with Farmer Nick for a super duper eco-friendly home of the most positive sustainability activist Stevie Van Horn also know as @stevieyaaaay.
We'll reveal more about Stevie's home renovation in the upcoming months. For now let's shine a light on some useful tips for every plant parent. We spent the afternoon with Nick and this is what he finds the most important to know for 2019.
As Nick says, 2019 is the year. This is the year no plants die under your watch. In fact, this year you’re going BIG. Palms without brown edges? Not a problem. Orchids that never die? Too easy. Soil without any nasty pests? Bring it on fungus gnats.
Here are his top 5 plant resolutions for all plant parents in 2019.
1. I WILL NOT OVERWATER
Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants. Just because plants need water doesn’t mean they need it every day, and overwatering often leads to root rot which can be deadly. In fact, most plants only need water once a week, so please take the time to learn the specific watering requirements for each plant. Remember, it is always better to underwater than overwater.
2. DAILY DATES
I will commit to daily check ins with my plants to catch problems early and often.
It’s easy for our plant problems to get out of hand if we don’t pay attention to our plants’ warning signs. They will let you know when they are unhappy, but you have to take the time to look and pay close attention to the small details. Try implementing daily check ins with each plant to make sure nothing is off. It is easy to solve certain issues if you catch them early, so keep your eyes open.
3. DESTINED TO THRIVE
I will only buy plants that will thrive in my environment. That Fiddle Leaf Fig may look magnificent, but it isn’t going to survive in your basement apartment without any windows. Most plant parents fail because they buy plants that are ill-suited for their environment. Take the time to understand the specific requirements of each plant and be honest about your own plant care dedication. It will save you money and emotional strife.
4. GET INSPIRED
Instead of trying to invent the wheel, learn from your plant parent role models.
The best way to become a great plant parent is to learn from others. Here are some of my favorite plant parents:
5. FORGIVENESS IS A VIRTUE
Let’s be real. We all have plants that are currently struggling and we’ve all killed a plant or two (or twelve). Give yourself a break and remember that plants require persistence and patience. Just keep an open mind, learn as much as you can, and don’t beat yourself up if your plants look a little unhappy. It happens to the best of us (myself included) so keep at it young plant parent. You got this!
PLANT TIP OF THE WEEK:
Wash. Rinse. Repeat .
Big-leafed plants like this Birds of Paradise accumulate tons of dust, which prevents them from absorbing sunlight, thus stunting the growing process. Once a month, give them a misting cleanse and wipe with a damp cloth to keep your plants lookin.
