The New Plant Parent’s Guide – Plant Care 101

So, you have decided to add to your family, have ya? Well, congrats! Becoming a new plant parent is such a cool and fun title, but there are a couple things you should probably know before diving off the deep end of this commitment. They definitely don’t need as much as another human or a pupper. Nonetheless, just like those cuties, plants still need the same type of preparation and patience as they do!

New Plant Parent’s Guide

Just like any other living thing under your care – it is not just about you anymore! Yup – that’s right! This just means that you need to understand the needs of the individual plant(s) that you have. And the best way to do this? Research, research, research! I know it may feel like school again, having to jot down notes and keeping different procedures for different plants. But, these little buddies will give you so much brightness and color to your life to make it all so much more rewarding!

Depending on their type, you will need to research their sunlight, soil, and watering needs. Each new plant needs a certain lifestyle – just like you! Some don’t need as much water (like succulents) and some don’t need as much sunlight (like ferns) so be sure that you are not overdoing anything with what you have! Practice finding a balance, it may take you a little while, but I know you will get it figured out! I mean, aren’t we all still figuring out our own routines? No? Just me? Okay…anyways! Work their care into your weekly routine for optimal growth and care for your baby plants.

You might also like Caring for Succulents – 3 Tips, Summertime Bucket List, Things People who Love Cooking can Relate to or Leg Workout for the Win.

Advice for the New Plant Parent

Here is a little tidbit of advice that many do not expect when it comes to being a new plant parent – it may get a little…foul. Plants can get smelly, sticky, and slimy! But, noooo – not your plant! But, yes, yes your plant can and will get like that from time to time. Be prepared with proper watering techniques – over-watering may cause soft and squishy leaves. Make sure you have adequate trimming shears to cut off dead limbs or to ensure healthy growth for your plants. Plants that have dead ends may start to smell or break off causing a mess of brown leaves around the house. Keeping plants too damp may cause root rot or even mold – so always be on the lookout for that!

A special thanks to the Loft Garden Oasis for the photo location.

For those of you who may be a little like me, patience is going to be key in making sure that you have the best time being a new plant parent. You may fail at times and you may fail hard. But guess what? We all do! And maybe a green thumb is something you may not have. But practice makes perfect and you can only get better! You may also think that they are not growing at the rate you thought they would or maybe not even look like what Pinterest says they should. To help you steer clear of this conflict, start with a little dude at first then work your way up – take your time building up your new plant parent credentials.

You might also like 90 Unbeleafable Captions for Plant Photos, Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Plants Alive or What You Need for Your First Apartment.

And lastly be fully prepared to not stop at just one! Having these beauties all around your home will make you think to yourself, “You know what would look good with this plant? MORE OF THEM!” And honestly, you are not wrong. So, go out and get a ton more! Play with different types of plants and see what you like, what you think looks good in your environment, and what your capabilities can handle with other plants. Keep adding to your heart’s content and continue to discover new ways to care for your plants to keep you on your toes!

I would love to see all of your little plant babies so be sure to tag me in your next family photo! If you are plant obsessed, you might also like to read about the 10 Things Every Plant Parent Knows all too Well.

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