Author: Barry Powers

Overwatering Your Plants? Plantz Can Help

by Barry Powers

If you love plants, you want to take good care of them. Making sure they have the right soil, sunlight, and nutrients ensures that your plant will provide the beauty and other benefits you want in your living or workspace. And the most frequent way people care for their plants is to water them.

But if you’ve heard the phrase “too much of a good thing,” you know that overdoing something helpful can sometimes be quite harmful. And that axiom is never truer than when it comes to watering your favorite houseplants. Overwatering inhibits growth, hurts foliage, and can be fatal if not stopped in time.

Signs of overwatering

If your houseplant’s growth slows or you see browning tips and curling leaves, that’s a sign that your plant is suffering from too much water. Unfortunately, those can also be signs that your plant is not getting enough water. And since the solution for underwatering is adding water and moisture, the wrong diagnosis can lead to exacerbating the very problem you’re trying to solve. This dangerous pattern, along with not knowing how much water a particular plant needs to thrive, is why overwatering is such a common problem and can be difficult to diagnose in time.

Why are the symptoms of overwatering and underwatering similar? It’s all in the roots. Without a healthy supply of oxygen, a plant’s roots will drown in too much water or moisture. They become soggy and soft, and cannot provide the necessary water and nutrients to the leaves. The leaves behave as if there was a lack of water since they aren’t getting enough nutrients to thrive. Eventually, the plant’s roots cannot provide physical support or water, and the plant dies. Obviously, it’s important to diagnose and treat the problem before that happens.

Fixing the Problem

Once you’ve recognized an overwatering situation, there are different levels of remedy. The first (and easiest) is to simply stop watering and give the soil a chance to dry out. But in severe cases, you might need to repot your plant. Check the roots and remove the ones that look mushy and irreparably damaged. Then place it in soil that drains well, and in a pot that also drains well. Hopefully, this will be the fresh start your plant needs to thrive again.

Preventing Future Issues

To avoid problems going forward with overwatering (and even underwatering), Plantz.com recommends the following tips:

Know your plant. Different plants have different needs, and making sure it has the right sunlight and watering schedule is essential to keeping them happy and healthy.

Use good soil. Make sure your houseplant has soil that drains properly and remains aerated at all times.

Get the right pot. The pot should have good drainage, ensuring water doesn’t accumulate under normal conditions.

Check the soil properly. Note that last word, “properly.” Checking soil is more than sticking a finger in the top part of the pot and seeing if it’s dry or moist. In fact, that’s a good way to begin the bad habit of overwatering. It’s best to check the soil closer to the roots, and your finger is not designed to be the optimal moisture-checker when it comes to houseplants.

Fortunately, you can get a tool that has been optimized for checking soil right here at Plantz.com: The Soil Sleuth. Simply push the tool to the bottom of the pot, twist, and bring it back up. The notches capture soil near the roots so you can inspect it for yourself and make the best decision as to watering. And while you turn, it aerates the soil near the roots, ensuring they get enough oxygen as well.

More Questions? Plantz Has Answers

If you have more questions about watering, we’re here to help. Simply contact us for more advice on getting your plant on the road to recovery.

Get Growing in the New Year with Plantz

by Barry Powers

The new year is a good time to focus on growth, and that should include your favorite plants. If you’re taking care of them as a good plant parent, you want your species to thrive and look their very best. It’s good for them, it’s good for your décor, and it’s good for everyone who gets to enjoy them. Healthy, happy plants are the goal of any plant parent, and that means understanding what they require to remain that way.

In many cases, staying healthy means getting proper water, light, and other nutrients. For many plants, the space should have the right humidity and be free from pests as well. If you take care of these issues and check to make sure they’re doing well, your plant should reward you with a healthy, beautiful look.

Unless they go dormant, that is. Dormancy is a natural event that occurs with plants and leads to beautiful growth later in the year. But because it looks like the plant is struggling, you might think something is going wrong and make changes to revive it. In reality, disrupting dormancy has negative consequences, and the dormant period is actually a good time to take advantage of the slowed growth in different ways that can help your plant later.

What is Dormancy?

Have you ever felt like you had less energy when it was cold outside, and wanted to just curl up with a blanket and relax, or take a nap? Some people naturally feel more tired as the days get shorter. That’s a normal human trait, and it’s not too different from what plants experience, except they do it on a larger scale. Like hibernation with some animals, dormancy is essential for plants and a natural part of their growth process.

When plants go dormant for the winter, they experience a period of minimal or no growth. Shortened days mean less sunlight, which affects their ability to convert it to the energy they need. Plants also go dormant to protect themselves when it gets cold, slowing their metabolic rate and subsequent need for energy when they produce less due to less sunlight. This event occurs even in your home, where the temperature is stable and there’s plenty of artificial light. Plants will also go dormant as a defense mechanism in times of extreme heat or drought. Again, a slower metabolism means less energy, which requires fewer resources. By going into dormancy, the plant is taking care of itself.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look that way to concerned plant parents. Dormant plants will not only stop growing, but they’ll start drooping or losing leaves and stems. Their soil will remain moist for a longer period of time as they take on less water. To the uninitiated, they look like they’re dying, which might lead to more sunlight, water, and nutrients in a vain effort to revive them. In reality, the plant needs its dormant time to save up energy for revitalization in the springtime.

So how do you ensure that you don’t hurt the plant you’re trying to help? You’ll need a tool to help you keep better track of the soil’s moisture that works better than the eye test, or just sticking your finger into the pot and hoping for the best. Fortunately, our Soil Sleuth can solve that problem for you with more accuracy and less mess.

Simply take the Soil Sleuth and place it deep into the soil, near the plant’s roots. Then bring it back up. The notches in the tool will trap the soil and allow you to feel it to determine what the moisture is like at different depth levels. You’ll be able to avoid overwatering with confidence since you know exactly what the soil is like down where the roots are.

The Soil Sleuth takes the guesswork out of everyday watering and can help save your plant when it looks like it needs your help but is really just entering its dormancy phase. You might find yourself watering and fertilizing less, which is a good sign that the tool is keeping your care in check and creating better conditions for your plant.

Dormancy or Danger?

If you see your plant looking weaker and less healthy, you don’t want to automatically assume it’s going dormant. You also don’t want to assume it’s something else. So how can you tell?

First, check for damaged or dead stems. You’ll want to be careful not to damage your plant by snapping a healthy stem. But if feels mushy to the touch, you’ll want to remove it so the rot doesn’t spread to the rest of the plant.

If the roots are healthy, the plant is in good shape. Again, using your Soil Sleuth, you can determine the moisture level in the root area. If it’s extremely soggy, you might have overwatered and the roots are drowning, which can lead to visuals that look similar to a plant not getting enough water. You never want to shock your plant by changing the environment too quickly, or repotting when it isn’t necessary. Those decisions will cause additional damage at a time when you want your plant to conserve energy for a spring revival. But if the roots are soggy and mushy, you might have an emergency situation where repotting in the springtime makes sense. Just be sure that’s the case before making any drastic decisions, and cut down on watering during the winter months to avoid making a bad situation worse.

