The holiday season is winding down and the new year is just beginning. Some of us may be welcoming new additions to our lives in the form of a leafy green houseplant. Whether a philodendron was thrust upon you as a holiday present or you want to welcome 2021 with a lucky money tree, you might be wondering where to start. Do you leave your aloe in that plastic container with the half-scratched-off price tag, do you need to water your pilea every day, or is your cat safe to tussle with your spider plant? Maybe you never had any intention of ever owning a plant until now, we won’t judge you. A new year a new you, so why not give plant care a try? We’re here to support you with the basic tips and tricks of becoming a plant-person.

Where do I start?

The first step is to do a little research on your new plant. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do too much homework, but a quick internet search of “how to care for a [insert plant name]” can go a long way. You’ll learn things like how much water your plant requires, how much sun it prefers, and what kind of soil to use. With a little bit of research, you’ll easily be able to find the answers to all of the following questions and have a successful little garden of your own.

What if I don’t know the name of my plant?

If you don’t know the name of the plant because it was gifted to you or the tag fell off on the way home from the store, do not worry. There are many plant ID-ing apps out there. There is also no shame in searching “what is a green plant with pink spots called?” If the internet can’t solve your problem, drop by your local nursery and they can surely confirm the name of your plant.

How do I know if I have good soil?

Depending on the type of plant, your soil may need to be altered slightly. Succulents like rockier soil, leafy houseplants like dirt-based soil, and some plants prefer moss or sand. Once you have the right soil base picked out, mix in a tablespoon of Clean Water GROW All-Purpose Plant Food. This sustainable and slow-release plant food will release a steady supply of nutrients only when your plant needs it. Do this when repotting your plant or once every 3-4 months (with the changing season), to make sure your plant continues to grow strong.

Do I need to repot it?

If you bought it directly from a nursery or if it was given to you directly from a nursery, you should repot the plant. A good way to tell if it’s a newly bought plant is that it will still be in a flimsy plastic container. Carefully wiggle the plant from its container, maybe give the body of the container a squeeze or use a dull flat object (like a butter knife) to poke around the edges and loosen it up. You want to be careful that you don’t damage the roots. Gently pull the plant out disentangle the roots slightly just so that they are not all bulked together. Make sure there is a nice layer of soil before transferring the plant into the new pot. Place the plant in and cover the rest of the roots with soil completely. Repot your plant whenever it begins to outgrow its current pot to make sure it stays happy and has room to grow. Fresh soil with GROW nutrients is best for a newly potted plant!

What kind of pot should I use?

Pretty much anything will work as a good plant pot-- well almost. Most plants require a drainage hole in their pot, this is so that excess water doesn’t accumulate and cause mold or unwanted fungi. If you have an old mug, jar, or tin can, you can always puncture a hole yourself in the bottom with a nail or drill. These make perfect repurposed pots, especially for smaller plants. Otherwise, if you can’t find anything around the house and you don’t want to buy anything new, scour your local thrift store or check-in with a plant-loving neighbor or friend. Plants are constantly outgrowing their pots, leaving plenty of smaller no longer useful ones behind. Succulents can live a little more contained. A drainage hole isn’t always necessary and you can also get creative and arrange them in a terrarium.

How often should I water it?

Your plant’s watering schedule not only depends on the plant type but also the time of year. In hot summer months, your plant could need watering multiple times a week, while in the winter months it could easily go weeks without needing water. Succulents and cacti need far less water than most plants, and overwatering can do much more harm than good. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger or a chopstick an inch or two into the soil before watering. If your soil is damp, leave it be. If your soil is dry, water as usual.

Where should I put my plant?

Check to see what kind of climate your plant likes to live in to find its perfect place. Herbs can conveniently live on a sunny kitchen window sill. Chinese evergreens are great in low light and will be the perfect accent to a cubicle away from windows. Some plants, like the snake plant, work as great air purifiers, so you might want to keep them in your bedroom for the freshest sleep. Pothos, philodendrons, and ivy are long trailing plants that will look great in a plant hanger or cascading down a bookshelf.

Why isn’t my plant growing?

If your plant isn’t growing don’t get too upset yet. Plants grow much quicker in the warmer and sunnier months. So if you received a plant in the spring and are now wondering why it suddenly stopped producing new leaves, it’s not your fault. As long as you are regularly watering your plant and have fed it with a slow-release plant food, your plant will likely make it through the season.

Is my plant safe around my pet?

If you have a cat or a dog, make sure to also check whether or not your plant is safe for the animal. Even the perfectly trained pet can have their rascal moments. Just in case your furry friend takes a nibble at one of the leaves, you want to make sure that there won’t be any extra trips to the vet. Many common houseplants are poisonous to cats and dogs.

Hopefully, after reading through this guide you are feeling reassured and ready to tackle this new (easy-to-manage) lifestyle. At the very least, you now know exactly what questions to type into your computer, and what information to keep an eye out for. Taking care of a houseplant is not as hard as it looks, and your plant will likely notify you with drooping or browning leaves if it needs more or less care. If you have any other questions on how to start caring for your plant, feel free to ask us on Facebook and Instagram. And as always, we love to see what you’re growing. Show us your new houseplants using #grownwithGROW

Everything you Need to Know as a New Plant Owner