5 Things To Do Before Bringing Home Your New Houseplant
August 7, 2020There’s just something about bringing home a new houseplant that brings forth feelings of hope and possibility. On one hand, a lot of us would most likely be imagining how that new rubber plant or cactus would be beautifying our living room or our desks. On the other hand, most if not all of us would probably be making this silent and solemn promise to take care of our new plant babies to the best of our abilities as the memory of that old shriveled ivy lurks in the back of our minds.
As exciting as it may be, bringing home a new houseplant shouldn’t be without consideration. A little research and a little preparation would prevent you from losing yet another plant buddy. Here are some things you should be doing before introducing a new houseplant to you
1. Check In With Your Housemates
If you live with somebody, better make sure that they’re on board with bringing another living thing that needs care into your home or apartment. Ask them if they’re willing to help you take care of it or if they’re willing to take over when you’re not at home.
If you have kids around, be careful of where you place your new plant. Aside from knocking over the pot, curious little kids can start digging through the soil or even ripping out the leaves of your fresh new plant. Consider avoiding easy to dig through floor standing plants and breakable pots and try opting for trailing or smaller plants you can place on out of reach places instead.
Lastly, don’t forget your pets. Some plants are poisonous to cats and dogs and even just a small nibble can make them sick. So while choosing your plant, check or ask around about it and make sure it’s harmless for your pupper or little kitty.
2. Make Sure You’re Committed Enough
Plants may be a lot less maintenance than pets but they need just as much care. So before getting yourself a new plant, consider your schedule and how you’ve been dealing with it lately. If you’re always running around and barely spend enough time at home, maybe consider holding off getting a new plant. If not, stick with the most low-maintenance and easy-to-care-for plants. Take a snake plant, cactus, or spider plant for instance. These are tough plants that can survive even if you forget to water them occasionally.
3. Consider the Sunlight Each Room Gets
A good tip to find the right plant for you to get is to consider where you’ll be placing your new plant. Are you placing it in a sunny living room, a shady corner, or a low-light bathroom? Once you’ve picked out a spot, you can choose what plant to get based on just how much light they need to thrive.
4. Get Quality Potting Soil
Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants have very limited sources of nutrients. That’s why investing in high-quality potting soil is vital for the survival and growth of your new plant. You’ll want it to be full of nutrients and with a little blend of fertilizer if possible. If it doesn’t have fertilizer, you have to make a routine of fertilizing your house plant on your own.
In addition to the potting soil, make sure that your plant also has ample drainage. Make sure your pot has a draining hole. And don’t forget to place a saucer underneath to prevent leaks on your floor. Placing a layer of rocks or pebbles on the bottom of the pot before packing in your soil can also help prevent root rot.
5. Consider the Humidity of Your Home
Keep the humidity of your home in mind when choosing which plant to get. Some plants flourish with some moisture in the air while some prefer it to be a little dryer. If you’re set on a certain plant that doesn’t match your home’s current humidity, investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier can often do the trick. Misting the plant often can also do the trick.
