Top 3 Plant Parenthood Mistakes (as seen in our shop)
Updated: Sep 7
We have been at this for just about three years now in our brick-and-mortar location at 14 West Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood. During this time, we've seen trends come and go. However, a few misunderstandings keep popping up when our clients bring in plants that need repotting or are declining.
Common Misunderstandings About Plant Care
The first misunderstanding is using a vessel without drainage and directly potting your plant into that. Why is this a problem? Not having drainage requires you to be very precise in your watering. It can lead to fungus gnats, and water can accumulate, growing bacteria and mold. This can cause serious problems for your plants.
Those types of vessels are called "cachepots," which is French for 'hide the pot.' They are designed for what's called "drop-in potting" or pot-in-a-pot. You leave your plant in the nursery pot it was grown in at the grower (these pots have several drainage holes and are lightweight and non-porous) and drop that into the cachepot or cover pot. Watering is done outside of the cover pot. Once the water has drained from the nursery pot, you can put it back into the cover pot.
The Importance of Deep Watering
Probably the second most common issue we see is not watering deeply enough. Watering in only small amounts means you need to water frequently (ain't nobody got time for that!) and encourages shallow root growth. For a more robust root system, water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain freely out of drainage holes. This should be done even for cacti, succulents, snake plants, ZZ plants, and other plants that like to dry out. The trick is to let them dry out almost completely before doing this. Then, you don't do it again until they are dry down to the bottom of their soil.
Overwatering means too frequent watering, not too large a quantity of water (provided your plant has ample drainage).
Basic Plant Maintenance
I would say the third most common issue is neglecting to do basic plant maintenance. People often comment to us, "Oh, your plants are so beautiful and healthy!" Yours can look like that too with a little extra attention, and it doesn't have to be a major time commitment. One of my favorite things to say (and I mean it) is that you can do this over your morning cup of coffee a few times a month.
Simple Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks you can do:
Spray the leaves with a non-toxic all-purpose leaf cleaner (such as We The Wild "Protect" with Neem oil). This is not a pest treatment per se, but it contains Neem, which is in a pest preventative concentration, and lemon myrtle, which is antifungal. It also removes dust and debris so that leaves can more easily do their job.
Cut or pinch off any leaves that have significant damage, as well as any leaves that are aging out.
Remove any spent blossoms or sheaths (like cataphylls on philodendrons) as they've done their job. Removing them will give a cleaner appearance, improve airflow, and deter bacteria or fungus if they start to rot.
PRUNE your plants! Regular pruning encourages new and more robust growth. It also keeps plants from becoming unwieldy and prevents tipping. Plus, it improves air circulation, which helps prevent fungus gnats.
The Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants do more than just look pretty. They can improve air quality, boost your mood, and create a sense of peace in your home. Imagine sipping your morning coffee surrounded by lush greenery. It's a simple pleasure that can make your day a little brighter!
Bringing Plants into Your Home
If you're new to plant parenting, start with easy-to-care-for plants. Consider pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants. These resilient beauties can thrive in various conditions and are perfect for beginners.
Connect with Us
Reach out to us if you would like to purchase the Protect spray that we sell in-shop (we are also happy to ship to you) or if you have any questions about maintaining your specific plants. A little time and attention goes a long way.
By understanding these common misunderstandings and incorporating simple maintenance tasks, you can create a thriving indoor garden. Let's make your home a serene and healthy space filled with the joy of indoor plants!
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