Indoor Plants have become one of the most acquired hobbies and the hottest trend in home decor in recent years. Whether it is because plants create a soothing environment, reduce stress levels, or fulfill a human need to nurture and love, one thing is certain, indoor plants have evolved into a leafy love affair.
You are a plant parent now, but what’s next?
Did you want to level up your plant game?
Creating a nurturing environment for your plants with the essentials will help you achieve that.
I have shared my favorites to help you bring out the best in your plants.
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Fertilizer
Indoor Plants need a good supply of nutrients to thrive in your home. They rely entirely on the nutrients in their potted soil, so it is essential to fertilize your plants regularly.
Choosing your fertilizer with the right proportion of macronutrients will help achieve optimal growth for your plants. The ones I found that work best for indoor plants are the ones with ‘Nitrogen – Phosphorus -Potassium’ often abbreviated as N-P-K in the ratio 9-3-6.
I have used Miracle-Gro and Foliage-Pro and found both to work well. I have consistently used ‘Foliage-Pro’ this past year and felt it gave the best results for overall plant growth.
Here is the link to the best fertilizer.
Foliage Pro
Light Meter
When I started my plant journey, the light requirements confused me the most. Those little tags that come with the plants would say ‘bright indirect light’, or ‘direct light’, or I would google the requirements and it would say ‘place in a south-facing window’ and I would be standing in my family room with a compass trying to determine where is the best place to keep my newly bought plant.
After a lot of trial and error, one thing I realized was that more often than not, indoor plants are not receiving an adequate amount of light.
The game changer for me was using a light meter to determine how much light my plants were getting and if they needed more.
For hobbyists like us, a light meter can be reliable for measuring light. The one I use can measure in footcandles and I find that easier to use than the lux unit of measurement. This simple light meter requires you to remove the cap from the sensor and point it toward the light from your window to get your reading. I take 2-3 readings at different times of the day for a particular spot and average them to see what light conditions my plant gets.
Best Light Meter
Grow Lights
Grow lights are a game-changer for plant lovers, especially when natural light is limited. These lights mimic the sun’s spectrum, providing the energy plants need to photosynthesize, thrive, and grow regardless of the season or your home’s lighting conditions. By extending the daylight hours for your plants, grow lights can encourage healthier growth, vibrant foliage, and even blooming in off-seasons.
For example, I’ve been using the Sansi grow light, and it’s been a standout in my plant care routine. Its full-spectrum light closely replicates sunlight, ensuring my plants get the necessary nourishment. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and easy to set up, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents. Whether you are reviving a struggling plant or helping your collection flourish, grow lights are a must-have for leveling up your plant game.
Sansi Grow Light
Sansi Dimmable Grow Light
Insect Control
Pest control is essential to keeping your plants happy and thriving because nothing derails your plant game faster than an invasion of mealybugs, fungus gnats, spider mites, etc. These critters damage your plants and can quickly spread to other plants, ruining most of them. In fact, when one of my plants has mealy bugs, I quarantine it and keep it separate until it is completely insect-free.
You usually find these bugs where there is new growth on your plants, or on the underside of the leaves.
One of my go-to solutions for tackling plant pests is Systemic Granules. This systemic insecticide is absorbed through the roots, creating a protective barrier within the plant to ward off pests for an extended period. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require spraying. What I love most is its effectiveness in targeting a wide range of insects without needing constant reapplication. With a little proactive care, you can keep those creepy crawlies at bay and let your plants shine!
Insect Control
Soil Mix
Soil is the foundation of healthy plants, and using the right type can make all the difference in your plant care journey. Different plants have different soil needs—succulents and cacti thrive in a gritty, well-draining mix, while tropical plants prefer a rich, moisture-retentive medium. Adding soil amendments can further enhance your plant’s environment. Perlite and vermiculite improve aeration and drainage, while coco coir and peat moss help retain moisture for thirstier plants.
The right soil mix is crucial for healthy plants with strong root systems. Whenever I repot my plants, I use a homemade soil mix that’s chunky, well-draining, and packed with the essentials plants need to thrive. Here’s my go-to formula:
- Potting Soil (40%): FoxFarm is a fantastic brand to try, but any local alternative that’s pH adjusted to 6.3–6.8 works well.
- Perlite (30%): Choose a good, chunky perlite for improved aeration. If your perlite is fine or powdery, wear a mask while handling it to avoid inhaling granules.
Best Perlite. - Orchid Bark (30%): This ensures excellent drainage and keeps your mix light.
Best Orchid Mix.
For an added boost, you can mix in some activated horticultural charcoal if you have it on hand. I like to make a big batch of this mix and store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, I open the container once a week, give the mix a stir to aerate it, and check for any insects. By customizing your soil with these substrates, you create the perfect environment for healthy, happy plants.
The reel on Instagram below shows you how I make my DIY soil mix.
Taking your plant game to the next level doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few thoughtful steps can make all the difference. If you have any more plant-related questions or need advice, feel free to reach out!
If you know a fellow plant enthusiast who could use these tips, don’t hesitate to share this article with them. Here’s to happy plants and even happier plant parents!
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