifier is like a luxurious spa retreat for your leafy companions. On the other hand, desert plants such as cacti and succulents thrive in that sizzling dry heat and basking in the sunshine.

5.​ ​Keep Temperatures Consistent

Nurture your leafy friends with a snug & steady environment. Plants are like drama queens when it comes to temperature! Make sure they're comfy between 65 & 85 degrees F, & watch out for those sneaky drafts lurking around doorways & vents that could give your green pals the shivers

6.​ ​Consider your pets and children

Do you have pets or children in your home? Consider if they are going to leave your plants alone or spill them or eat them. This will determine what kind of plants you can get and also where you can keep them. 

7.​ ​Shop from a reliable source

Buy your plants from a trusted source such as Garry’s Garden Gallery. Opting for a supplier with knowledgeable plant specialists ensures that your queries are addressed & that the plants have been well-maintained before you purchase them. Plants in department and grocery stores often suffer from neglect as the staff may lack the necessary expertise to care for them

8.​ Start with TLC

After bringing your plant home, allow it a couple of weeks to acclimate to its new surroundings. During this adjustment period, provide your plant with extra care as it familiarizes itself with the new environment. Moving to a different setting can be overwhelming for a plant, especially as it adapts to changes in light, humidity, and temperature. To minimize stress, consider keeping your plant in its grow pot for a bit longer. Start by placing your plant in its chosen location and let it settle in for around 3-4 weeks.

9.​ ​Don’t be scared to repot

Repotting doesn't always involve switching your plant to a new pot. Instead, sometimes it’s replacing the old soil with fresh potting mix to provide essential nutrients. If your plant has outgrown its current pot, it's time to repot. Opt for a pot only slightly larger, about 1 to 3 inches, than its current one. The goal is to give your plant room to grow without drowning in excess soil, which could lead to overwatering.

10.​ Keep drainage in mind

If you tend to overwater your plants, remember to consider drainage options. You can choose a planter with a drainage hole & saucer, place your plant in a grow pot inside another decorative planter (a cachepot), or place rocks or clay at the bottom of a planter without a hole (to allow excess water to flow away). Experiment and find the method that suits you best!