Plant Care Guides

Proper watering is the foundation of plant health. Over-watering and under-watering are the most common causes of plant stress.

• 1Check soil moisture 2-3cm deep before watering — if it feels dry, it's time to water.
• 2Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
• 3Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking plant roots.
• 4Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• 5Reduce watering in winter when most plants are dormant.
• 6Group plants with similar water needs together for easier care.

Light is essential for photosynthesis. Different plants have evolved to thrive in different light conditions.

• 1Full sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight (tomatoes, lavender, succulents).
• 2Partial sun: 3-6 hours of morning sun (peace lily, fiddle leaf fig).
• 3Low light: Indirect or filtered light (snake plant, pothos, ferns).
• 4Rotate plants weekly for even growth toward light sources.
• 5South-facing windows provide the most light; north-facing the least.
• 6Watch for leggy growth — it's a sign your plant needs more light.

The right soil mix provides nutrients, drainage, and support for your plant's root system.

• 1Use well-draining potting mix for most indoor plants.
• 2Add perlite or pumice for succulents and cacti (50/50 mix).
• 3Repot when roots circle the bottom of the pot or grow through drainage holes.
• 4Choose a pot 2-5cm larger in diameter when repotting.
• 5Use acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) for most tropical houseplants.
• 6Top-dress with fresh soil annually if not repotting.

Fertilizer replenishes essential nutrients that get depleted from soil over time.

• 1Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) for general houseplant care.
• 2Fertilize during active growth (spring/summer), not during dormancy.
• 3Dilute fertilizer to half-strength to prevent root burn.
• 4Nitrogen (N) promotes leaf growth; Phosphorus (P) encourages blooms; Potassium (K) strengthens roots.
• 5Flush soil every 3-4 months to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.
• 6Organic options: fish emulsion, worm castings, compost tea.

Pruning promotes healthy growth, maintains shape, and removes dead or diseased parts of plants.

• 1Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• 2Cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node.
• 3Remove yellow, brown, or damaged leaves promptly.
• 4Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
• 5Prune no more than 25% of a plant at one time.
• 6Sterilize tools between plants to prevent disease spread.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing pest infestations from spreading.

• 1Inspect new plants for pests before bringing them home.
• 2Common indoor pests: spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnats.
• 3Neem oil spray is effective against most soft-bodied insects.
• 4Wipe leaves with diluted soapy water for mild infestations.
• 5Isolate infested plants immediately to protect others.
• 6Yellow sticky traps help monitor and control flying pests.

Propagation lets you multiply your favorite plants for free. Different plants respond to different methods.

• 1Stem cuttings: Most common method — cut below a node, root in water or soil.
• 2Division: Separate root clumps for plants like peace lily and snake plant.
• 3Leaf cuttings: Works for succulents — let the cut end callus before planting.
• 4Air layering: Ideal for large woody plants like rubber plant and fiddle leaf fig.
• 5Seeds: Start with fresh seeds in seed-starting mix, keep moist and warm.
• 6Water propagation: Place cuttings in clean water, change every 2-3 days.

Adjusting care routines with the seasons keeps your plants healthy year-round.

• 1Spring: Repot, fertilize, and increase watering as growth resumes.
• 2Summer: Provide shade from harsh afternoon sun, mist tropical plants.
• 3Autumn: Reduce fertilizer, bring outdoor plants inside before frost.
• 4Winter: Reduce watering, increase humidity, provide supplemental light.
• 5Keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents in winter.
• 6Start preparing plants for spring by pruning dead growth in late winter.