Kind Plant Care
How not to be a plant killer.
Loving a good murder podcast or true crime show doesn't mean your indoor garden must reflect that theme. Rest assured, you don't have a black thumb, nor are you a plant grim reaper; change is possible! Let's get savvy about keeping your plants alive.
Alarms can be a helpful tool. When you're managing multiple tasks, it's easy to overlook watering your plants if it hasn't become a habit yet. Setting a recurring weekly alarm is a useful way to remind yourself to water and nourish your plants.
Drench watering is an easy method because you only need to do it once a week, and it you have succulents or orchids, you probably only need to do it every 10-14 days. The easiest way to tell if it’s time to water is when the soil in your pot is dry to the touch. The size of your pot will determine how much water you should give your plant.
Drench watering means to completely soak your plant’s soil to the point of runoff. After your plant has soaked up as much as it can, drain off the excess water from the drainage tray. If done properly, your plants will only need to be checked for moisture once a week and may not need to be watered as often as you might think.
Ensuring your plants receive adequate light is crucial. The informative tag accompanying your plant from the nursery indicates whether it requires abundant light, moderate light, or can thrive in diffused lighting. Knowing the orientation of your windowsill is key to selecting the appropriate plant for your indoor garden's conditions. Thus, while an ornata plant may be appealing, it might not suit your specific lighting situation.
Regular watering is crucial for your plants, but don't forget about fertilization. (Check out our fantastic option under the fertilizer tab ;)) Your new plant arrived from the garden center or nursery with enough nutrients in the soil to last about a month after leaving the greenhouse. However, with consistent watering, these nutrients diminish over time, making it necessary to think about additional supplementation.
Fertilizers will have some very important information on the front of the package, and it doesn’t have to be Greek to you! Look on the front of the package and find that series of three numbers; it should say something like 20-20-20, 15-30-15, 9-3-6, 10-10-10, etc. That’s your NPK number, or the balance and the three primary nutrients your plants need: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Quality fertilizers will also tell you if they’re blended for foliage plants or fruiting plants or blooming flowers—or if it’s an all–purpose solution for you to use on anything.
The key to using fertilizer is to do so without a heavy hand. If you over apply your fertilizer and give your plant too much love, you’re going to see some damage and it will take a minute to recover. Imagine sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner, and the cook was heavy handed and over salted everything, including the pumpkin pie. Not very tasty, and you sure aren’t going to eat very much. If you do, you will most likely not be feeling well for a few days! Blech.
And really, using less fertilizer is what our folks are all about. You can use half the rate of the fertilizer you choose if you supplement with a few drops of Evofactor so that your N-P-K gets to where it needs to go in the root system and plant tissue.
Once you’re on a regular feeding and watering routine, you should see your plants grow bit-by-bit by putting on more leaves, seeing new growth emerge, and slowly start filling out your pot.
When you start to see your plants outgrow their current pot size, or when your soil starts to look a little lackluster, you’ll need to consider repotting your plants. What do we mean by lackluster? A couple times a year, you may notice that your soil doesn’t seem to be absorbing the water like it used to. Maybe the water runs right through to your drainage tray, or maybe the soil seems to be drying out more quickly between waterings. That means it’s time to hit the garden center or nursery for new potting soil and give your plant a little TLC in the form of new growing media that retains the nutrients you’re loving on it with.
When you’re ready for repotting, we’ve got some good advice from the pros to help you out.
In the meantime, your scheduled plant maintenance plan should have your indoor plants looking fab. The same logic follows for your outdoor gardens. The only difference is you’ll have to work with Mother Nature’s whims to determine your watering schedule. You’ll need to water and fertilize more in the spring and summer months than in cooler temperatures. And, depending on what you’re putting down in your flower beds or vegetable garden will determine frequency and amount.
-PK
Signs That Your Plants Need Repotting
Plants are designed to grow, and certain signs indicate when a houseplant has outgrown its pot and requires repotting.
Visible roots emerging from the pot's bottom or the plant appearing significantly larger than its container are clear signals to prepare a larger pot and new potting soil for repotting.
The frequency of repotting varies with the plant species and growth rate. Many tropical houseplants, for instance, prefer their pots to be snug and may not need repotting for years. Conversely, some fast-growing plants might need to be repotted annually.
This guide provides an overview of the obvious signs that it's time to repot a plant, the repotting process, and additional tips for successful repotting.
Visible roots emerging from the bottom of the pot indicate that they are seeking space beyond the pot's confines. Roots may grow through the drainage holes (check by lifting the pot) or start to show above the soil line. A pot filled with roots suggests the plant may be root-bound, even if the roots aren't visible.
If water isn't draining after watering, it means the soil is too compacted, hindering healthy root growth. In such cases, the soil should be replaced with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Leaf drop in plants can have many causes. If overwatering, underwatering, and disease are ruled out, and the plant has been potted for a long time, the soil may be depleted of nutrients, or the plant could be root-bound.
A plant that looks disproportionate to its pot may have inadequate soil and space for further root development. A plant that's too large for its pot can also become top-heavy and prone to falling over.
When a plant ceases to grow, especially during its typical growth season, it may require repotting to rejuvenate and continue growing.
5 houseplants you can propagate easily – DIY Instructions
The joy of growing your own plants is unparalleled, whether you're sowing seeds for a fruitful harvest or propagating greenery. The process of observing new life sprout and flourish is deeply rewarding, and it's even more satisfying when it's done without any cost.
