Plant Care
Rooted Bloom House
Tap what you need. Save the rest for when your plant starts acting up.
Light is the plant “food” most people underestimate. If growth is slow, leaves are smaller, or the plant leans hard toward the window — it’s begging for more.
Bright-ish shade
- Near a window, but not in direct sun.
- Good for: snake plant, pothos, ZZ plant.
- Slow growth is normal — don’t overwater to “help.”
The sweet spot
- Lots of light, sun doesn’t hit leaves for long.
- Good for: monstera, philodendron, peace lily.
- She’ll grow faster and fuller here.
Sunbathers only
- Sun rays directly on leaves.
- Good for: succulents, cacti, some hoyas.
- If leaves scorch, back up from the window.
Pro tip: Rotate your plant weekly so it grows evenly — otherwise it’ll lean like it’s trying to gossip with the sun.
Overwatering isn’t “too much water once.” It’s watering too often. The goal is a wet-dry cycle.
Finger test
- Top 1–2 inches dry? Most houseplants: water.
- Succulents: wait until soil is dry almost all the way through.
- Peace lily: leaves droop slightly = thirsty.
Drench + drain
- Water until it runs out the bottom.
- Empty the saucer — don’t let roots sit in water.
- Pots need drainage holes (non-negotiable).
Read the leaves
- Yellow + mushy stems: too wet.
- Crispy edges: too dry / low humidity / too much sun.
- Droopy + wet soil: root stress (check roots).
Watering rhythm (simple)
Spring/Summer: check soil 1–2x/week. Fall/Winter: 1x/week or less. Always let the soil tell you the truth — not the calendar.
Fertilizer is vitamins, not life support. Healthy light + watering first, then feed.
Less is more
- Feed in spring/summer when plants actively grow.
- Start at half-strength to avoid burn.
- Pause in winter for most houseplants.
Pick your style
- Liquid: easy control, fast results.
- Slow release: “set it and forget it.”
- Organic: gentle, slower, great for beginners.
Do you need it?
- Pale new leaves + slow growth can mean nutrients needed.
- White crust on soil = salt buildup (flush soil).
- Burnt tips after feeding = too strong.
Pests happen. Don’t panic — isolate, identify, treat, repeat. Consistency beats chaos.
Know the suspects
- Spider mites: tiny webs, speckled leaves.
- Mealybugs: white cottony spots.
- Fungus gnats: tiny flies, soil too wet.
Simple routine
- Wipe leaves (top + bottom).
- Spray insecticidal soap or neem (follow label).
- Repeat every 5–7 days for 3–4 cycles.
Keep it cute
- Quarantine new plants 7–14 days.
- Don’t keep soil soggy (gnats love that).
- Dust leaves monthly — pests hide in grime.
Fungus gnats fix (fast)
Let the top soil dry, use yellow sticky traps, and consider bottom-watering. You can also top-dress with a thin layer of sand or mosquito bits (per label).
Soil isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right mix prevents root rot and boosts growth.
Monstera / Philodendron
- Chunky mix: potting soil + orchid bark + perlite.
- Fast drainage + airflow = happy roots.
- Great for “I love to water” people.
Cactus crew
- Cactus soil + extra perlite/pumice.
- Drainage is the whole point.
- Water less; give more light.
Peace lily / Ferns
- More moisture retention: potting soil + coco coir.
- Add a bit of perlite so it doesn’t compact.
- Keep evenly moist, not swampy.
Repot when your plant is root-bound, drying out too fast, or the soil is tired. Spring is best, but emergencies don’t schedule themselves.
Signs it’s time
- Roots circling the pot or coming out drainage holes.
- Water runs straight through (root ball too tight).
- Growth stalled during growing season.
Quick steps
- Size up 1–2 inches max (don’t jump too big).
- Loosen roots gently; trim dead/mushy roots.
- Fresh mix, water lightly, then let it settle.
Recovery era
- Bright indirect light for a week.
- No fertilizer for 3–4 weeks.
- Expect a little drama — it’s normal.
Not sure what you have? Start here with the usual suspects.
Swiss cheese queen
- Light: bright indirect
- Water: when top 2" dry
- Tip: add a moss pole for bigger leaves
Beginner bestie
- Light: low to bright indirect
- Water: when top 1–2" dry
- Tip: prune to make it bushy
Low-maintenance legend
- Light: low to bright indirect
- Water: let soil dry mostly
- Tip: too much water is the #1 killer
Thrives on neglect
- Light: low to bright indirect
- Water: every 2–4 weeks
- Tip: slow grower, don’t “fix” it
Drama… but worth it
- Light: bright indirect to medium
- Water: when it droops slightly
- Tip: likes humidity
Sun + patience
- Light: direct sun / grow light
- Water: soak, then fully dry
- Tip: gritty soil is mandatory