If you know your plant is dormant, you can also adjust your care schedule. Avoiding a misdiagnosis means you’ll avoid overwatering, which is dangerous for your plant even in normal times. Now that you know the situation, you can water less than normal and stop fertilizing if that’s part of your routine. Also, be sure to keep pests away if that’s a common concern by dusting and cleaning your plant regularly. Then let it continue its dormancy through the winter.

Wake Up

If a plant is in its normal environment, it might come out of its dormancy on its own. You won’t have to do anything, and it will come to life. But the indoor environment is very controlled, so in some cases, you might want to give it a little help to come back.

Just make sure that your help isn’t done too radically and as a shock to the dormant plant. Nobody likes a sudden, radical change in their environment, and plants are no different. Carefully place it in an area with a fair amount of indirect light, and give it water and some slow-release fertilizer. Those methods should be enough to give it a wake-up call, and you should gradually start to see results that your plant is coming out of its dormant state.

Repotting Possibilities

Now that your plant is coming back to its vibrant state, you’ll want to consider repotting. Some plants require repotting on a regular basis, others have grown a little too big for their pots, and you might anticipate that their new growth will be taxing on their existing home.

If you’re going to repot, consider what kind to choose. Remember that the pot can be as much a part of your décor as the plant itself. Choose something that fits your style. Also, make sure it’s just a little bigger than the existing pot. By selecting one a couple of inches larger, you’ll give your plant room to grow and thrive. But more than that will require more soil than the plant needs, which will dry out faster, which will encourage more watering and could lead to overwatering and drowning your plant. You’ll want a bigger pot, but not much bigger, to encourage growth and keep your plant looking great.

Once you’ve selected the right pot for your plant, put a layer of new potting soil into the new pot and pack it down. Then you’ll want to remove your plant from its existing pot, and you’ll want to do it carefully. Don’t just pull it out by the stems. Just tip it to its side, or even upside down, and tap on the bottom of the pot to help loosen it. You can pull on the stems gently, but let gravity do most of the work for you.

Now that your plant is out, loosen the roots. They might be bound up together, so be careful as you untangle them, and prune away any that look dead or too long compared to the other ones. You should also remove a good portion of the old potting mix that’s still clinging to the roots. Not all of it, but enough to give your plant a fresh start in its new home.

Next, place your plant in its new, larger pot and add more potting mix. Don’t pack or press this soil down, though. You want to leave plenty of air for your plant to thrive. You also want to leave room below the lip of the pot for watering, otherwise, it will run over the sides and miss the roots completely. Then even out the soil, add water, and enjoy. You’ll have a new-looking plant in a new pot.

Trim and Transform

As your plant sports its new growth, it’s also a good time to trim and shape your plant. The disparity between lush, new leaves and older, decaying ones will be clear, and quick trim will highlight the former. Dying branches need to be removed to promote new growth and improve your plant’s overall look.

It’s also a good time to guide the shape of your plant. It won’t always grow in the manner you like and can look disheveled and unbalanced as it continues to grow. Don’t go overboard, but you can shape your plant for a more-attractive look while it’s in a growth stage.

Following these tips will ensure that your plant exits its dormancy ready to grow in a healthy way, with plenty of room in a new pot, healthy roots, and fresh potting soil.

Plantz is Here to Help

While it’s necessary to ensure your plant is ready for its dormancy, recovers in a proper way, and is ready for its growth stage, getting to that point isn’t always easy. You might be dealing with a species whose dormant characteristics are new to you. You might have additional questions about keeping it safe or helping it out of dormancy effectively. And while repotting can be stressful for plants, it can be the same for concerned plant parents. What soil is best for your plant? What’s the best way to check the roots without injuring them?

And what about trimming and shaping? What’s the right amount, and how can you encourage growth and avoid inhibiting it? All of these are good questions, and even an experienced plant parent might not have all the answers for every species they have.

Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on just your own expertise. You have Plantz.com. For decades, we’ve been dedicated to the care, maintenance, sales, and service of beautiful plants for individuals, businesses, and event planners. We know plants, how to care for them, what to expect from them, and how to get the most out of them. That includes specific information about your plant or the plant you want to add to your collection. We want you to have detailed questions, and we’re here to provide detailed answers.

If you have questions about dormancy, Plantz can tell you what to expect and how to encourage it in a safe way. We can help you determine whether your plant is dormant or if something more serious is occurring. And when it’s time for your plant to come out of it, we can help guide you so you can foster that process in a healthy way.

Repotting should be a deliberate and careful process, and we can help advise on that procedure as well, from choosing the right pot to completing the upgrade. If your goal is to really get your plants growing, all of these issues can get your year started right, and that’s where our experience and commitment to customer service come in.

This knowledge can help you make a decision as to which plants to add to your collection. You might not know what to buy at first, but once you know what plants have a dormancy cycle that fits with your space, and can be accommodated easily, the decision becomes easier. You can choose a species that will align with your décor goals and ability to keep them thriving, and know you’ve made the right choice. And whatever you choose, Plantz has a quality selection of the best plants, shipped with special care and ready to add to your collection. And our service continues after the sale if you have more questions or need more guidance.

To start, use our contact page and let us know how we can help.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Plantz

by Barry Powers

From the beginning of time, plants have been an essential part of celebrations and remembrance events around the world, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is no exception. Plantz.com is proud to be a part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Not only was Dr. King a co-pastor at the church in the 1960s, but Ebenezer Baptist Church was also the location of Dr. King’s funeral in 1968. This year, President Joe Biden delivered the Sunday sermon to the congregants at the church, a first for a sitting President, paying tribute to Dr. King and celebrating his legacy.

Plantz.com was honored to help the church come alive by providing lush greenery for the occasion, including their charismatic Dracaena Janet Craigs with their wide and vibrant leaves as well as some luxuriant Aglaonema Mary Ann, or Chinese Evergreen plants. Both types of plants thrive indoors and require minimal upkeep, allowing the church leaders to enjoy the peace and serenity of the plants while focusing on staging their holiday events.

New Year, New Plants With Plantz!

by Barry Powers

The beginning of each year is a time when many people make resolutions to improve their lives. So why not include plants in those resolutions? They definitely improve our lives, after all. Plants enhance people’s moods, make them calmer and more creative, and help clean the air we breathe. Plus, they can transform the decor of our living and workspaces, both inside and outside. Letting more plants into your life is a worthy resolution for anyone trying to add positivity to their surroundings.

Of course, the term “more plants” will have different meanings for different people. You might be starting from scratch, with no idea what to do and no experience taking care of one. You might have some of the basics down and are finally ready to try something a little more challenging. Or you might be considered an expert plant parent and want to see what’s out there that you haven’t tackled yet. Whatever your skill level there are plants that are right for you and plant-related activities you haven’t tried yet. All it takes is an open mind and a little guidance. As long as you have an interest, Plantz can take care of the rest.

