Does the thought of repotting your plants keep you up at night? Or maybe you’ve just never done it before so you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. If you notice your plant is starting to outgrow its current pot, isn’t thriving, or needs a refresh - we’re here to help!
Roots are spilling over: If you see lots of roots escaping through drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil, it’s a sign that your plant is feeling cramped.
Stagnant growth: If your once-vibrant plant is showing slowed growth or the new leaves are getting smaller, it might be struggling to find the resources it needs in its current pot.
Water doesn’t soak in: When water starts to pool on the soil’s surface rather than being absorbed, it indicates compacted soil.
It’s best to repot during the growing season - Spring and Summer!
Choose the right pot: Opt for a pot that is no more than 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape!
Pro-tip: If you’re reusing a pot, disinfect it before use with a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water! This will reduce potential threats like fungi or harmful bacteria from harming the pot’s new resident.
Terracotta vs. Plastic: If you tend to overwater, terracotta is ideal for you as it wicks away excess moisture from the soil. On the other hand, clear plastic pots allow you to see the roots and moisture levels at a glance.
Grab some new soil: You want to look for something tailored to your home conditions and routines - commercial mixes (like what you may find at big box stores 👀) may not always be suitable! Go for a high-quality blend of mediums including perlite, orchid bark, or coconut coir to keep the soil chunky for aeration. Check out Soil Science 101 to learn about the purpose of each component!
Our signature soil - Dirt Bag - is hand-mixed with just the right ingredients, perfect for most species!
Be gentle: Remove your plant from its pot carefully, being mindful of the roots. You don’t have to separate them if they are wound together but while you’re looking, inspect the roots for any signs of disease or damage. If you spot anything, you can trim any affected roots away with sanitized shears.
Transferring: Place your rootball in the center of the new pot on top of a few inches of soil, fill the sides, and top with your fresh soil, ensuring the plant is secure. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
We’re always here if you need some advice so don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by our retail store! We love talking plants 🪴
]]>In the realm of plant care, the ingredients in your soil play a crucial role in the health of your greenery. Let’s delve into some common soil amendments, why we use them in our greenhouse, and how each element contributes to the well-being of your thriving indoor garden.
Peat moss and coconut coir act as the base of many potting soil mixes! Their water-retentive properties make them great additions to a mix for a variety of houseplants. Both also provide great aeration which is essential for root health.
The dynamic duo of potting amendments! These lightweight minerals contribute to soil structure, improving drainage and aeration. Perlite, with its airy texture, prevents soil compaction and aids in drainage, allowing your roots to breathe. On the other hand, vermiculite absorbs and retains water, ensuring that your plants have access to moisture during drier periods.
The secret ingredient for texture and structure! This organic amendment not only enhances aeration but also adds a unique texture to our signature soil, Dirt Bag. Its ability to break down slowly provides long-term benefits, promoting a healthy microbial environment and supporting the longevity of your plant in its potted habitat.
A purifying element! Charcoal acts as a natural filter, absorbing impurities and preventing soil odors. By purifying the soil, it creates a clean and healthy environment for your plant’s roots.
]]>Propagation starts with the node, a critical point on the plant where growth occurs. It's essential to find this node as it's where new leaves, stems, or flowers will emerge. To propagate, make your cut just below a node. Ensure the stem or leaf you're cutting is healthy and firm to increase your success chances. Avoid cutting from browning or limp parts of the plant.
Water propagation is a fascinating and accessible method of plant propagation that allows us to witness the miracle of new growth firsthand! Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a curious beginner, water propagation offers an exciting opportunity to expand your botanical horizons and nurture new leaf from cuttings.
Before you rush to put your cutting in water, pause. Let the cutting sit out for a few hours to callous. This step is vital because calloused cuttings are less prone to dehydration and tend to root faster.
The callousing process creates a hard layer at the end of the stem, which prevents moisture loss and allows for easier rooting. Once your cuttings are calloused, you can plant them in potting soil or water to start growing new roots.
For the propagation process, opt for clear cups or jars. Transparency is key as it allows you to monitor root growth and keep an eye on the water level without disturbing the cutting. Remember to refresh the water weekly to maintain a clean environment for your cutting.
Rooting times can vary; typically, it takes about 3-4 weeks for roots to emerge, though some plants may need longer. You'll know it's time to move your cutting from water to soil when the roots are about 1-2 inches long. Allowing the water roots to develop well before transplanting enhances the likelihood of a successful transition to soil.
Potting your rooted cutting signifies its journey into a stable growth environment. Select a pot with good drainage and fill it with a chunky, well-draining soil mix to encourage root growth. Handle the roots carefully while potting to avoid damage. Initially, keep the soil moist to support the cutting's adjustment to soil, avoiding overwatering. This critical step ensures your plant's healthy transition, fostering robust growth as it establishes itself in its new home. As you nurture it through this phase, the joy of seeing your propagated cutting thrive into a full-fledged plant is immensely gratifying.
Water propagation is a simple yet effective technique that harnesses the natural regenerative abilities of plants. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a novice to the world of plants, water propagation offers a delightful way to expand your green space and connect with the natural world.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate your plants in water, enjoying the growth process from the very start. Happy propagating!
]]>With its unique foliage, heart-shaped leaves, and easy-care requirements, the Monstera 'Thai Constellation' has become one of the most popular houseplants among the plant community and we're here to help you nurture it into a staple in your collection.
The Monstera 'Thai Constellation' is a star in the world of houseplants. Ensuring its well-being is a straightforward yet rewarding journey. Here are some care tips to keep your Monstera 'Thai Constellation' thriving:
Lighting: Keep your 'Thai Constellation' in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Steer clear of direct sun rays to protect those variegated leaves.Humidity: Originating from the humid Thai rainforests, your Monstera is going to appreciate a bit of moisture in the air. If your humidity is low, try using a humidifier near your plant or creating a pebble tray! Aim for above 60% humidity.
Fertilizing: During peak growing season (Spring to Summer), feed your plant with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer no more than every 2-4 weeks. The energy boost will encourage vibrant, healthy foliage.
Supporting growth: As your 'Thai Constellation' grows, offer it some support with a moss pole or a trellis to promote larger leaves and keep it from falling over.
How can I get splits in the leaves?
Fenestration are a direct result of maturation and lighting conditions. You can expect your 'Thai Constellation' to put out those iconic leaves in about 1 year – encourage more once they start by providing as much light as you can without leaving your plant in direct sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Why Repotting Matters:
Your plants need space to grow and flourish! Over time, they outgrow their containers, exhaust the nutrients in the soil, and become rootbound. Repotting provides plants with fresh soil, room to stretch their roots, and access to fresh nutrients.
When to Repot:
What is this sponge thing?
Our Monstera 'Thai Constellation' are grown in a specialty medium layer called a FlexiPlug. It's a blend of high-quality peat, coconut coir, organics, and micronutrients that contain active biologicals – it has all the elements needed to promote root growth and young plant vigor!
Not only does the FlexiPlug provide excellent support for seed germination and root development – it's also pH-balanced to ensure optimal growth.
If you're over the science talk, this medium just makes the entire process of growing these rare plants easier and more successful than ever before so they are accessible to anyone who wants one!
When it's time to repot, there's no need to stress about removing the FlexiPlug - it's actually doing great things for your Monstera by providing consistent moisture and nurturing root development. It'll breakdown over time in any medium so no rush to remove it – in fact, peeling it off could be a bit rough on your plant.