Houseplant FAQ

1. What plants are good for beginners?
   Some houseplants are more finicky than others, so if don’t have much experience with plants, we’ve got you covered! Good plants for beginners include Golden Pothos, Spider plants, Snake plants, ZZ plants, Chinese Evergreens, and Parlor Palms. Click here to read more about how to keep each plant its happiest.
   
   
2. How often should I water my houseplants?
   Your plant will tell you when it’s in need of a drink with its leaves. Yellow, brown, dull, shriveled, or droopy leaves are all signs of insufficient water intake. Instead of watering on a calendar basis, try to get a feel for each of your plants. Houseplants widely vary on their moisture tolerance, but a good rule of thumb is if the soil is dry a few inches from the top, it probably could use some water. Be sure to research your individual plant needs to find out how to water it best.
   
   
3. Am I overwatering?
   Most houseplants die because of excess watering rather than not getting enough water. Houseplants will typically show you when they’ve had too much. Depending on the plant, their leaves will turn brown, yellow, or become droopy. However these can also be signs of a plant that needs water, so be sure to check the soil. If it is moist and the plant itself is heavy, then you may have overwatered. If your plant has a tray underneath, be sure to check that it isn’t full of water, as this can cause the plant to rot. 
   
   
4. Can my plants thrive in artificial light? 
   All plants want sunlight, but if that isn’t an option for you don’t fret. Plants can handle artificial light as long as you’ve got the right bulbs. Most regular light bulbs emit green light, which isn’t helpful for your plants. When finding a bulb that suits your plant, check the Lumen count. If you have a plant that requires a lot of light, make sure your bulb has at least 3000 lumens. The higher the better. Grow lights are good options for those that don’t get a lot of natural light. They have automatic timers and emit colors like blue, red, orange, and blue-green, which are all great for plants. 
   
   
5. What plants can handle low-light conditions?
   If you don’t have good natural light in your home or have a darker corner that would be the perfect spot for your plant, there are some houseplants that can still grow, and even thrive in lower-lit conditions. Here are a few: Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans), Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura), and English Ivy (Hedera helix) are a few options. 
   
   
6. When should I repot my plant?
   You know it’s time for an upsize when your plant’s roots have grown out through your drainage hole or have become pot bound, which is when the roots have begun growing around the plant due to a lack of space. When you repot the plant, be sure to carefully tease apart the roots to allow your plant to maximize the amount of nutrients it intakes. If a pot bound plant is repotted without loosening the roots, it can cause the plant to become stressed. The best time to up-size a plant is during the spring, when your plant will have several months of good sunlight to become acquainted with its new home. 
   
   
7.  Do I need to fertilize my houseplant?
   Over time, a houseplants soil loses its nutrients, making fertilizer an essential part of your plant care routine.  For the first few applications of the fertilizer, apply it at half-strength to get your plant accustomed to it. Begin to fertilize your plants in late spring through early fall, the months with the longest days. During the summer is the time to keep your plants on a strict fertilization schedule. When using a liquid fertilizer, apply every two weeks to a month. Granular fertilizer should be used less frequently, every month or two. Plants do not undergo any kind of active growth in the winter, so avoid using fertilizers during the colder months. 
   
   
8. How do I deal with fungus gnats?
   Have you ever seen little black flies circulating your plants? These are called fungus gnats and can be annoying to deal with. They are attracted to the moisture in your plant's soil and when there is an infestation they will eat the plant roots. Sometimes, there really is nothing you can do about their presence, but we do have some tips for keeping them off your prized plants. One easy tip is to rake the top layer of your soil once or twice a week to prevent them from gathering. If you spot an infestation, spray the plant with neem oil to alleviate the issue. Visit our store to browse our plant supplements. 
   
   
9. Do I need a drain hole at the bottom of my pots?
   No matter what kind of plant you have, indoors or outdoors, it is crucial to have a drain hole at the bottom of your pots for their overall health. This keeps water from pooling at the bottom of the pot, which can cause a plethora of issues with bacteria and fungus. It also allows the plant roots to be properly aerated. We are happy to drill a drain hole in a pot from our store for you, free of cost.

If you have question about a plant in your collection, just give us a call and we are happy to help.