How Green is Your Thumb?

For detailed information to take your plant parenthood to the next level tomorrow, you have to determine how much you know today. Here are a few levels of plant experience:

Absolute Beginner

New plant parents might be intimidated by the idea of caring for a different species that depends on you for everything. While some people seem to know everything about plants, maybe you can’t tell a Palm Tree from a Peace Lily. You don’t have a green thumb; you’re all thumbs. Should you even try to adopt plants?

The answer is yes, absolutely! At Plantz, we know that there’s a plant for everybody. No matter how inexperienced you are, or how challenging it might seem, there’s a plant you can care for, help thrive, and reap the benefits of the interaction. It’s just a matter of knowing how to start, and finding the right species to meet your needs and skill level.

Plant care – Your plant will need water and sunlight; those things are non-negotiable. But how much water and how much sunlight will depend on what type of plant you get. For a beginner, you’ll want a hearty plant that’s very forgiving when it comes to both. If you forget to water sometimes, it’s not the end of the plant. If it doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, it’s okay. In fact, some plants don’t want a lot of water and do just fine in conditions with very little light.

In many cases, new plant parents go wrong by overwatering, and exposing a plant to more light than it needs. It’s important to know as much as possible about your new plant, and care for it accordingly.

Starter plants – You can’t go wrong with a Sansevieria or a Ficus elastica. But don’t be intimidated by their official names. You probably know them as a Snake plant or a Rubber plant, so keep it simple and try one of these forgiving species. Light and water needs are minimal, and they’ll still thrive if you’re not perfect with your schedule. There are other good starter plants as well, but it’s good to stick to a common species that will help you learn the ropes and not worry too much about failure.

Share! If you’re new to plant care, feel free to share. Take photos of their growth and share your progress and experiences on social media. You’ll let people know about your new hobby, and you’re bound to learn that you’re not alone. Acquaintances, friends, and even family might reveal that they also love plants, and they’ll probably be happy to share their own tips. You’ll improve your life with a new activity, and you’ll learn something about the people you thought you already knew. You can make new friendships and enhance the ones you already have by sharing your new love for plants. It’s a win/win for everybody, including the plant!

Intermediate Plant Parents

Some people are well past the beginner stage and know how to care for their plants. But they’re not exactly experts, either. Somewhere in between, these plant parents have the experience to know more than the basics, but not enough to tackle the most difficult plant challenges. What’s right for them?

Get in a routine – The journey from beginner to intermediate begins with a healthy plant care routine. Instead of reminding yourself to water a plant, give it extra nutrients, or check the leaves, a care routine makes these things second nature. They happen as part of your week, so you don’t really have to think about them. You enjoy checking in with your plants, and eventually, you won’t need outside reminders at all. Part of your schedule includes time with your plants and making sure they have what they need. It becomes automatic and shows you’ve graduated to a new level of plant parenthood.

Take on a new challenge – When you first started caring for plants, you probably ruled out a few species that seemed too demanding or complicated to handle properly. You weren’t in a position to handle their requirements and didn’t have the confidence that you could help them thrive.

But that was then. Now you have more experience, and those beautiful species that you thought were too much for you are still there, waiting for you. Why not take on a new species or two that require a little more work, but have a look that you’d love to have in your home or workspace?

Philodendrons have a sharp tropical look that can upgrade the look of any area, but they aren’t set-it-and-forget-it plants. They need special attention with regard to pruning and you’ll want to watch out for pests. Philodendrons should also be kept away from children and pets who might want to eat their leaves.

Weeping figs are a bold-looking floor plant that also provides a moderate challenge to thrive. They need a good amount of indirect light and should be placed in soil that drains well. They like to stick to a watering schedule and benefit from regular fertilizer. And moving them around is a bad idea: If your weeping fig’s leaves start dropping, you’ll need to adjust your care to revive it. They might be a little more work, but it’s a good challenge for an intermediate plant parent.

Join a group! Getting involved in a plant community is a great way to meet other people at your skill level and see what challenges they’re trying. You’ll discover plants you never considered, and the support to keep adding new plants to your collection. And over time, you might just find yourself getting to an expert level of plant care.

Plant Parent Pros

You’ve tackled many different plant species with great results, and you know how to revive a plant that needs special care. You’ve even developed an eye for decoration and can find the right plant for the right space. What’s left for you? Plenty, if you’re willing to get creative.

Plants as art – Not all plants are confined to the area near their grow pot. Given enough room and guidance, they can climb and grow to really take over a space in a beautiful way. A Golden pothos, for example, can grow down the side of a bookcase or a desk, or drop down toward the floor from a hanging pot. You can also use a trellis to guide and shape where it goes, using your walls as additional space. It takes special care and a specific plan for the area, but you’re only limited by your creativity and how much of a statement you want to make artistically.

Try tougher plants – For a worthwhile challenge, you can also try a Zebra plant, which catches the eye with its white-steaked leaves and yellow blooms. It needs plenty of indirect light, but not direct light. It requires moist soil, but the pot has to drain well to avoid root rot, and you need to avoid getting water on its leaves. Also, it needs enough humidity that regular misting or a humidifier might be necessary. It’s not for beginners, but a Zebra plant can thrive when maintained in the hands of an expert. Or, if another challenging plant catches your eye, give that a shot. Keep testing yourself and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish with your plant collection.

Share the love – Are there beginners in your circle of friends and family that might benefit from your expertise? Do you know someone who needs the mental and emotional benefits plants can provide? Does someone need a change of scenery, new décor, or could use fresher air in their living or workspace? You can use what you know to help others.

Encourage people in your life to learn more about plants, or offer to help introduce them to an interest that gives back on many levels. A simple gift (haven’t plants always been great gifts?) could be just the thing to put them on a positive lifelong journey, and with your advice and help they’re almost assured of success. Using what you know to instill an interest in others is a wonderful way to keep the love of plants thriving, and you might even help turn beginners into experts someday.

Plantz.com: Your Partner at All Stages

At Plantz.com, we have decades of experience caring for, selling, maintaining, and delivering the very best plants to our dedicated customers. But most of them don’t have (or need) our level of knowledge. They have us to assist them with their needs every step of the way.

For beginners, we can answer any questions you have and get you started on the road to plant parenthood with hard-to-kill starters that will help increase your love for plants. We’ll help you pick the species for you, and send them to you quickly and safely, with careful packaging so you’re ready to go right out of the box.

For intermediate plant parents, we can help you get to the next level with an assortment of plants that will provide some challenges, and reap some great benefits once they’re thriving in your home or workspace. We can recommend and send the right plant for you to up your skills and care, and improve your décor at the same time.

