Plant Care

Less (Water) Is More

It’s better to under water your plants than to overwater. Too much water can lead to root rot. Ditch your water schedule and water your plant only when it needs it. Check the soil first to make sure it’s dry at least 2 inches deep below the surface. If your soil looks dark in color, feels moist, and sticks to your finger, your plant has enough water to do it’s thing for now.

How often you water will also change throughout the year. Plants need less water in the winter, when they’re growing slower, the days are shorter and sunlight is less intense. If the heat is on and the soil is drying quicker, they may need a bit more water. Wilting leaves or soil that looks pulled away from the sides of the planter are signs of a thirsty plant. 

Always use warm water because it absorbs best. Pour water directly on the soil around the base of the plant, because plants absorb water from their roots. The only exception here is Epiphytes, like air plants, who need water on their leaves as well. 

Place a saucer under your planter. When you water, let it soak in for a few hours, then toss any water that’s left on the saucer. If no water is left over, give the soil another soak.
 

New to plant parenthood?

A busy work schedule, social life and general forgetfulness can lead to unintentional plant neglect. It’s okay. Some plants can handle that kind of lifestyle. A jet setter like yourself will enjoy the resilience of low-maintenance succulents, ZZ plants or snake plants, all pretty low key, as long as they have enough light (bright and low light respectively). These should keep looking their best when you return from your next trip. 
 

A Note on Stability

Keep your plant’s home environment as stable as possible. Extreme changes can stress plants out. Keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F. Avoid placing your plants near radiators, A/C units and forced-air vents, which can create hot or cold drafts.
 

Skip the Fertilizer

It’s fine to skip the fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can do more harm than good. Houseplants tend to not need fertilizer as often as outdoor plants do. If you do choose to fertilize your plant, it’s best to do so during the growing season (early spring to early fall) and follow the general rule of thumb: ‘less is more’. Most store- bought fertilizers should be diluted with water before use.

If you have had your plant for at least year, you can fertilize it for the first time. We suggest using an all-purpose fertilizer. Always follow the instructions. If you’ve just changed the soil, skip the fertilizer. Fresh soil has enough new nutrients.
 

Don’t be scared to repot

A common misconception – repotting does not necessarily mean putting your plant in a new planter, but rather, changing out your plant’s soil with fresh potting mix. New plants should be repotted at some point and given fresh soil, as they are not meant to live in the plastic containers that they are usually sold in, and are often overgrown, plus a new planter could really tie the room together. Choose a planter only 1 to 3 inches larger than its current container. The idea is that your plant is not swimming in soil, which may lead you to overwater. Keep it tight.
 

Let it Flow

When you move your plant to a new, larger planter, whether it’s terra cotta, ceramic, or fiber glass, make sure it has drainage, a fancy word for “hole at the bottom”. This will prevent overwatering as any excess water will have a place to flow. Get a saucer or tray and place it underneath to avoid a wet floor or window sill.

You can get DIY and make your own drainage by lining the bottom of your planter with rocks to create crevices for the water to drain into. Here at The Sill, we use lava rocks because they’re porous.