Having plants in your house is a great way to bring nature indoors and boost your mood. Here are some tips and tricks to keep them alive and get the most enjoyment from them.
I grew up with plants. My Grandmother had plants all throughout her home. She even had a special shelf with an east facing window where there were always beautiful succulents and violets blooming.
I enjoy sharing my plant knowledge with others and have learned a lot over the years through trial and error. It brings me great joy to visit local garden centres to peruse house plants, succulents and even air plants. Supporting local is always a great suggestion here and benefits people in your community. There always seems to be something new. A pop of green in an otherwise dull corner makes all the difference in your home.
Scroll through the tips that follow to help you keep your plants thriving and blooming.
I started adding a watering schedule to my phone. Every week I get a little reminder to give my plants some attention and that much needed water. Even if I don’t water them on that specific day, I can do it the next day and keep to a schedule.
I also have a watering can that I keep beside my plants that I add any extra water to from the week. Extra water from a water bottle that I didn’t drink – add it to the watering can. A cup of water that a family member left on the coffee table – add it to the watering can. You get the idea. This provides intention for providing my plants with the much needed water that they need and also repurposes extra water rather than throwing it down the drain.
Another trick that took me a long time to learn was to not be afraid to repot a plant. The roots of plants grow and fill up the space of the container they are in. Plants are so happy when you repot them and give them more room to spread out and grow their roots in fresh new soil. Think of it a little like needing to go up the next size of shoe for your growing toddler.
Moving around a plant to find the perfect spot is also important. Figure out where it likes to be best. We had a plant in our dining room and I decided to move it to our sun filled south facing bedroom and it has easily doubled in size in a very short time. It is much happier in it’s new home.
This last tip has been inspired by watching ‘The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey and Jo’ on the Magnolia Network. She encourages you to use vessels and containers that you already have on hand. Also, finding vessels or containers at reuse shops or antique places. This is a really creative way to give a vessel a second chance and have a one of a kind container. I like to use old crocks to place my plants in. I finally decided that I should be enjoying them around my house instead of hiding them in the basement and not using them.
I hope these tips inspire you to add more green to your life, and love your plants.