For experts, we have the right plants to let your creative mind flow and really stretch out your knowledge base so you can expand your area with plenty of lush, green additions. We can answer expert questions and make the right suggestions for your individual needs. Whatever you’re looking to accomplish, Plantz.com can get you set up with everything necessary to accomplish your new goals. And, over time, if you have more questions or need suggestions, we’re here to help.

We also have a wide selection of accessories and tools to help you get the look you want from your plants, and keep them thriving over time. From planters and moss to enhance the look of your species in your home or workspace, to liquid plant food to provide the nutrition your plant needs, we’ll provide the assets required for plant parents to thrive in their journey along with their selections.

Additionally, the PlantAssure system provides sub-irrigation technology to extend and perfect your plant’s watering interval, and help you avoid the pitfalls associated with overwatering or underwatering. Whether you’re concerned about making a mistake, or you have more experience but want to save yourself some time, the PlantAssure system can help provide some stability and security in a critical area for plant health. And the Soil Sleuth can help you check your plant’s soil with precise accuracy, ensuring it has the right level of moisture for that species. With our expertise and tools, you’ll be in great shape to take advantage of everything plants can offer your space.

If you have questions, we can help. Just use our contact form to get the conversations started!

Your Perfect Office Partner

by Barry Powers

Plant lovers know that adding some foliage to your living space can improve your mood, offer some health benefits, and spruce up the area’s aesthetic. Since people spend a lot of time at home, it makes sense to make the atmosphere as positive as possible.

But home isn’t the only place people spend their time. A workspace is a place many often spend 40 hours a week or more, and is usually a stressful, fast-paced environment. So why not allow plants to offer the same home benefits at work? A few colorful additions can do wonders for a workspace, provide fresh air, reduce some harmful effects associated with office life, and help people tap into our affinity for nature. Large species can really transform an area, but even little plants can make a big difference.

Stop Sick Building Syndrome 

Sick Building Syndrome is a lot more than people not feeling their best when they have to go to work. It’s a measurable, significant change in health and health-related symptoms, recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, and caused by consistent time spent confined in a building. Symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dry throat or cough, tend to develop after prolonged time in a building. The syndrome is often attributed to indoor air pollutants and poor air circulation. Over time, the effects on health and morale can be devastating to a business.

Fortunately, the solution doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Rooms filled with plants have significant improvements in air quality, as well as corresponding reductions in airborne molds and bacteria. And, not surprisingly, studies have shown that plants help reduce the very same symptoms associated with Sick Building Syndrome, such as headaches, dry throat, cough, fatigue, and dry facial skin. In other words, plants are a living solution to a very real problem occurring in offices all over the world.

Mental Health Benefits and Biophilia

The advantages of having plants in your office go beyond physical improvements. Bright colors and scents stimulate our senses, and the color green has been found to be especially effective in boosting creativity. An office with a generous amount of plant life encourages positive mindsets and reduces negative emotions and behavior. Studies have shown plants reduce anxiety, fatigue, depression, and even violent tendencies in office settings. Employees are more creative, more motivated, and even more productive when plants are introduced into an office setting.

The reasons for these benefits aren’t magical; they’re natural. Humans are innately programmed with biophilia, a desire to connect and commune with nature and other living things. Have you heard of people who feel refreshed and energized after spending time in a tropical environment, or wanting to “get away” to a cabin in the woods? Humans are driven to seek out nature. It makes us feel relaxed, comfortable, and creative. While you can’t move your office into a forest, you can invite a bit of nature into your workspace via plants.

When you add a variety of plants into a space, people want to stay there longer. That benefit shouldn’t be overlooked at a time when many people are returning to office settings after a long period of working remotely. And with the prominence of “quiet quitting” — workers reluctant to go the extra mile and doing the bare minimum required for their jobs — any positive adjustment to the workspace can only help the transition back to office life, and boost morale at a time when it’s sorely needed. Plants can accomplish all that and more.

Perfect Office Plants 

Here are a few suggestions for plants that can improve any office setting.

Ficus Audrey – The Audrey isn’t a high-maintenance plant. It can survive in lower-light conditions than the Fiddle Leaf fig (though artificial or filtered light helps it thrive), has good soil moisture tolerance, and features a sturdy look with plenty of green on its healthy leaves. It’s a popular houseplant and makes a perfect addition to your office.

Plantz offers the Audrey in two sizes and 10-inch and 14-inch grow pots. It doesn’t require complicated care, either: Clean dust from its leaves with a wet cloth, or use a mild soapy solution in the rare event that pests find their way to it. You can prune the stems and branches that are out of form, or let them grow in a variety of directions for a more natural look.

Drooping or dropping leaves means it’s getting too little (or too much) water, or not enough light. It can also shed leaves if there’s a dramatic change in lighting. Browning leaf margins (under-watering, not enough light) and brown or mushy spots in the leaves (too much water or cold temperature exposure) can be corrected easily.

Giganta – The Giganta features multiple trunks, wide leaves, and a large, colorful radius of foliage. Also offered in 10-inch and 14-inch grow pots, the Giganta doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Pruning isn’t usually necessary, and cleaning just takes a wet cloth, or a soapy solution for pests, which shouldn’t be a big problem here.

It grows best with medium or bright light but can handle lower-light settings as well. And watering can be infrequent by making sure the entire soil profile is moist, and then letting it dry over the course of days or even weeks.

Bamboo Palm – Known for its good luck properties, it also offers more scientific benefits such as adding moisture to the air. A natural humidifier, it’s the perfect solution to stuffy office spaces where dried-out noses and throats are common. It’s available in a 10-inch grow pot for three feet, or a 14-inch grow pot for five feet and up.

The Bamboo Palm’s rich, green leaves add a tropical look to any space and can tolerate lower-light levels better than most palms. But for best results, find an area with filtered, natural light or bright, fluorescent light. Its soil moisture should remain damp, but be careful of overwatering. Yellowing and dropping leaves means it’s getting too much.

Pruning usually just requires pulling the yellowed, older leaves at the bottom of the plant. If a stem gets out of line and needs to be pruned, do it at the base; never cut a stem in half, or you won’t see any new growth there.

The Bamboo Palm needs a little extra care when it comes to cleaning and bugs. For the former, a feather duster can be a good accompaniment to a solution of water and light soap. And for bugs (especially mealybugs and mites), a spray bottle with light soap and water, administered daily, should take care of the problem.

The Plantz Difference

Not only does Plantz.com have all of the answers you need for the care of your new office plants, but they also have a convenient website where you can order plants for delivery right from the comfort of your own home (or office). For those who want to gift a plant, but are unsure of what plant is right for their friend’s space, Plantz.com offers gift cards that can be used for plants and supplies, including a wide variety of decorative containers. Contact Plantz.com today to find the right office buddy for you!

Quick Guide for Gifting an Office Plant

by Barry Powers

Plants make awesome gifts for office workers. As workers leave the comfort of their remote work environment to return to the office, what better gift to give your friend or coworker than a living, respirating plant buddy!

