Watering

WHEN TO WATER

• Water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry to the touch.

• Pot will feel lighter in weight.

• Leaves start to wilt.

  *You do want to catch it before foliage starts to wilt, as this can cause stress to the plant overtime, but a good sign to help you learn your new plants needs and when to water!

HOW TO WATER

• Water your plant until water runs out the bottom of the drainage hole(s) and continue to water until the soil is fully saturated.

• Bottom watering - Good if your plant has been neglected and soil is bone dry but wouldn’t recommend it for every watering. If this is your preferred method, a top watering here and there to flush the soil is suggested.

**In warmer weather, plants will dry out faster than in colder months!

Repotting

Why does your plant need a repot? Ask yourself these simple questions first; Stopped growing? Soil is not holding water? If the answer is no, let it be!

You can leave a plant in the nursery pot for a long time, just place into a decorative planter (if desired).

• You CAN repot a plant any time during the year!

• Repot when you notice no new growth during the growing season, or if it becomes root bound. [Usually if it is root bound, you haven’t noticed new growth in a while.]

**Some plants like Snakes and Hoyas do like to be root bound, so theres always exceptions to the rules!!

• Choose planters with drainage holes

• If using soil, make sure it’s a well draining mixture! There’s a few different mixes available for different plants.

• Understand your plants needs when choosing a substrate!

• If using Pon/Leca, most likely need to repot when roots have outgrown their container to allow them to fully optimize the nutrient water for continued growth!

Fertilizer

There are many different types of fertilizer, sometimes you need to try a few to see what works best for you and your plants!

• ONLY fertilize when a plant is actively growing! Every 2 weeks during the growing season, is a good rule of thumb, generally - spring through fall. [Exception - if you use grow lights, your plants could continue to grow well into the winter season].

• Fertilize AFTER regular watering. Water how you would, then go back and water with your fertilizer.

• Less is More! More fertilizer is NOT better! Follow the directions on whichever brand you use!

• If using Leca, you will constantly need nutrient water in your plants container.

Foliage & pests

• Wipe dust off leaves with a damp cloth with just warm water or a very diluted mixture of concentrated Neem Oil, if not an already prepared foliar spray.

• Before buying or bringing a plant indoors, always check it and its container for signs of pests.

• Provide a plant with proper growing conditions that it needs to thrive. Stressed out plants tend to be more susceptible to pests.

• Depending on what type of pest, usually it can be treated quickly without using chemicals - spraying down with water, handpicking off, using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used as a quick way to help stop the spread if caught in early stages.

*Keep in mind, you may have to repeat these applications a few times before its all gone!

**Checking on your plants daily, will not only benefit you but help stop the spread of pests before an outbreak!