INDOOR PLANTS

The two most important things to consider are light levels and your personal plant-parenting style. Being realistic about both of these from the beginning will help keep both you and your plants happy. Are you the kind of person who sometimes forgets to water your plants, or are you more of a helicopter plant-parent who is in danger of over-watering? What direction do your windows face, and how close to the windows do you want to place your plants? If you can answer those questions for us, we can help you find your perfect plant match.

Some plants can be harmful to dogs and cats when eaten. If you have curious critters in your home, we recommend checking out the ASPCA list of plants that are toxic and non-toxic for your pets, or coming in and asking which non-toxic options we currently have in stock. Potentially toxic plants can also coexist with your pets if you keep the plants out of their reach using shelves or hanging planters.

All plants need light, and regular indoor light-bulbs don’t have all the wavelengths of light that plants need. That said, you do have options. First, make sure you choose from plants that are as tolerant of low-light conditions as possible, such as snake plant, zz plant, peace lily, and cast iron plant. These tough cookies can survive for a while without any natural light, but they won’t thrive for long. You could rotate several of these plants between your windowless room and a space with more light weekly, or you could add artificial full-spectrum light.

Often, Fungus Gnats are more an annoyance than anything else, but a large infestation can start to do damage to your plants. Most potting soils, especially organic brands include beneficial fungi that help our plants, but can also attract gnats under moist conditions. You can limit the wet conditions gnats need by using pots with good drainage and allowing plants to dry out between waterings whenever possible. Adding an inch of sand to the top of your pots can also prevent gnats by making it impossible for them to emerge from the soil or lay their eggs. If you want to go on the offensive, systemic pesticides or non-toxic sticky traps will also do the job.

Most indoor plants should be fertilized every 2-6 weeks during their active growing season, depending on the type of fertilizer you choose. Liquid fertilizers are easy to apply as part of your regular watering schedule. Fertilizer provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. However, most plants take a break from active growth from November-January, and it’s good to let them rest. Hold off on fertilizing for these winter months so your plant can rest up and be ready to grow beautifully in the spring.