What are some things you wish you had known when you first started your plant journey? I really wish someone had explained to me when I bought my first three plants that watering isn’t one size fits-all it depends on things like light, temperature, humidity, the type of soil, the pot material, and even the size of the pot. Unfortunately, I ended up overwatering my first two money trees, but luckily I was able to save the third one and now, I have about 40 happy ladies! 😊💚
Drainage holes lol my mom had plants in the house growing up and they did great but none had drainage holes
1 like Oh wow, you’re so right! I honestly don’t know how my mom managed to keep her plants alive without any drainage holes…seriously, lol!
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In general, I greatly underestimated how much light plants need to be healthy and push strong growth when I first started. Getting a foot candle meter and grow lights was a game changer for me. Most Tropicals need some kind of chunky soil mix. Store bought mix is too dense right off the shelf. I avoid Miracle grow brand at all costs. Both times I’ve used that soil was followed by fungus gnats everywhere. Fungus gnat control. Skip the home remedies and just get beneficial nematodes or BT drops. Apply with every watering.
1 like I recently found out that Miracle Gro isn’t the best soil for indoor plants. I really wish I had known that before I repotted a few of mine a couple of months ago.
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I wish that I understood the wonders of semi hydro earlier in my journey. I've moved several plants to this medium and I find the care sooooo much easier. That and that misting is really not required. Maybe it's better, but for the effort and the benefits you get... (Beyond a few specific plants) not worth it imo!
1 like I’m not sure why some people and websites talk about the importance of misting. I personally didn’t see a benefit but rather a stressful to remember which plant needed to be mist.
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I know this is kind of dumb but all plants need light. I didn’t know this when I got my first plants and just assumed when I looked them up and it said they don’t need much light they still do need light. I would put plants 6 feet away from windows giving them barely enough light then not knowing why they would die was very difficult for me at the time. For anyone reading this please don’t put plants in the dark or shade no matter what google says indirect light at the least.
1 like Same here! when starting out, the importance of light was understood, but the specific amount needed for proper growth was unclear.
1 likeMy mom is very into horticulture, so I've been into plants from birth, but some of my favorite bits of tried and true wisdom: •rough up the soil edges when planting anything so the roots have places to go •invest in the right kind of dirt •you'll kill about three of any species before you figure out its care •there are several categories of plant and some will work better with your instincts than others (i apparently like watering things, so succulents are my weak spot) •I've found it very helpful to look up the wild conditions each species would normally grow in •try the "difficult" species you love. It may take several attempts, but it's worth it
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Sweet; I have one more shot with fittonia 😅
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