How to Master Plant Care in 8 Easy Steps šæ
- Unknown"Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years."
- **If youāre looking for a sign to become a plant parent, here it is! **I was the girl who could never keep a plant alive, and only after four years of learning and growing (literally), Iām a proud plant mom to over 30 varieties, and now sell my plant babies online! My journey from serial plant killer to green thumb was filled with trial and error & lots of spending... but yours doesn't have to!
I will be sharing my 8 budget-friendly steps to mastering plant care. So if youāre ready to turn your home into a green oasis, letās get growing! šŖ“
Step 1: Start Safe!
My plant journey truly took off when I avoided high-maintenance plants like succulents and opted for easy-to-care-for plants like Pothos. These low-maintenance houseplants were lifesavers, surviving even when I forgot to water them for two weeks (...oopsš³). Starting with forgiving and resilient plants gave me the confidence to keep going.
Check out your local Home Depot or Loweās nursery, or order online to receive live plants overnight!
The links below are the best deals based on both quality and priceĀ
-amazon link to pothos
walmart:Ā
Step 2: Get the lighting right!
If your home has good lighting (you lucky duck!), place your plant in a spot where it can get bright but indirect light to avoid burnt leaf edges.
- North-facing windows = low light š¤ļø
- South-facing windows = bright light š
If you, however, live in a home with poor natural light like myself, investing in a grow light is a game-changer. These come in aesthetic setups, or just regular individual bulbs for your existing lamps.Ā
Here are my top picks:
amazon small and big options:Ā
Target:
Link mini garden
Step 3: Use the Right Potting Soil
Store-bought soil often isn't the best as they donāt invest in high-quality soil. Repotting can prevent pests and root rot. I usually repot when I see roots growing out of the drainage holes. The best soil should drain well.Ā
Hereās my simple mix:
- 50% Miracle Gro Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Soil
- 50% Miracle Gro Perlite
Soil links:Ā
Perlite links
- Already mixed for cheaper amazon link
Step 4: Donāt Overwater
Watering was tricky for me at first. For my plants, I now water only when the soil surface is dry to avoid root rot. Rule of thumb: Bottom water the plant every 10 days and adjust as needed.
A moisture meter can help take the guesswork out of watering but is completely optional. Remember, I promised weād be on a budget, so if you decide to go for one, try this 3-in-1 moisture meter: Amazon LinkĀ
Step 5: Ensure Proper Drainage
Ensure your plant is in a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Use a 4-inch pot for small plants and a 6-inch pot for larger ones. There are affordable options that make bottom watering easy and include built-in drainage too!
Walmart cool water absorptionĀ
**Step 6: Keep Temperatures Stable**
Maintain stable temperatures between 65-85Ā°F, this is key (your home is likely already in this range, donāt stress it). The most common reason for plants dying in my experience is moisture loss, so keep plants away from air conditioning vents to prevent moisture loss and maintain humidity.
**Step 7: Organize with Racks and Shelves**
A dedicated plant area with racks or shelves helped me maximize space and keep organized in my small apartment home. Setting up a plant corner was a fun and therapeutic project. I now also use a grow tent for my larger collection (and to keep them safe from my cats).
Aesthetic works indoors and outdoors large: link
**Step 8: Prune Regularly**
Using pruners to trim overgrown leaves and stems is essential, especially with fast-growing plants (oh boy, will the pothos grow!). These pruners have stayed sharp for five years now and are perfect for making cuttings without bruising the stem. Use extra pots to plant the cuttings and share the love by gifting them to friends or family.Ā
Whether it's for pruning or sharing, you'll love these pruners. I havenāt tried any other brands because I never needed to!
If you take anything away from the tips above, itās to not stress it. Plants are meant to relieve your stress and create a therapeutic environment in your home. Take it easy, and trust the process. Happy planting! š±
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn
I will be sharing my 8 budget-friendly steps to mastering plant care. So if youāre ready to turn your home into a green oasis, letās get growing! šŖ“
Step 1: Start Safe!
My plant journey truly took off when I avoided high-maintenance plants like succulents and opted for easy-to-care-for plants like Pothos. These low-maintenance houseplants were lifesavers, surviving even when I forgot to water them for two weeks (...oopsš³). Starting with forgiving and resilient plants gave me the confidence to keep going.
Check out your local Home Depot or Loweās nursery, or order online to receive live plants overnight!
The links below are the best deals based on both quality and priceĀ
-amazon link to pothos
walmart:Ā
Step 2: Get the lighting right!
If your home has good lighting (you lucky duck!), place your plant in a spot where it can get bright but indirect light to avoid burnt leaf edges.
- North-facing windows = low light š¤ļø
- South-facing windows = bright light š
If you, however, live in a home with poor natural light like myself, investing in a grow light is a game-changer. These come in aesthetic setups, or just regular individual bulbs for your existing lamps.Ā
Here are my top picks:
amazon small and big options:Ā
Target:
Link mini garden
Step 3: Use the Right Potting Soil
Store-bought soil often isn't the best as they donāt invest in high-quality soil. Repotting can prevent pests and root rot. I usually repot when I see roots growing out of the drainage holes. The best soil should drain well.Ā
Hereās my simple mix:
- 50% Miracle Gro Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Soil
- 50% Miracle Gro Perlite
Soil links:Ā
Perlite links
- Already mixed for cheaper amazon link
Step 4: Donāt Overwater
Watering was tricky for me at first. For my plants, I now water only when the soil surface is dry to avoid root rot. Rule of thumb: Bottom water the plant every 10 days and adjust as needed.
A moisture meter can help take the guesswork out of watering but is completely optional. Remember, I promised weād be on a budget, so if you decide to go for one, try this 3-in-1 moisture meter: Amazon LinkĀ
Step 5: Ensure Proper Drainage
Ensure your plant is in a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Use a 4-inch pot for small plants and a 6-inch pot for larger ones. There are affordable options that make bottom watering easy and include built-in drainage too!
Walmart cool water absorptionĀ
**Step 6: Keep Temperatures Stable**
Maintain stable temperatures between 65-85Ā°F, this is key (your home is likely already in this range, donāt stress it). The most common reason for plants dying in my experience is moisture loss, so keep plants away from air conditioning vents to prevent moisture loss and maintain humidity.
**Step 7: Organize with Racks and Shelves**
A dedicated plant area with racks or shelves helped me maximize space and keep organized in my small apartment home. Setting up a plant corner was a fun and therapeutic project. I now also use a grow tent for my larger collection (and to keep them safe from my cats).
Aesthetic works indoors and outdoors large: link
**Step 8: Prune Regularly**
Using pruners to trim overgrown leaves and stems is essential, especially with fast-growing plants (oh boy, will the pothos grow!). These pruners have stayed sharp for five years now and are perfect for making cuttings without bruising the stem. Use extra pots to plant the cuttings and share the love by gifting them to friends or family.Ā
Whether it's for pruning or sharing, you'll love these pruners. I havenāt tried any other brands because I never needed to!
If you take anything away from the tips above, itās to not stress it. Plants are meant to relieve your stress and create a therapeutic environment in your home. Take it easy, and trust the process. Happy planting! š±
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn