I started getting into houseplants about 4 years ago. I was sitting in my very old crappy apartment drinking wine, bored. I went on Buzzfeed and took a quiz to find out what my hobby should be. Low and behold it said succulents and I went out to buy some, then I moved on to houseplants and it’s been love ever since. I’ve had some great successes and some devastating lows but ultimately it’s become a nice hobby of mine. Since everyone has been getting into houseplants especially with quarantine I thought I’d share some things I’ve learned.
Less Is Better
I am a part of a few plant hoarder groups and very few of them have 60plus, why? Because it’s hard to take care of all of them! I had 40 before and it was a lot, so if you’re starting don’t think you need a ton considered a plant parent.
Bottom watering is better
I’m so glad I learned about bottom watering plants. I do miss drunkenly dancing around watering my plants with my vintage watering can but it’s so much quicker and my plants love it! They’re so much more hydrated and the soil doesn’t get a white mold on it anymore. All I do now is fill my tub ( yes I have that many plants ) and sit them in the water for around 30 minutes drain the water then I’m done! I love it.
Know Your Lighting
All because you place the plants outside and all because your plants receive a little or a lot of light does not mean they will thrive. You have to access your lighting situations for example my loving room has very low lighting, it can care for plants but not large tropical plants (aka the one’s I want to fill my house) so I have my ZZ plants, peace lily, snake plants there they don’t need the light and look interesting
Do Your Research
I’m not going to lie, when I first started I just grabbed what I liked and I killed so many plants during that time. While I can’t say I stop in the middle of the store and dig through google I do look in the plants I’m less familiar with to get a better idea of what I’m working with so I don’t kill it right away.
Everyone Cares For Plants Differently
All because you see someone doing something on Instagram doesn’t mean you have to do it too. Find out what works well for you and your plants. You don’t have to wipe your plants weekly nor do you need the most expensive humidifier. Just do your best and your plants will thank you.
