How many of your plants have died?
If you’re a chronic killer, read expert’s advice carefully
To prevent the unintentional overwatering of yet another fiddle-leaf fig, we asked Greg Salmeri, co-founder of Rolling Greens Nursery in California, all about proper houseplant care. From how to select the right plant for your home’s lighting to gauging when a plant needs water, we’ve covered the basics below. The Q&A was edited for length and clarity.
A: While giving your plant the lighting it needs to grow properly is crucial, there are a few additional factors to consider when placing your plant.
Think about the air flow (coming from air vents and windows), humidity (often in the bathroom and kitchen), and the morning or afternoon light (cool versus hot). Like people, plants take a little while to adapt to their environment (for example, ficus plants drop their leaves when they are moved), so be patient and ready to provide extra TLC for the first few months while your plant gets acclimated to its new home.
Another important factor to consider before purchasing a plant is your pet. There are several varieties that are very toxic to animals, like dieffenbachia and sap-filled plants.
A: Determining the right size plant for your home is a very personal decision — and it’s often hard to predict exactly how large certain plants will get.
You should look at the mature height and width of the plant and consider that a plant will only grow as big as the container it is in. Just because an immature plant is small and upright does not mean that it won’t spread out later in its life. Trailing plants will continue to trail and get longer.
Consider the space you are putting it in when you are determining what size plant you want — but be prepared for it to take on a life (and size) of its own after it gets comfortable in its new home.
A: Watering your plant just the right amount is like feeding a pet or a new baby — it’s so hard to tell exactly how much they need. But like pets and babies, if you’re patient and pay attention, they will often let you know when they are getting too much (or not enough).
When you go to water your plant, soak it thoroughly, and then wait until the soil is dry to the touch to water again. Feel the soil with your finger (the best moisture meter around) at least three times a week to familiarize yourself with wet versus dry soil. Sticking your finger about 2 inches below the soil surface suffices.
Another technique is to lift the container to see if it feels heavy (if it does, it probably doesn’t need water right now) or light (probably needs water).
A: The biggest faux pas we see is the general tendency to overwater — see previous answer. Water meters don’t always work accurately and should not be the only technique used to determine if the plant needs water.
A: You don’t need to repot a plant right away. They are usually good in their grow pots for up to a year. When roots start to grow up above the soil surface or through the drainage holes, it is an indicator it is time to transplant (and an excuse to shop for a beautiful new vessel to house your plant).