Why does someone want an office plant?

Let’s just admit it: plants make our lives better. They don’t yell at you when your report is late, they don’t make you go to awkward lunches with strange clients, and they don’t care if you used that sick day to go kayaking with your friends. How could someone NOT want a plant? The right plant in your office is a long-term low-maintenance commitment to a beautiful new friend who will never let you down. And when they are really happy, they will sprout new lush leaves in appreciation for all you do.

Plant size and aesthetics

There are some specifics that need to be considered before gifting someone a plant for their office. Don’t set your friend up to fail. It’s important to have a general idea of how much natural light your friend has in their space. The amount of light available dictates the kind of plant that will thrive in your friend’s office. Having an idea of how much space is available to incorporate a thriving plant into an office is also important. For instance, a large peace lily in a beautiful pot would add a wonderful pop of color in a planter in front of a window or even on the floor – but it may not be the right option for someone only looking to share some desk space for a plant.

Basic indoor plant care & maintenance

While your friend or co-worker’s new office buddy may be low maintenance, they are not “no maintenance”. They do have some basic needs like sunlight, water, and nutrition. All of these vary from plant to plant. Plantz.com is the place for all indoor plant care and maintenance tips and tricks. They also have very handy supplies that will go far in aiding your pal’s new plant buddy’s survival. The PlantAssure Sub-Irrigation System takes the guesswork out of watering plants. Their DynaGro products like Foliage Pro and Pro TeKt make it easy to ensure the plant is receiving top-quality nutrition that will help the plant remain strong and lush.

 

Not only does Plantz.com have all of the answers you need for the care of indoor plants, but they also have a convenient website where you can order plants for delivery right from the comfort of your own home. For those who want to gift a plant, but are unsure of what plant is right for their friend’s space, Plantz.com offers gift cards that can be used for plants and supplies, including a wide variety of decorative containers. Contact Plantz.com today to find the right plant pal for your friend!

Top Plantz for Apartments

by Barry Powers

From making a living space feel more alive and welcoming to purifying the air, there are many compelling reasons to introduce live plants in your home. At times, keeping up with plants can be difficult. Making sure they have the right amount of sunlight, watering, and timely maintenance can be time-consuming. Depending on your home, and especially an apartment, these circumstances can become challenging. If you are considering adding beautiful plants inside your apartment but are worried about the results, PLANTZ has you covered! Plants such as the Lisa Cane, Ficus Lyrata, Areca Palm, and Sansevieria are some great options for apartment plants. They are easy-care and can transform your next space into something amazing – and we’ll ship them right to your doorstep.

Lisa Cane:

If you have limited space in a tiny apartment, the Lisa Cane is going to be your best friend. These plants require a minimal amount of maintenance and are great performers in low-light conditions. It has an array of beautiful strap-like leaves that are deep, deep green and the stems are green too.

At full length, the Lisa Cane grows to be beautiful and tall, but it is not as wide. Stick this in the corner or a tight spot, and watch this plant work its magic! This makes a perfect fit for your small indoor space and for someone who is a new plant lover.

Ficus Lyrata:

The Ficus Lyrata or the Fiddle Leaf Fig, has become the most popular plant in today’s plant-loving community. With large “fiddle” shaped leaves, these plants are the perfect statement piece and will be the envy of the apartment building. These plants require a good amount of bright light, so place them in a room that has direct sunlight, and they will grow beautifully. What is amazing about the Ficus Lyrata is that it is available in three different heights and two styles (tree form and bush). When figuring out what plants to put where in an apartment, having size options can really help make the right “fit”.

Areca Palms:

If you have an apartment that is constantly experiencing bright sunlight, this is the plant for you. Also known as the Butterfly Palm because of its arching yellowish-green fronds (fronds are just leaves in palm language), this becomes a centerpiece of your space. Even though it thrives better indoors, this beautiful plant will work perfectly fine in a well-lit apartment that has enough space for it to grow to its potential. The Areca Palm is also becoming more and more popular for cleaning the indoor air around you. It’s a 2 for 1 – You get a beautiful plant and an air purifier all in one; you can’t beat it!

Snake Plants:

Snake plants are one of the most people-tolerant plants out on the market. They will give your apartment some desired greenery without being high maintenance. You can ignore them for weeks without losing their shape and beautiful look. Snake plants can strive in environments that are in low light and on a minimal amount of water. It becomes a perfect plant for those who tend to forget things!

The Snake Plant or “Sansevieria” is highly ranked in NASA’s guide for filtering out air pollutants. Get one of these carefree oxygen machines – it’ll work on cleaning your indoor air, and you won’t have to work on keeping it alive.

Picking the perfect plant can be a difficult process because of the variability of factors that certain plants desire. Finding the right plant for the right space in your apartment can be tricky, but PLANTZ has it covered! With these four plants, your apartment will transform into something beautiful and the envy of your friends.

And if caring for any of these plants has you completely freaked out, don’t worry because PLANTZ has a team of post-sale plant experts to help you. We’ve even got the most stressful plant care element figured out…watering. For any plant maintained indoors, here’s really all you need to know: PLANTZ Watering Guide.
These plants would make wonderful additions to your apartment, but does the idea of dragging them to your building and up flights of stairs sound terrible? Don’t worry! At PLANTZ.com, you can order your new indoor plants, containers, and accessories online and have them shipped straight to your door! Visit our online shop to order your plants today!

Biophilia in Retail Design

by Barry Powers

The question of introducing more biophilic elements into retail design has always been in question. But the answer shouldn’t be that difficult to answer because it is simply YES. Biophilia should be a consideration in future spaces as its components improve air quality naturally by absorbing carbon dioxide, but it also makes the space around look more welcoming. Retail stores care about what they look like because it matters to the customers as well.  The look and feel of a store have an enormous impact on shoppers that are thinking about shopping at a certain store. And studies have shown that adding plants, as part of the biophilic design, increases the perceived value of goods and services in a retail environment.  That’s right, customers will pay more when plants are on display in your store.   It also makes employees feel more comfortable and improves work quality as well. To make your store stand out from the others, biophilia can be introduced to bring natural comfort to your next new customers and your business.

Design Aspect:

Designing your next business space is crucial. Spaces that include water, trees, and semi-open spaces with different view corridors can bring in that welcoming atmosphere customers want. Certain landscape designs and a curated environment can deliver a soothing and calming feel to the business. With big trees, unique flowers, and different plants around the area, your business will become what people remember other than what is in your store. (note – I’m not sure that’s a good thing)

To start out, it doesn’t have to be anything big. A simple plant in the window or a flower box that is at the entrance of the building can make an immediate impact for your customers desire to return. Once you see how different designs fit your needs and wants, you can upgrade into something memorable for everyone involved.  If you really want to get fancy and impactful, a day-lighted living wall is an amazing additional feature . If you decide to bring in biophilia elements in to your business, be sure it is well kept and maintained.  Choosing the right design that will work with your business the best can be stressful, but once you figure it out, it will all be worth it in the end and you will get a return on the investment of time and resources. 