For novices, it's recommended to begin with houseplant propagation. Given the recent boom in indoor gardening, you likely have a couple of houseplants already.
As your saplings mature, you can decorate your space with them or share them with loved ones. Gifting plants is a wonderful way to spread the love for gardening and inspire others to start propagating.
We've handpicked five of the simplest plants to enhance your indoor oasis and detailed three propagation techniques – cuttings, division, and offsets.
Before beginning, make sure to sterilize your cutting instruments, like pruning shears or scissors, to prevent transmitting diseases or bacteria to the new or mother plant. A sharp tool is essential for a clean cut.
Pothos
The Pothos plant is a versatile and fast-growing houseplant, perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any room. It thrives as a climbing or hanging plant, and I've seen its lively leaves cascade beautifully down a wardrobe, enlivening a simple guest bedroom. It's also a great choice for bathrooms, as it loves humidity.
For those who prefer a neater look, Pothos can be easily trimmed to maintain a more compact shape. And don't worry if you trim too much; these plants are quite forgiving and will regrow quickly.
What's more, Pothos plants are incredibly easy to propagate using stem cuttings. Here's how to do it:
1. Cut a stem just below a leaf node, which is the small bump where a leaf emerges from the stem. A 45° angle cut increases the area for root growth.
2. Make sure your cutting has 3 to 4 nodes, as this is where the new roots will sprout.
3. Strip off the lower leaves but leave a few at the top.
4. Submerge the nodes in fresh water in a clear container like a jam jar, which lets you watch the roots develop. Change the water if it gets cloudy.
5. Roots will begin to appear in a few weeks.
6. When the roots reach 2-3 inches, plant the cutting in a pot with drainage holes filled with well-draining soil.
7. Water the new plant and place it in a bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight.
8. Keep an eye on the soil moisture for the first few weeks to ensure it stays hydrated.
Snake Plant
Houseplants that are easy to care for and can tolerate occasional neglect are highly valued. Snake plants are a prime example of such low-maintenance houseplants. I own one that flourishes on the sunny windowsill of my restroom, but they can also thrive in less bright environments.
The advantage of snake plants is their self-sufficiency. While writing this article, I can look over at my plant and notice the 'pups' sprouting beside the main plant.
A 'pup' is an offshoot or a new plant that emerges from the horizontal roots just beneath the surface of the soil. Once these 'pups' have established their own roots, they can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into a separate pot to grow on their own.
Here are the steps to follow in Propagating a Snake Plant:
1. Take the plant out of its pot. If indoors, lay down a protective sheet to collect any soil.
2. Carefully separate a pup from the main plant, ensuring to disentangle the roots gently. If the roots are entwined, you might need to snip them with a clean pair of pruning shears.
3. Transfer the pup into a new pot with drainage holes, using a sandy potting mix like one for cacti.
4. Place the new plant in a location similar to where the parent plant was and water it consistently.
Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus, a beloved holiday plant, flourishes indoors during the winter, making it perfect for propagation and gifting during the festive season.
Contrary to its name, the Christmas cactus is not a desert dweller. It originates from tropical rainforests and prefers the warmth and high humidity of its native habitat.
Propagating a Christmas cactus is straightforward. For optimal results, start with a plant that is not budding. Notably, Christmas cacti feature leaf segments, not typical leaves, which informs the method of taking stem cuttings.
To propagate:
1. Gently pinch and twist at the joint to detach a stem that is 3-4 segments in length. Longer stems may topple over before rooting.
2. Bury half of the first segment in the soil and moisten with a damp potting mix. You can plant multiple stems in one pot, spacing them an inch or two apart.
For the best growth, position the pot in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist without letting it dry out.
String of hearts
The String of Hearts is an exquisite choice for those seeking a dainty plant. Its cascading vines, adorned with petite, heart-shaped leaves, make it a charming addition to any shelf, windowsill, or hanging basket. For those who fancy a splash of color, the Variegated String of Hearts, with its pink and silver hues, is especially enchanting.
Propagating this plant is most effectively done through stem cuttings, which can be rooted in water or soil.
To propagate a String of Hearts using water:
1. Snip a 3-4 inch segment ensuring it has at least two internodes (the segments between nodes).
2. Strip the lower leaves off the cutting and submerge the bare end in room temperature water.
3. Place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
4. Refresh the water every 3-5 days until roots develop.
5. Once rooted, transfer the cutting to a pot filled with damp potting soil.
Chinese money plant
The Chinese money plant, aptly named for its coin-like leaves, has a graceful silhouette.
Its ease of propagation has earned it the moniker of the sharing or friendship plant, and it's always a hit.
Propagating the Chinese money plant is similar to the snake plant, through division. Offshoots sprout from the mother plant’s roots or the stem's nodes after leaf drop.
To propagate:
1. Use a sharp knife or shears to unearth the roots, then sever the main root a few inches beneath the soil.
2. Nestle the cutting in a pot with drainage, using nutrient-rich soil mixed with perlite for better drainage.
3. Place in bright light, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. My plant flourished when relocated to a sunny windowsill.
For direct soil planting, after step 1, dip the cutting's end in rooting hormone before planting.
If propagation doesn't succeed at first, don't lose heart. While some attempts may falter, the triumphs and the joy of sharing this skill are far more rewarding.