Welcome home! Now that you’ve got your new space, it’s time to make it feel like home—and what better way to do that than by adding some lush greenery? Plants not only add beauty but also purify the air and reduce stress, helping to create a calm, serene environment. But if you’re new to plant care, it can feel a little intimidating. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are the essentials to keep your plant babies thriving.
1. Light is Life
Plants need light to grow, but how much light they need depends on the type of plant you have. As a general rule:
Low-light plants (like snake plants and ZZ plants) thrive in dim rooms or corners away from windows.
Medium-light plants (like peace lilies and pothos) do well in bright, indirect sunlight—think a few feet away from a sunny window.
High-light plants (like succulents and fiddle-leaf figs) need bright, direct light. Place them close to a south-facing window for the best results.
Pro Tip: Rotate your plants every couple of weeks so they grow evenly!
2. Water Wisely
Watering can be tricky, but here’s a simple rule: less is more. Overwatering is the
number one killer of houseplants. Most plants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. To figure out when your plant needs water:
Check the soil: Stick a bamboo skewer into the soil about halfway deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Use the right pot: Drainage is key. Make sure your plants are in pots with drainage holes so excess water can escape, preventing root rot.
Remember, plants like succulents and cacti need very little water, while ferns and tropical plants prefer more moisture.
3. Humidity: Your Plant’s Best Friend
Indoor plants—especially tropical ones—love humidity. If your home tends to be dry, especially during the colder months, there are a few easy ways to boost humidity:
Misting: Lightly mist your plants with water every few days.
Group them together: Plants release moisture into the air, so clustering them can help increase humidity.
Use a humidifier: If you have multiple tropical plants, a humidifier can do wonders.
Fun Fact: Ferns, calatheas, and air plants thrive in higher humidity environments. They’re great choices for bathrooms where moisture tends to hang in the air.
4. Feed Your Plants
Just like you, your plants need nutrients! Most houseplants benefit from being fertilized during their growing season (spring and summer). A simple all-purpose liquid fertilizer will do the trick. Just be sure to follow the instructions—over-fertilizing can burn your plant’s roots.
Pro Tip: Reduce feeding in fall and winter when plants are dormant and growing more slowly.
5. Prune for Growth
Pruning isn’t just for aesthetics—it encourages new growth! Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly to keep your plants healthy and help them focus on producing fresh, green growth. For vining plants like pothos or philodendrons, trimming the stems will encourage a bushier, fuller look.
6. Repotting: When & Why
Over time, your plants will outgrow their pots, and the roots will need more space. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or your plant seems to dry out very quickly after watering, it’s probably time to repot. When repotting, choose a container that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot to give your
plant room to grow.
Taking care of plants doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics: light, water, and a little bit of attention, and your green companions will thrive in your new home. At Cultivated Creations, we’re here to help every step of the way! Whether you need guidance on which plants will thrive in your space or you’re looking to add biophilic design elements to your new home, our free consultations are designed to bring life into your space.
Want to know more? Contact us today and let’s get started on making your home a lush, green sanctuary!
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