The Pure Benefits:

The value and quality of goods rises proportionately with the level of greenery  in a retail space. As stated already, customers like to see a clean, unique, and memorable design of biophilic elements  because it boosts their shopping experience – and they’ll be inclined to spend more. It might sound a little crazy but biophilic design elements can have a therapeutic effect that produces a positive emotion in buying products. This is further enhanced by natural sunlight having an effect of customers wanting to spend more and more time in the store because the array of sunlight present. The more customers enjoy their experience, the more they will share their experience with friends and family. Boosting the comfort of the customers will benefit your business as well with higher sales volume, improved social interactions, and increased productivity.

Biophilic design in retail is a growing trend at all types of venues, from outdoor retail promenades, indoor malls to airport concessions, restaurants, and hospitality retail amenities. By bringing in daylight and greenery, strategies that add ‘experiential value’ and market/brand differentiation, developers and store owners have the opportunity to optimize profit margins that are economically, environmentally, and socially savvy  and cause customers return again and again. Allocating some space for biophilic elements can go a long way for the future of your business.

Here at PLANTZ we understand the importance of creating a warm and welcoming space for your employees and customers to enjoy. Working with you to design, create, and maintain your vision is our purpose, and we look forward to helping you incorporate biophilic design in your retail strategy. Visit plantz.us to see how we can help transform your retail design.

 

Everything You Need to Know About the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

by Barry Powers

Don’t be fooled by the word “ficus”!  This is not your grandmother’s dusty sunroom ficus that may or may not be real.  Once you set your eyes on a well-pruned fiddle leaf fig, it is easy to see why they are the number-one indoor plant.  With its slender stem and broad, violin (or fiddle/lyre)-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig has been a favorite for indoor plant lovers for over a decade.  From the crisp green leaves to the pencil-thin trunk, this house plant is an attention getter that is welcomed as a focal point for even the most luxurious locales.  Let’s dive in to the basics!

Getting to Know the Ficus lyrata

Taxonomic Hierarchy:

  • Kingdom:  Plantae
  • Phylum: Spermatophyta
  • Class: Dicotyledonae
  • Order: Rosales
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Genus: Ficus
  • Species: Ficus lyrata or lyrata

 

  • Growing Conditions: As natives of western and central Africa, the fiddle leaf fig thrives in warm, moist conditions with access to moderate amounts of sunlight.  Humidity plays a key factor in maintaining a happy and healthy plant.  Providing enough space for this plant to grow will help it reach its full potential, approximately 10 feet tall in its container.
  • Temperature Range: Maintaining a consistent 60°F – 80°F range with high humidity will ensure your plant thrives. For our friends across the pond, 15°C to 27°C is ideal.
  • Sunlight: This plant loves sunlight!  But not too much.  Approximately 5 to 8 hours of moderate sunlight from an east, south, or west-facing window will keep your plant happy.  Too much direct light will cause the leaves to burn, while too little light will cause leaves to yellow, ultimately leading to the leaves dropping from the plant.
  • Water: Fiddle leaf figs are healthy drinkers.  However, the precise amount of water necessary can be difficult to determine as a new lyrata owner.  Once you’ve welcomed your plant to its forever home, check the soil.  If it is dry, water it.  Then check it weekly for about the first two months to get a feel for your plant’s habits.  Once settled, these plants can go two or more weeks without watering with the use of a proper sub-irrigation system.  For the best results, order your new fiddle leaf fig from Plantz with their PlantAssure Kit.  These systems eliminate the guess work from the watering cycle by creating a reservoir of water for the plant to access without any fear of damaging your new fiddle leaf fig by overwatering it. Please refer to our Watering Guide for detailed information on proper watering techniques.
  • Winter Care: Winter brings new challenges for the fiddle leaf fig, even as an indoor plant.  As the seasons change, so does the amount of available sunlight.  As many people turn on the heat to get warm, the heat can dry out the air and reduce the humidity your plant needs to thrive. Keeping your plant away from vents or drafts will help its winter survival. One side effect of this seasonal change will be less growth by your beloved plant.  At this point a reduced water schedule is also recommended.  Transitioning your plant from outdoors to indoors may require further attention including potentially using grow lights to maintain your plant’s health.
  • Nutrition: Plants need food, and this one is no exception.  However, much like people, it is important to moderate how much food is provided.  Too much or too little food are both bad.  Purchasing a fiddle leaf fig from a well-respected source, like com, will ensure your plant is happily fed at the time of purchase and should not require nourishment for approximately six months.  After those six months, a complete fertilizer created for indoor plants is required.  Ideally, this would be a high-quality fertilizer like Dyna-Gro Plant Nutrition.  After 12 months have elapsed since purchase (or six months after your first feeding), a quarterly feeding is enough to maintain the glory of your fiddle leaf fig .  As new leaves grow, make sure they are not coming in yellow.  If this is the case, your plant may need supplemental nutrition.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Frequently Asked Questions

Are fiddle leaf figs good indoor plants?

These plants require bright light.  As long as there is a south (preferable), east or west facing window in front of which your plant may call home, the F. lyrata should thrive in an indoor setting.  Of course, temperature, water, and nutrition are vital factors to maintaining a lush plant, without access to adequate sunlight, the plant will not thrive.  Simply, the fiddle leaf fig is a stunning indoor plant as long as it is provided the proper care and sunlight.

Are fiddle leaf figs hard to take care of?

Fiddle leaf figs are not for the faint of heart.  These are not the ideal plants for plant parents prone to forgetfulness. They require specific care.  However, much like adapting to a newborn baby, part of the process is learning and growing with your new plant.  The plant will show you if there is a problem, and you will need to adapt to your plants needs.  In return, this plant will grow to be a lush showstopper in any adequate space.

How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?

As noted above, for optimal care, this plant should have moderately bright light for approximately 5 to 8 hours.  South facing windows are ideal, but east and west facing windows tend to also provide adequate sunlight.  While it does thrive in bright sunlight, keep an eye on the leaves.  They will alert you to any issues the plant may be having, including too much or too little light.

Why are fiddle leaf figs hard to keep alive?

Fiddle leaf figs require more attention than plants like the Sanseveria, or snake plant.  These plants require consistent love and attention in the form of food, water, space and sunlight.  Maintaining that consistency is vital to your plant’s health.  For some plant parents life gets in the way, and plants may be forgotten.  This particular plant requires consistency to thrive.  Without it, plant owners will find this plant difficult to maintain.

Do you find yourself to be more of a visual learner?  This video is packed with the information needed to get you started with your fiddle leaf fig.

Interior Design

What design style does a fiddle leaf fig look good in?

