Plant Care Guide
Everything you need to know to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Plant Care Basics
Master these fundamentals and watch your plants flourish.
Watering
Most houseplants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Check the top inch of soil - if it's dry, it's time to water. Overwatering is the #1 killer of houseplants!
Light
Different plants have different light needs. Bright indirect light works for most plants. Avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves, and low light which causes leggy growth.
Temperature
Most houseplants thrive between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep them away from drafts, heating vents, and air conditioning units for best results.
Humidity
Tropical plants love humidity! Group plants together, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier to increase moisture in the air during dry months.
Soil & Potting
Use well-draining potting mix and pots with drainage holes. Repot when roots start coming out of drainage holes or growth slows significantly.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce or stop feeding in fall/winter when growth slows.
Common Problems & Solutions
Troubleshoot issues before they become serious.
Yellow leaves can indicate several issues: overwatering (most common), underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging. Check your watering schedule first - let soil dry between waterings. If the problem persists, consider fertilizing or checking for root rot.
Brown tips often indicate low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Increase humidity around your plant, maintain a regular watering schedule, and flush the soil occasionally with distilled water.
Drooping can mean your plant is thirsty or overwatered. Check the soil moisture. If dry, water thoroughly. If wet, let it dry out and check for root rot. Some plants also droop temporarily after repotting - this is normal.
When plants stretch toward light and become sparse, they need more light. Move to a brighter location or supplement with grow lights. You can prune leggy growth to encourage bushier development.
For fungus gnats, let soil dry out more between waterings and use sticky traps. For spider mites, increase humidity and wipe leaves with neem oil solution. Isolate infected plants to prevent spread. Regular inspection is key to early detection.
Root rot is caused by overwatering. Signs include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell from soil. Remove plant from pot, trim dead roots, let healthy roots dry, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Water less frequently going forward.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Adjust your care routine throughout the year.
Spring
Resume fertilizing, increase watering, repot if needed
Summer
Peak growth - water more, fertilize regularly, watch for pests
Fall
Reduce watering & fertilizing, bring outdoor plants inside
Winter
Minimal watering, no fertilizer, increase humidity, avoid cold drafts
Need More Help?
Our plant experts are here to help! Reach out with any questions about your plants.