8 houseplant lessons I learned the hard way
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As of Monday, Kristal's houseplant collection stands at 63. Photo: Kristal Dixon/Axios
I've spent five years building my houseplant collection — or hoard, depending on the year.
Flashback: After seeing my sister and a former coworker show off their plant care skills on social media, I went to Pike Nursery and left with some beginner-friendly plants.
- Since then, I've picked up a few tips and learned some hard truths about houseplants:
1. Isolate your new plants. Looking back, I cringe at how I would buy a new plant and place it right next to the ones I already have. It's a great way to introduce pests to your collection.
- Now, new plants go in my guest bathroom for at least a week, which allows me to monitor them for pests and how they react to their new environment.
2. Bottom watering rules. Bottom watering helps the roots really soak up water and dramatically cuts down on fungus gnats.
- Speaking of fungus gnats, adding Summit's mosquito bits or dunks to your plant water is a game changer.
- Fill 4-5 tea bags with mosquito bits, drop them in a 5-gallon bucket and fill the bucket with water. Cover and wait 24 hours before using.
- Your water will smell awful, but it's worth it.
3. Buy grow lights. Remember learning about photosynthesis in school? That applies to houseplants.
4. Don't buy that plant right now. Yes, I know you're in love, but we don't rush into things just based on emotions. (Now if I come across a monstera lechleriana, I will ignore my own advice.)
- This comes from someone who at one point owned about 140 houseplants (we listen and we don't judge).
- Too many plants could increase your chances of getting pests.
5. Stick with plants that are best for your environment. Plants like ferns and calatheas require higher-than-normal humidity for them to thrive.
- My hot take: They aren't worth the high maintenance. As I've said before, calatheas are pretty, but they will break your heart every time.
6. Some plants just die. This may be controversial because I know there are some people who believe that any plant can live as long as you do everything right. Nah. Plants are living creatures and are also subject to sudden deaths.
7. Download a plant care app. These apps help you keep track of when you last watered your plants, and when they need to be cleaned and fertilized.
8. Toss that plant. If that plant is stressing you out or not bringing you joy, then get rid of it.