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Now’s the perfect time to adopt your first plant baby—and we have just the foolproof pointers you need.
So, you’re considering being a plant parent but aren’t sure if you can do it, huh? We get it. The idea of being responsible for yet another thing in the world of adulthood may seem less than favorable, especially now with everything else going on. But we’re here to let you know that it’s not as scary as you think. And as we’re all spending way more time than we’re used to inside our now multi-purpose office-restaurant-yoga studio homes, what better time to take the plunge into the realm of houseplants than now?! So, go for it. Take that trip to your local nursey and pick up that beauty you first lock eyes with because we have just the tips you need to make your transition into plant parenthood as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Though there’s a plant for every environment out there, not every plant will work in yours. So, examine your living space and ask yourself the hard-hitting questions: Do I have natural light? Does the sun hit my windows directly? Where will my plant baby sleep? Do I have a pet that will attempt to eat it? The answers to these questions all determine which plant will be the best for you and your home. Some plants need more light than others; some plants are toxic to pets. The goal is to adopt a plant that harmonizes and thrives in your home (and with your furry roommates) to maximizes it’s superficial and natural benefits.
With any new hobby or interest, sometimes you get a little too excited and go a little overboard a.k.a. adopting plants you don’t have the schedule or patience to accommodate. Don’t get me wrong, plants are amazing and rewarding in all forms, but they can be a lot of work. Plants are sensitive and need lots of care and attention to really thrive. In most cases, they need to be watered and monitored regularly, and in some cases, they even need to be routinely trimmed to continue growing. Definitely ask yourself what level of commitment you’re ready to make and find a plant that complements it. You’re in charge of your plant journey, and your plant will thrive and love you as long as you love it back.
The best way to go about watering your plants to keep them satisfied and looking pretty is to pick a time that you water them and stick to it. They get used to routine just as much as we do, so keeping them on a set schedule only makes them happier. We suggest setting a reminder on your phone for the same time each day so you’re consistent to the minute. This is a good rule of thumb whether your plant baby needs to be watered every day or once a week—and setting a schedule will ensure you never forget to water it. Another little tip: they love their water best in the early morning before the weather starts to heat up. This way the water has time to run through the soil down to the roots without evaporating first from the sun’s heat.
Just like with any new skill in life, it takes patience and time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and plants aren’t either. Whether you adopted your plant baby at a later year in its life, or in its beginning sprout stages, it will take time some time for it to adjust to life in its new home. The most important thing to remember is not to give up! If your plant baby doesn’t look how you’d expect or want it to the first few days (or even weeks) in your home, that’s okay. These aren’t necessarily signs that your plant baby isn’t doing well or that it’s on its way out, but more so signs that its adjusting to its new journey in a new home. It could also mean it may need adjustment in its light source or water intake, so make sure you’re give it what it needs. Your plant will have good and bad days, but part of the beauty of the journey is seeing your plant grow through it all!
Your goal as a plant parent is to learn your plant’s love language and their way of communication because each plant is different. Like any healthy relationship, learning these key factors will help give you insight into what the other needs to be happy. I know it sounds funny, but like we mentioned before, plants are highly sensitive and receptive to their environment and they require attention and care. So much so, that there have been actual scientific studies (seriously!) that show ruffling the leaves of certain plants very gently make them happier and more likely grow. There have been other scientific studies that show that playing your plants jazz music (no, I’m not kidding!) can make them happier too. It just goes to show that all plant babies need love, but how you love and care for them should be dependent on who they are.
Feeling ready to be a planet parent now? Take things to the next level with these cute, helpful tools and décor you and your plant will love!