Fiddle leaf figs work well in sleek, modern spaces with a lot of head room.  The splash of color against white or light neutral-colored walls provides a stark contrast and allows those lush, vibrant green leaves to really stand out to become the focal point of the room.  These plants are great space fillers due to their leaf size and height.  Farmhouse designs also benefit from the use of fiddle leaf figs as it brings a bit of the outside environment to the indoors, providing the homeowners the added bonus of biophilic design in the home.  Further, including F. lyrata in your biophilic home design brings the added benefit of air purification and that sense of peace that only living plants can bring to the home.  Once these plants fully mature to their potential, proper placement will allow you to shrink the size of any overly elevated ceiling, bringing a sense of warmth to the room.

Are fiddle leaf figs good for a home or office?

The simple answer to this is a resounding YES!  As long as there is adequate sunlight, the fiddle leaf fig is the perfect addition to any home or office.  Both homes and offices benefit not only from the aesthetic beauty of these unique plants, but also, through the inclusion of biophilic design the people serving these locations, whether they are residents, employees, or simply visitors to location, through the many health benefits created by the incorporation of plants into our many spaces.  From increased feelings of well being to air purification, incorporating plants into our spaces makes us healthier. The fiddle leaf fig is no exception, as long as it is placed in a space that provides proper sunlight.  Once these plants reach maturity, much like in home design, they are excellent ways to fill blank, dreary office walls or create separation between spaces.  The days of the laminate, chipboard cubicles are over.  Plants are the new cubicle divider!

Is a fiddle leaf fig a tree or a bush?

Plant lovers will be happy to note that the fiddle leaf fig can be a tree or a bush!  It is all a matter of pruning.  The differences between the bush form and the tree form lie in the height, trunk and branches of the plant.  The plant will tend towards the bush form; however, with careful attention and precise pruning, training your bush to become a tree is worthwhile work.  First, be patient.  Your plant will need time to grow before you can train it to be a tree.  When the bush has grown to the desired height, that is when the branching begins.  This may be achieved through pruning or notching.  Pruning the tip sends a signal to the plant that its upward growth has been impeded and creates new branched out shoots as a means of survival.  Finally, the last piece of the puzzle is the trunk.  Many plant owners want to maximize the visibility of the slender trunk characteristic of fiddle leaf figs.  However, be careful not to prune too much from the bottom as they will not grow back.  Have an idea of the length of bare bark you are looking for before you bring out the shears.  There’s no going back once they are trimmed.  Some plants will surprise you with multiple trunks!  Many times this is due to multiple plants in the same container.  You then have the option of separating these into multiple plants in different containers.

What style of pot would you put your fiddle leaf fig in and how will it change the look of the room?

In order to determine what pot to use and how it will affect the flow of your interior design, there are some basics to be addressed.  First, the pot should have access to drainage, so any excessive water has a place to go instead of remaining in the soil.  Second, the pot should not be too big.  When repotting, aim for an increase of 6 inches in diameter.  Applying both proper drainage with a proper pot size will reduce the likelihood of root rot in your plant. One way to ensure you are using the right pot is to utilize nursery pots as they have the perfect drainage holes, then put the nursery pot inside a decorative pot that is coordinated with your chosen décor.  For those recreating the rustic farmhouse interior, decorative pots in neutral colors or made of natural materials, like jute or wood, will blend seamlessly with the interior design.

How to Take Proper Care of the Fiddle Leaf Fig

  • Repotting: Repotting is necessary for your fiddle leaf fig in order to allow it the right amount of space to grow and thrive.  As the plant grows, the roots continue to grow and expand in the container, eventually running out of room.  To keep the roots healthy and capable of absorbing nutrients, they need their space.  Younger plants may need to be repotted once a year depending on their growth spurts.  When repotting, the general rule of thumb is to use a pot that is 6 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.  This allows the plant enough room to grow without increasing its susceptibility to root rot.  Because of their tropical nature, it is best to repot these plants during the spring or early summer, depending on the temperature of your area and coinciding with your locale’s growing season.  This allows the plant to acclimate to its new home during its peak growing season, minimizing the effects of shock from the repotting process.  Soil that has a mildly acidic pH and drains well is vital to repotting.  Watering the freshly repotted plant also aids the plant in recovering from the shock that occurs, plus it helps the roots settle in their new container.

 

  • Lighting Guide: Sunlight is the most crucial component in the care of your fiddle leaf fig.  Without the right amount of light, no amount of fertilizing, watering or repotting is going to help your plant reach its full vibrant potential.  For indoor plants, placing them in south facing windows, mimicking the pattern of the sun through the sky, provides the right amount of sun necessary for these plants to thrive.  East and west facing windows are also great locations, with some extra attention being required for west-facing windows, as the heat from that afternoon sun could potentially burn the leaves, especially in the southern portion of the United States.  In the winter, as the amount of daily sunlight is limited, especially in the very northern latitudes, it may be necessary to supplement natural sunlight.   Fortunately, scientists have developed grow lights that will help keep tropical and semitropical indoor plants thriving, even in tundra regions.

 

  • Other Helpful Tips and Suggestions: com has a wealth of knowledge on the F. lyrata.  From tips on cleaning those big green leaves (especially important in the winter when any dirt and debris may interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb sunlight) with water or a solution of mild soap and water to the best ways to prune your plant and the effects pruning will have on your plant (to maintain the plant’s height and girth, the cuts should be made just above the area where the leaf attaches to the stem) to warnings to pet owners about any portion of the plant that may be harmful to our multi-legged friends (for the fiddle leaf fig, the sap is poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses, and is even a known irritant to humans), Plantz.com is a great guide for beginner and well versed fiddle leaf fig owners.  They will even ship your new fiddle leaf fig directly to you!

Little Known Facts about the F. Lyrata

Does it flower or bear fruit?

At the end of the day, F. lyrata is still a fig tree, and in its natural habitat, it regularly flowers and bears fruit.  However, once removed from its ideal conditions in the wild, the indoor versions of these plants rarely, if ever, flower and bear fruit.  For outdoor plants, not confined to container living, on the rare occasion, these plants will flower and bear fruit.  Unfortunately, the figs produced by this particular species are not the ones your family uses to make a warm figgy pudding.  While these fruits may not be toxic if eaten, they are not known to delight the tastebuds.

Is this an indoor plant or an outdoor plant?

Well, it’s true to say that all plants are “outdoor” plants because that’s where they all come from, with some consistent care and attention, these plants make beautiful additions to any room with the right amount of sunlight.  They can be integrated into almost any well light space, pruned to the perfect size or given free range to grow to its full splendor.  They also excel as outdoor plants.  The best way for them to succeed outdoors is to find a way to mimic its natural humid habitat, with full mid-day sun and some protection from the intense afternoon rays.  Aside from the fiddle leaf fig being the perfect focal point in a well-appointed room, the other real advantage of the indoor version of this plant is that you can adapt its surroundings to optimal growth conditions during any season of the year, in ant location around the world.

