If house plants could talk

Before you think you are reading an article written by a pro gardener
who happens to be moonlighting as a blogger addicted to hot glue, I have a small disclaimer to make.

Until recently I had not owned a house plant in probably over 10 years.

I know, that you know why too.
Because you either have the gift of a green thumb, or you don’t, and no one can cross over to a plant
saver after succumbing to a sure fate of a chronic plant killer.
Guess what…that is simply not true.  As a recovering plant killer I am here to tell you that you can
not only keep a plant ALIVE but even train it to THRIVE under your loving care.

This is no snake oil friends, but just me, pulling the rug out from under a big fat lie all of us
plant killers have believed all these years.
No more staring longingly at your friends ferns and rubber tree plants for you, YOU are back
in the driver’s seat friend.  And I am going to show you just how to do it.

step 1: Buy your plants

• Choose the right plants for your home by doing a bit of research on what types of plants are best taking into consideration the amount of light available.
• Take a good look at the plants available from the store, are they green and healthy looking? If the leaves are falling off and the soil is dry, keep looking.
• Keep your receipt.  Many times you can ask for a refund or replacement if your plant withers away quickly, and was probably a sickly little plant to begin with.

step 2: when you get home

• Make sure you either already have the right pots, rocks & potting soil at home, or pick some up at the store.  One of the main reasons that plants don’t do well is improper drainage, watering, or light.  You will want to have the right size pot for your plant to grow in to, good drainage holes, rocks (I will explain) and a good quality potting soil.

I purchased this Yucca plant recently at Home Depot, and I already had a great container for it at home.  But, it
didn’t have any drainage holes.  We carefully drilled a row of holes across the bottom of the container, and were
able to use it for our new plant.

step 3: how to plant house plants

• Now that you have the right container, and your new plant all ready to go, place rocks across the bottom of your planter not to block the holes, but create some place for air and proper water drainage.  This step is crucial.
• Once you have done that, add some potting soil to your container, remove your plant from it’s temporary container, and loosen the roots a bit with your fingers before placing in your new container.
• Fill in the sides and top with more potting soil, pat down and place your plant it it’s new home!

step 4: the water situation

• Water your plant in it’s new container well, and allow it to drain and soak up all of the nutrients from it’s fresh bag of juicy potting soil.  It’s like a power-smoothie for plants.
• Follow your plant’s directions for watering closely.  Some plants need more water, and others you wait until the soil is dry to the touch before you water again.

step 5: after the honeymoon is over

• Remember how excited you were to bring your new plant across the threshold into a new life together? Well, our plants trust us and need us to continue to nurture and care for them.  Keep following those directions your got when you bought your plant, and you should have a long, happy, abundant life together.  Should you get into trouble, talk to your local florist or plant shop, or check online on how you can get your plant back on track.  Chances are it might be time for a larger container or need for some fertilizer.

plant facts you didn’t know you needed in your life:

• NASA suggests having one plant per 100 square feet of your home for good air quality improvement.  House plants remove significant amounts of gross stuff in the air and add oxygen as well.  Check out the deets here.
• House plants are known to relieve stress and reduce tension, see the Top 10 Best House Plants to De-Stress Your Home and Purify The Air.
• Most of us feel better when we have some plants in our home, not to mention what an amazing decorating impact a few plants can make in your space.  Healthy + chic…my favorite!

So there you have it, my not-so-top-secret ways that actually work very well.  I have had the plant in the
picture above in my care for almost 5 months now and it is growing & doing fabulously.

The plant also wanted you to know that it believes in you, and really wants you to go out and adopt some
plants today.  It feels bad for it’s friends left behind, and hopes they find good homes as well.
You can do this, plant and I have 100% confidence in your mad plant growing skills!

Have a fabulous wedding gown, creative & blessed week friends, love you SO!!

 

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