➜  When a Plant Moves In

​

• Bringing a new plant home is exciting — but it’s also a big adjustment for the plant.

• During the first few weeks, it’s getting used to different light, air, and humidity levels.

• Keep it somewhere stable with soft, indirect light.

• Avoid repotting right away — the roots need time to settle and anchor before new growth starts.

• If a few leaves yellow or drop, don’t panic. That’s just normal acclimatization, not a sign of trouble.

 

For a detailed look at what’s happening during this phase, read:

​

• Houseplant Acclimatization: What It Is, What to Expect, and How to Support It

​

• Plant Care After Purchase – How to Help New Plants Adjust Smoothly

 

 

​

➜ Light, Air & Temperature

​

• Light drives growth; airflow keeps it healthy.

• Most tropical species feel best around 60–80 % humidity and steady warmth.

• Dry, still air encourages pests, while moving air strengthens foliage.

• Skip pebble trays — stability works better than tricks.

 

Explore our Light and Plant Care categories for more depth.

 

​

 

➜ Substrates, Pots & Root Health

​

• Healthy roots mean long-term success.

• Choose your mix based on structure, not just looks.

• Terracotta dries quickly, plastic holds moisture, and glazed ceramics stay moderate.

• Always use drainage holes — they’re non-negotiable.

 

You’ll find detailed mixing ratios and potting tips in the Substrates section: Soil & Potting Advice

 

 

​​

​

➜  Routine Care

 

Watering

• Use rainwater or filtered water whenever possible.

• Always check moisture beneath the surface before watering again.

• Bottom watering helps distribute moisture evenly without over-saturating roots.

​

Fertilizing

• Feed every 4–6 weeks when your plant is actively growing.

• Hold off in winter when light levels drop.

• Choose quality over quantity — steady nutrition beats heavy feeding.

 

 

​

➜ Advanced Techniques

​

Climbers & Vines

• Species like Monstera, Philodendron, and Scindapsus mature best with support.

• Give them something to climb early — coir or moss poles, trellises, or natural wood.

 

You’ll find detailed aroid and Philodendron tips in: Aroids Category · Philodendron Category

 

​

Propagation

• Multiplying plants is easier than it looks.

• Use stem cuttings for vines, leaf cuttings for succulents, or division for Sansevieria, ferns, and Peace Lilies.

 

Step-by-step guides live in the Propagation section: Propagation Techniques

 

 

Semi-Hydro Growing

• Mineral substrates like LECA, pon, or lava rock keep roots oxygenated and reduce rot risk.

• It’s a cleaner, more predictable system — especially for collectors.

 

Check the Semi-Hydro category for full tutorials: Growing in Inert Substrates

 

 

 

​

➜  Seasonal Adjustments

• Plants follow daylight, not dates.

• Adjust care gently as seasons shift.

 

Winter

• Less light, slower growth, cooler air.

• Move closer to windows, water less often, and avoid heaters or drafts.

• Detailed tips are in: Winter Houseplant Care

 

Spring

• Light increases — prune, refresh substrate, resume feeding.

• See Spring Reset in the same category.

 

Summer

• Bright, fast-drying conditions.

• Protect foliage from harsh midday rays and keep airflow steady.

 

 

​​

​

➜ Common Pests & Prevention

• Inspect leaves weekly — top and underside.

• New arrivals should stay separate for two weeks before joining the rest.

• Healthy humidity and airflow make infestations rare.

• If they appear, don’t panic — the Pest Control section has clear, photo-based guides:

​

 

 

 

➜ Troubleshooting

• Root rot – dark, soft roots and sour smell → refresh the mix and adjust watering.

• Brown tips – salts or dry air → flush with water, increase humidity.

• Leggy growth – not enough light → move closer or add LEDs.

• Leaf drop – sudden changes or stress → stabilize and wait.

• Sun stress vs. burn – stress shows red or bronze tones; burn looks pale and crisp.

• You’ll find detailed solutions in the Problems and Solutions Category

​

 

​

​

➜ Myths Worth Forgetting

• Misting doesn’t raise humidity in any lasting way.

• Ice cubes harm roots.

• “Low-light plants” still need light.

• Variegation isn’t caused by light exposure.

• Read: Cinnamon, ice cubes, and painted succulents: Houseplant Care Myths and Misconceptions

​

 

​

➜ Explore by Plant Type

If you’re looking for focused guidance, head straight to the plant groups you love most:

​

• Philodendron

• Monstera

• Alocasia

• Hoya

• Aroids

• Succulents

• Low-Maintenance Plants

• Spot the Differences

• The Classics Corner

 

 

​

 

​

Plant care isn’t about perfection — it’s about attention.

Once you understand how light, water, and substrate work together, you’ll stop guessing and start growing confidently.

​

For more hands-on knowledge and real examples, visit the Main Blog:

​

➜ All Foliage Factory Guides

​