Plant care guides

📦 After-Arrival Care: Acclimation & Soil Drying

When receiving a plant—especially by mail—help it acclimate to its new environment and recover from travel stress.

Key Considerations

  • Soil may still be moist on arrival due to shipping. Only water if dry.
  • Soil should show drying progress daily; usually within 2 days.
  • If slow to dry, causes may include humidity, low light, or poor airflow.

How to Help Soil Dry Faster

  • Keep the nursery pot out of decorative pots for airflow. A fan helps too.
  • Terracotta pots wick moisture quickly (be gentle with roots).
  • Switching to an airy, free-draining mix is most effective—time it carefully.
  • Improve conditions: more light, airflow, or warmth speeds drying.

Light

Place in bright, indirect light after arrival. Once adapted, you can test other spots.

Quick Reminder: Patience is key in the first week—avoid overwatering while the plant settles in.

👉 Full article with detailed guidance: What to Do When Receiving the Plant →

☀️ Light Requirements

Indoors: Most plants love bright, indirect light. Rotate monthly for even growth. Avoid harsh midday sun on tender foliage.

Outdoors: Match the tag: full sun (6+ hrs), part sun, or shade. Ease plants into brighter spots over 7–10 days.

👉 More detail in our full guide: Read the complete guide →

💧 Watering Wisely

Water when the top 1–2″ feel dry (most tropicals). Water slowly until you see drainage, then empty saucers. In winter, reduce frequency.

👉 See routines & seasonal tips: Read the complete guide →

🪴 Soil Quality

Use a free-draining mix: quality potting soil + perlite/lava rock + orchid bark or coco chips. Adjust chunkiness by plant type.

👉 Mix ratios & tweaks by plant: Read the complete guide →

🌸 Fertilizing for Growth

During spring–summer, feed every 4–6 weeks at half strength. Microbe boosters = “probiotics” for roots; pair with a balanced fertilizer.

👉 Schedules & product types: Read the complete guide →

🌡️ Humidity & Temperature

Most tropicals enjoy 45–60% RH; use a humidifier or group plants. Keep away from AC/heat drafts. Ideal temps: 65–85°F.

👉 Winter tips & acclimation: Read the complete guide →

✂️ Pruning & Deadheading

Remove yellowing leaves and leggy stems to promote fullness. Sterilize tools. For bloomers, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more.

👉 How to shape & time cuts: Read the complete guide →

🪴 Repotting When Needed

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots circle the pot. Size up only 1–2″. Refresh the mix and water thoroughly after repotting.

👉 Timing, sizing & aftercare: Read the complete guide →

🐛 Pest Control

Check new plants and leaf undersides regularly. Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem. Isolate heavy infestations to protect others.

👉 Full article on prevention & treatment: Plant Pest Control Guide →

💧 Drainage is Key

Always ensure a path for extra water. Use saucers with holed nursery pots—or try our rock-reservoir method for closed-bottom planters.

👉 Full article on no-drainage pots: How to Use Pots Without Drainage →

👉 See more general drainage tips: Read the complete guide →

👀 Watch for Stress Signals

Yellow tips, brown edges, drooping, or stalled growth = check light, watering, and soil. Adjust one variable at a time and monitor for a week.

👉 Troubleshooting checklist: Read the complete guide →

💧 How do I use a decorative pot with no drainage?

Build a rock “reservoir,” keep the plant in a holed nursery pot on top of the rocks, and water as usual. Excess water collects between the rocks—away from the soil—so roots stay healthy and oxygenated.

  • 2–4″ layer of large rocks or lava rock
  • Nursery pot (with holes) sits on top
  • Free-draining mix: potting soil + perlite/orchid bark + coco/peat

👉 Read the detailed guide: Full article →