We’ve all been there before – you find the perfect, most adorable new plant at your local or online plant store, bring it home (or get it delivered), give it a new home in the most perfect planter, and then it just… stops looking perfect. Here’s how to keep your plants looking as great as they did in the store.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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- Read the instructions – Plants usually come with all the information you need to keep them happy. Unfortunately we tend to pull out those little plastic inserts and throw them away. Try taking a photo of the instructions and save to a dedicated plant journal or photo folder. We often tend to underestimate how much light a plant needs or overestimate how much it is getting in our homes.
- Fertilize – Potted plants must be fertilized in order to grow.
- Make sure it has drainage – Try to use a pot with a drainage hole and saucer. If you absolutely must have a pot without drainage, try to have the store pot your plant for you, as they will use the proper amounts of rock and soil to allow drainage. Otherwise, ask the store to guide you to the correct potting materials.
- Pot correctly – If you are repotting, consider whether the pot drains as aforementioned, and ensure you have the correct soil (standard vs. cactus soil) and make sure you allowing enough room for the plant to grow.
- Prune
- Deadhead
- Don’t be afraid to remove underperforming leaves
- Dust – Buildup of dust can block sunlight absorption and lead to mite infestation. Gently dust leaves with a damp cloth or better yet, give your plants a weekly shower.
Shop Some of Our Favorite Online Plant Stores
Grow-How Kit, $75
Designed for adults and children alike, the set includes a small Bloomscape Philodendron Heartleaf plant, a Speckl propagation kit, downloadable plant coloring cards, and an exclusive plant care workshop led by Plant Mom Joyce Mast and her grandchildren. Bloomscape is donating $20 from each sale of their Grow-How Kit to Detroit Prep.
The Shelfie Set, $60
A cute pair of plants hand potted in a 5″ terracotta planter. These plant varieties thrive in low to medium light, making them perfect for a #shelfie (literally). Both the Marble Green Pothos and Philodendron Green are quick growing, yet low maintenance, trailing plants that eventually cascade their way down the sides of their planters.
