Bringing a new and unfamiliar plant into your home jungle is an exciting venture that can significantly enhance your living space, but it also comes with a myriad of questions and possibilities that need to be considered. The process of integrating a new plant into your environment not only involves understanding the specific needs of the plant itself but also how it will coexist with your existing plant collection and the overall dynamics of your home. Here are a few dos and don'ts to give you the best chance for success when welcoming a new green companion into your home.
Do your research
The internet abounds with plant information, including articles and videos that provide detailed descriptions and tips for caring for specific plants. Websites and portals like The Spruce offer comprehensive descriptions and care tips to help you start on the right path for any houseplant variety you know of, and many you don't. Additionally, there are many excellent books on the subject, and greenhouses are often eager to offer advice and assist you in selecting the perfect plant. Keep in mind that all this advice should be taken with a grain of salt, as individual plants and conditions can vary significantly. Pay particularly close attention to sunlight and watering needs, as these are the most crucial elements for a successful plant relationship. Before bringing home your new plant baby, ensure that your intended placement and care will meet its requirements.
Don't start too big
It's often tempting to bring home a large, lush floor plant from the garden center or greenhouse, but before investing in an unfamiliar variety, consider checking a few aisles over to see if there's a smaller version of the plant you're considering. Even if you've researched thoroughly, plants can be unpredictable, and what seems ideal in theory may not work out in practice. Furthermore, that large plant has likely spent most of its considerable time (often years) under nearly perfect growing conditions in a greenhouse or similar environment. The sudden transition to a home setting can cause issues that a younger plant might handle more easily. Also, think about this: in a worst-case scenario (heaven forbid), would you prefer to lose ten dollars or fifty? Once you've learned how to care for this species in its new environment (I recommend at least six months, including one winter), you can reconsider getting the larger plant. However, you might not need to; with proper care, the young plant can grow into a mature specimen that's already adapted to your home.
Do quarantine your new plant
A few years back, I purchased a large, stunning philodendron from a local big box store. I quickly placed it among my other plants to enjoy in my home jungle. However, Within the week, I was dealing with a full force invasion. Aphids and gnats and spider mites (oh, my!). By the time I got a handle on the situation, I had already lost several cherished houseplants. I spent much of the following year nursing my plant collection back to health, learning a costly and heartbreaking lesson. To prevent a repeat of that nightmare, I now isolate and treat new plants before integrating them with my existing collection. When a new plant arrives, I keep it in a separate part of the house (or outdoors in warmer weather) and thoroughly spray it with a natural anti-pest solution like Mighty Mint. I also place a sticky trap nearby to monitor for pests. After a few days in quarantine, if nothing significant appears on the trap, I can safely introduce my new plant to the community.
Don't repot right away
For pot heads (by which I mean potted plant lovers, of course), bringing a new houseplant into our homes is an exciting and joyful experience. But try viewing it from your plant's perspective. Aside from a few dark and unsettling days in a delivery truck, your new alocasia or aglaonema has spent nearly all its life in the plant equivalent of a spa resort, with twelve or more hours of perfectly filtered sunlight, high humidity, warm tropical breezes, and an all-you-can-eat fertilizer buffet. Your living room isn't all like that, now is it? If it is, I'm envious. This is a stressful time for your leafy houseguest. Avoid adding to its troubles by disturbing its roots and introducing foreign soil. Think of that grower's pot as a security blanket. Even if the plant's roots have outgrown its current container, it's best to wait. Many plants, especially tropical ones, originate from dense competitive forest environments and don't mind their roots being a bit confined for a while. So, there's no rush. Wait until you and your new plant have had the time to get to know each other.
Do give 'em some love (but not too much)
Even if your new plant companion can tolerate low light, begin by placing it in the brightest indirect sunlight possible to promote vigor and growth. Unless you're dealing with a cactus or succulent, adopt a balanced approach to watering. Provide just enough moisture to prevent drying out, gradually moving to a regular schedule. This will help you understand how often they need water and how much. If your plant came from a greenhouse, the soil is likely fresh, and it has been nurtured with a gentle but consistent supply of fertilizer, so it's fine to hold off on feeding for a while. After a few weeks, you can start fertilizing it just like your other plants. A bit of extra heat and humidity can also assist your new roommate in adjusting to its new home.
Do welcome them into your world
After spending some time getting familiar with each other and observing your new plant for a few weeks, it's time to integrate it into your home. How can you tell it's ready? Look for signs of vitality and growth. Do the stems and leaves bounce back when gently pressed? Are the leaves bright and unblemished? Are new leaves forming? These are indicators of a healthy plant. If you believe it can handle a lower light environment, you can gradually move it, week by week, to a shadier part of the house. If you wish to repot, now would be an good time. By now, you've also figured out their preferred watering schedule and whether they enjoy misting, and you've started fertilizing them along with your other plants. It's time for you and your new plant to build a lasting relationship that, with ongoing attention and care, can last for years to come. 🪴
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