5 Tips to Consider Before Buying Your First Houseplant.

Thinking about buying your first houseplant? Here are some beginner tips, the only tools you need to get started, and advice from two experienced plant parents.

For many of us living in apartments, the pandemic fueled our desire to bring more of the outdoors into our home. Indoor jungle vibes are all over Instagram making it hard not to get sucked in. But after composting my $50 Calathea (RIP), I realized that a little research and preparation coulda saved me quite a bit of moula (and stress).

What I wish I’d known (before I got too excited at the plant shop.)

1. Before you buy a new plant, make sure you’ve chosen where it’s going to go.

What’s the lighting like in that area? Take note of how daylight changes throughout the day. It’ll also change depending on the season so you’ll wanna take that into consideration too. You can get fancy and bust out a compass to find out which direction your windows are facing. Do you have east or west facing windows? It’s all part of the plant life jargon.

2. What are winters like where you live?

I know you’ve been fantasizing about bringing a slice of tropical paradise into your home but if you live in Canada, like I do, you can’t forget about winter (sorry!) Your electric heaters are gonna become your worst enemy so get ready to buy a humidifier and butt loads of Chapstick cause it’s gonna get DRY. I just went through my first plant parent winter and learned this the hard way. Luckily I was able to move most of my tropical plants into my bathroom (which has a sunny window) and I bought a humidifier for my main living space.

3. Do some research before bringing a new plant into your home, especially if you have pets.

You don’t need to spend hours on this, but make sure to check out the ASPCA’s website for plant toxicity. Not gonna lie, I was a little sad when I crossed plants off my wish list. At first it might seem like a bummer, but don’t let this discourage you! There’s plenty of awesome plants out there that will be just right for your home — all it takes is a little googling.

4. Start small.

I know this one sounds like a no brainer but you know how it goes. You convince yourself that you only need one bag of potting mix and walk out with 10 plants.

5. The only tools you’ll need to get started:

• A pair of pruning shears. Some plants, like the Boston Fern, will require more frequent haircuts.
• A trowel — Doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. I use a large measuring spoon I had lying around (Don’t worry, I only use it for gardening now.)
• *Hydrogen peroxide. You’ll wanna make sure to clean your tools after each use but it’s also a good idea to clean them in between plants. This way you’ll avoid transmitting any potential pests from plant to plant. *If you’re debating which size to get — go big. The biggest bottle they sell at your local drugstore. Trust me. (Plus — fewer plastic bottles wasted!)
• Potting mix. Most plants don’t require a specific type of soil and it’s usually a safe bet to buy your run of the mill potting mix. However, you’ll want to get a more specialized mix for cactus, succulents or tropical plants. These will usually be clearly indicated on the bag.
• Pots, pots, pots! I guess this one's pretty obvious. Most garden stores have a nice selection of pots, also known as a cache-pot, but they’re usually pretty pricey. I recommend checking out FB marketplace, thrift shops and garage sales. Note: you can keep your plant in the pot it came in and just use the cache-pot for decorative purposes. This makes it easier to water too.
• This next one being essential is debatable but if you don’t wanna stick your fingers in dirt every time you need to check soil dryness, I’d highly recommend getting yourself one of these.

Bonus!

• A Hygrometer thermometer (don’t you just love how that rolls off the tongue?) This tool will help you monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your home. I’ve got this one. I actually have 2, one for my office and one for my living room/kitchen.
• A Humidifier. Good for both you and your plants, especially if you have electric radiators.
• Newspaper or an old shower curtain — for easy clean up after repotting or transplanting.

Advice from two seasoned plant parents:

Genny G

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What is 1 thing you wish you’d known when you first became a plant parent?

That I should cancel my credit card. Plants are highly addictive. Haha. I got into it before the whole plant craze started, so I was completely naïve. Now you’ve got all these memes and funny TikToks about sneaking past your partner hiding plants under your jacket to avoid getting into trouble for busting the budget.

I have a strict no-plant-buying clause with my girlfriend now. But she never said anything about propagating. Muaha.

Muahaha.

Muahahahahhahahahahahaha.

What do you love most about your plants?

They connect me to nature while being in the city. It just feels right to be surrounded by green. Seeing them thrive in conditions that I’ve adjusted just for them! Certain plants need more or less humidity, a specific type of soil mix, a frequency of fertilization depending on their growth rate etc. It’s really validating when they benefit from the right type of attention.

What’s 1 thing your plants have taught you?

Patience! We live in a world of instant gratification. We can barely put our phones down for 6 seconds. My green girls have taught me to slow down, appreciate the moment. Nature isn’t on a timeline. It grows on it’s own schedule.

Marie-Leigh

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What is 1 thing you wish you’d known when you first became a plant parent?

You can’t have them all. That despite being enthusiastic, some plants just can’t get what they need in your home. Keep trying, keep learning, and always speak kindly to them!! I absolutely believe they can hear you and feed off of that as much as water and light.

What do you love most about your plants?

They make our place a home. They add life and color and fill up empty spaces! Our hallways and walls would be nice as is, sure, but plants make them our own, they’re a part of the decor and personality of our home.

What’s 1 thing your plants have taught you?

Patience and the importance of speaking positively! Oh, and that a humidifier is good for both of us!

Bonus: Beginner Favorites!

• Hilton Carter’s book, ‘Wild at Home: How to Style and Care for Beautiful Plants’ is a MUST read. I owe it to this book for making it this far with only 1 plant casualty (R.I.P. my dear Calathea Orbifolia.)
• Amanda from Planterina is an absolute delight. Here’s a few videos to get you started:
• 25 plants that are toxic to cats
• 15 mistakes not to make
• Best low light, no fuss houseplants

My houseplants have become an outlet for my nurturing (cancer moon) heart. The act of tending and watching them grow fills me with joy (and a lil’ pride, let’s be honest.)

*The links shared in this article are not affiliate links. Where you choose to buy these tools is up to you (duh) but may I suggest shopping local if possible? Or even better, ask around, you never know who might have an extra hygrometer thermometer collecting dust.