How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy
We all want thriving (and surviving) indoor plants! Here’s how to do it.
Okay, I have a confession: Even as a landscape designer who works with thousands of plants a year, I still kill one sometimes! Yep, even those of us with our hands in the dirt all week long still find ourselves with a plant or two that ends up dead. Sometimes there isn’t much you can do, but often a little preventive medicine will keep your plants perky and on this side of the dirt! Houseplants can be a great addition to your home—especially during the cold weather we’re, ahem, enjoying right now—and with the tips below, you can help keep them in tip-top shape!
Water Time
Watering houseplants sounds like such a simple task, but it can actually be so complicated! When do you water? How much do you water? A good rule of thumb is to water your indoor plants when the soil is completely dry. Most houseplants abhor wet feet, so make sure the soil dries out completely in between. Overwatering can kill your plants, so to ensure even watering and avoid flooding your roots, use ice cubes! I recommend four to eight ice cubes every three to four weeks for most houseplants, depending on their size.
Tea Time
This isn’t the cup-and-crumpets kind—I love making eggshell tea for my plants! It gives them much-needed calcium for growth. Some people crush up eggshells and put them directly into the soil, but making a “tea” out of the shells helps plants absorb the calcium faster. Boil crushed eggshells in a large pot for five minutes. Then, let the water steep overnight. You can save and water plants periodically, or you can freeze the tea and use it over several months. This healthy drink will give your greens a big boost!
Bath Time
Epsom salts are wonderful for your plants, as they help improve blooming florals and keep leaves bright and green! However, too much salt can be fatal. Keep the dosage low, and mix one to two tablespoons of Epsom salts per gallon of water. You can then water your plants every couple of weeks as needed. Some plants, like my favorite maidenhair fern, like to absorb water through their leaves. I add the Epsom salt water to a spray bottle and periodically mist my ferns! Another great fertilization technique is through plant food spikes. You can find these at your local hardware store or online, and one spike added to your soil can last a couple of months!
Giving your plants a little extra attention can really go a long way. A periodic calcium boost or the proper amount of water will really help them thrive! And, if you just never found your green thumb, these tips and tricks might be what you need to give it another go. One last tip: Invest in good potting soil! The proper potting soil will make a world of difference, so purchase one that is specific to your plants’ needs. Most soils include qualifications on the bag, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask an associate at your local gardening center to point you in the right direction.
What other tricks do you use to keep your plants alive and well? Message me on social media and share your wisdom with me. Happy Gardening!