If you’re a beginning houseplant parent, there are six basic tools that you’ll need to aid your new plant babies in growing into their best selves. As someone who is on a journey to finding her evergreen thumb, I have found that these six tools are an absolute MUST to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Tool No. 1: Plant Containers
As the plant mom I am today, this sounds silly for me to say, but the plant mom I used to be honestly did not understand how important a plant’s container is to their overall health.
There are so many cute planters out there, but, will they best serve the plant they house? A plant’s container must be functional, meaning, it must allow water to drain properly through the soil, as well as allowing the plant to breathe. The best kind of pots are actually made of terracotta. Terracotta is a porous material that allows air and water to move through its walls, helping to prevent root rot and other soil diseases.
Pots without drainage holes or those not made out of porous materials can actually create issues for your plants. When I first began my houseplant journey, I planted many of my plants in incorrect containers, and, well, none of them made it. After I swore off planters without drainage holes, I haven’t had any issues with root rot.
Tool No. 2: Three Way Meter
As I said before, I’m still on this journey of learning all things houseplants, so I really only use my three-way meter to read moisture levels. I use this tool for 90 percent of my plants. If I’m wondering if it’s time to water my Fiddle Leaf Fig or my Pothos plant, you bet I’m checking the soil by the roots to assure it has sufficiently dried out first. Most plants do not like to sit in soggy soil, and the top of the soil doesn’t always show what’s going on beneath the surface, which is why I absolutely love, and rely on, this tool. Sometimes, I think the plant needs a drink, but my meter will tell me otherwise.
Soil that is kept too moist can breed pests, cause root rot, and makes for a very unhappy plant. A three way meter is inexpensive, and worth every penny.
Tool No. 3: Watering Can
While you can definitely gather all of your houseplants and bring them to your kitchen sink for a good watering, you can also use a watering can and bring the water to them. Honestly, I do a mixture of both. Some plants want to be drenched and then left to dry, so I soak them in my sink. Others prefer to be kept consistently moist, and this is where I use my watering can. You can go pretty with this IKEA one I’ve been eyeing, or go purely functional, like my current can. It doesn’t matter. They all do the job. For me, size is the most important factor. When choosing a watering can, I tend to go for one on the larger side, which lets me make less trips back for refills. For me, there is something about a cute watering that can make you smile.
Tool No. 4: Mister
Many common houseplants need to be misted to increase their humidity levels; therfore, a mister is a must. For example: Fiddle Leaf Fig, Pothos, Pilea, Philodendron, and many more, all need misting. However, like the watering can, you can choose a normal spray bottle or a fancy little thing–both get the job done and keep your plants happy. (Note: Both of the ones I linked–and use–are actually the same price!)
Tool No. 5: Soft Cloth and Brush
Houseplants collect dust, just like furniture. However, dusty leaves can prohibit a houseplant from receiving enough sunlight and cause it’s health to deteriorate. Therefore, you’re going to need a nice, soft cloth to be able to wipe down their leaves. I often find myself doing this for my Fiddle Leaf Fig, my ZZ plant, and my Pilea plant. The key is for the cloth to be soft and to go gentle when dusting the leaves. You don’t want to damage your plant. Other plants have fuzzy leaves, like the African Violet, and will instead need a smaller, soft brush for dusting. I like to use an old, small paintbrush.
Tool No. 6: Fertilizer
Not only do plants need sunlight and water to thrive, but they also need fertilizer. And when it comes to this tool–there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all. While all-purpose plant food does exist, if you have a couple less common plants, you may need to buy them the fertilizer that they require, in order for them to truly thrive. I do this for my Fiddle Leaf Fig and my African Violet. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look up what kind of plant food your houseplants like best and provide them with it for best results.
With these six basic tools, I have seen a huge improvement in my plants. They’re perky, showing signs of new growth, and pest-free. I have to say, before I understood the importance of these basic tools, they didn’t look this happy. Therefore, I highly suggest these tools to any plant parent.
