I'm new to taking care of indoor plants and I've just ordered a few from The Sill. I want to make sure I don't mess up when they arrive, especially since I'll be keeping them in my office with a window. I've done some reading and know that some plants can be pretty picky about their light and water needs.
Currently, I have a simple philodendron that I inherited, and it seems to be doing fine despite a mealybug issue that I've somewhat managed. I'm planning to move this plant out to make way for my new ones: a Philodendron Pink Princess, a Hoya Carnosa Tricolor, and a Stromanthe Triostar.
Any advice on how to care for these new plants would be awesome—specifically regarding the type of water I should use, how to fertilize them, when to repot, and anything else to help them flourish. I'm planning to place them in spots with indirect light. If needed, I can share pics of my current plant for more targeted advice. They should be arriving next week!
3 Answers
Definitely consider moving your existing plant out of the space with the new ones. Plants are pretty good at showing you where they like to be! Start your new plants in a spot with indirect sunlight to help them adjust.
Your Pink Princess and Hoya are both pretty easy to care for! They thrive on the same care as your philodendron. Just make sure to use a loose, well-draining soil and check moisture by feeling the top layer—water them when it's dry.
However, the Stromanthe can be a bit tricky! It's picky about humidity, so keep it moist to avoid crispy leaves. Regular tap water can sometimes harm it too, so consider using distilled or rainwater if that's a concern. Always quarantine new plants for a bit to avoid transferring any bugs from your existing plants!
Great questions! For watering, I suggest getting a moisture meter—it really helps. Check it weekly to see if the soil is dry, and if it is, water it. Just remember that overwatering is a common mistake.
When it comes to feeding, you can use a diluted liquid fertilizer during the summer months to give your plants a boost. Also, keep track of when you repot by marking the date on the pot—it's super handy! As for light, all plants enjoy good lighting, so aim for bright indirect light if possible.
About those pesky mealybugs, if you find them, they're often easier to deal with by tossing the infested plant away rather than trying to fight them off, but it's up to you!
Totally agree about the pests! I've battled mealybugs too. Spraying the plant and wiping it down can help, but sometimes it feels like a losing battle. I've thought about changing the soil as well—it might help with prevention!
That’s exactly what I was thinking! A fresh start without the old plant is probably the best way to go.