Is What Is the Spiritual Meaning of a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

The fiddle leaf fig has long been symbol of fertility, abundance, and good luck. This plant is also popular for use by people who adhere to feng shui spatial arranging principles. For many who practice feng shui, it is more than simply an aspect of interior design, it is a way of life that directs the flow of energy through a given space.  It is believed that with the proper feng shui placement of a fiddle leaf fig, the plant’s broad, green leaves will cleanse the air by neutralizing negative energy and allowing more positive energy to flow through the room thereby increasing the chances for good luck and prosperity.

What are the benefits of the fiddle leaf fig?

It has been well documented that the incorporation of plants into our indoor spaces has a marked improvement on both our physical and mental well-being.  Employers are now using the incorporation of plants into the workspace as a way to bring people back into the office and away from telecommuting.  They are trying to mimic the peace and tranquility of the home through the use of greenery.  From air purification to reduced blood pressure levels, it is clear that plants are good for people.  The fiddle leaf fig is no exception.  When the general aesthetic pleasure of the fiddle leaf fig is combined with general plant traits that are attributed to a healthier human well-being, it is easily understood why this plant has been the number one most popular house plant for the last several years.

Where Can I Buy a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Due to their immense popularity, the fiddle leaf fig is a mainstay in many corporate, big box stores; however, from one plant lover to another, if you want a well-treated, fresh, and healthy plant to grace your home, locating a vendor that treats these little beauties with love and respect is important.  While local nurseries will usually fit the bill, businesses like Plantz.com will exceed your expectations, offering plants of varying sizes in a wide array of containers to fit your décor needs.  Plantz.com is not just your every day run of the mill online plant vendor.  Starting as a small plant business in the 1970s, Plantz.com has grown into the business that people know they can rely on for the delivery of high-quality indoor plants from almost every region of the world.  They love your fiddle leaf fig almost as much as you do!

 

 

 

Five of the Easiest Houseplants to Grow in Any Space

by Barry Powers

Picking the right houseplant to go with your space is tricky enough. When making these decisions, choosing a plant that is also easy-care is a big factor as well. A plant that is beautiful and memorable, but also easy to take care of and not have to pay much attention to is the perfect combination for your next plant. Take a look at five of the easiest houseplants to grow in that spot you know just needs some green:

Monstera: 

Being one of the most trendy and popular houseplants today, the Monstera is the perfect plant for any space. What makes these plants so popular is that they are known for their easy-care and they thrive more in most indoor environments. To help these plants thrive even more, place your Monstera near a window with bright indirect light, water it when it needs it (see our watering guide https://www.plantz.com/product/monstera/ – for best results, and let the plant do the rest!

 ZZ Plant: 

Want a plant that barley needs light or water? The ZZ plant is your number one choice. This plant is great for those who tend to forget to water and give light to a plant. They are even known as drought-tolerant, so it becomes a perfect plant for forgetful plant parents. If you are a frequent traveler or need a plant to put in the corner of an office, the ZZ plant should be your first pick.

Sansevieria:

The Sansevieria or “snake plant” is one of the most unique looking plants. They are easy-care indoor plants that ask for nothing, but give you something beautiful to look at in return. These plants have water-storing rhizomes and succulent leaves which require very little watering and become adaptable to different living conditions they are placed in. Place these long, narrow plants on the table of your kitchen or on the floor of your living room and it will become memorable.

Aglaonema:

One of the most loved plants because of the numerous varieties, the Aglaonema is popular in businesses and houses with empty space to fill with this beautiful plant. Don’t let the size of these plants intimidate you because they are actually very easy to take care of. They can go weeks between watering and can be sustained for long periods with indoor lighting. Place this amazing plant by a window and have a plant friend for a long time!

Plants can take a lot of effort to take care of. Making sure you’re watering and giving enough sunlight to your plants can be a hassle at times or you become forgetful. If you don’t want to deal with these issues, check out these houseplants that are the easiest to take care of! Put them in any space you wish and watch them grow! Check out plantz.com for your next easy houseplant.

 

How Too Much Light Affects Your Plants

by Barry Powers

Plants need light. It’s a simple statement, and it’s true. But it’s actually a bit more complicated than that. While light is necessary to create the energy needed to bloom and blossom, light requirements go beyond a yes/no option. Just as a lack of light will hurt your plant, so will getting too much of it.

And “too much light” has different designations as well. Too much light can refer to the amount of light a plant gets, as in the duration of light exposure. Several hours of consistent light can be bad for certain plants, and can actually inhibit their growth. Plants require periods of both light and darkness to keep their metabolism and blooming phases in balance, and when they get too much light, those patterns are disrupted. While some plants need less darkness time than others, too much light will impede any growth schedule over time.

Too much light can also refer to the intensity of the light. Intense, direct light is great for some plants, but it will damage (or even kill others). The plant isn’t able to convert all of the light into consumable energy, and the excess creates a heat issue over time. The plant might use available water to cool itself, which creates a moisture shortage as well. The soil dries, and the plant suffers from both excess heat and dehydration.

Causes

Plants receive too much light for various reasons, and a little education can help plant parents avoid putting them in dangerous situations. In many cases, the excess light is unintentional. People are simply unaware of a specific plant’s needs and place it in the wrong area of a living space. Whether a plant needs direct or indirect light, or minimal exposure as opposed to a more consistent routine, knowing what conditions encourage healthy growth is key to keeping your plant alive and thriving.

In other situations, misinformation or poor decisions can contribute to excess light exposure. Putting a plant in direct or extended light in order to encourage a growth spurt will often have the opposite effect, and damage your plant. Standard LED lights do not offer the same benefits for plants as they do for people, and do not spur the same growth habits as other light. And while using a grow light can be beneficial, they can also burn plants if they’re used improperly or placed too close to them. In an attempt to use extra light to help a plant and keep it healthy, these examples can cause a great deal of harm instead.

It’s also important to know the consequences of failing to meet a plant’s light requirements, and what happens if they get too much. In some cases, they simply won’t grow as fast as their cycle is disrupted. But in many others, they might suffer serious damage or die. Each plant’s sensitivity to low, moderate, or bright light should be considered, with care taken to make sure they’re placed in an environment that can meet their needs.

Signs of Too Much Light

 Fortunately, your plant will let you know when it’s getting too much light, and often there’s enough time to correct the problem.

The parts of the plant exposed to the excess light will show physical symptoms. You might see the leaves droop before changes in color appear. Then pale or brown spots, or yellowing leaves can occur, even as the veins remain green and looking healthy. Dry patches and a browning of the tips of the leaves might become prominent as well. Wilting is common in younger specimens, and many plants curl downward as the exposure continues, as well as a reduction in growth. Even if you don’t monitor your plant every day, you’ll notice these signs over time.  

Solutions

The obvious solution is to take your plant out of the dangerous environment, but there’s more to it than that. It’s important to be mindful of light changes in a room as the seasons change. Light can become more intense from certain windows at different times of the year, meaning a formerly-safe place for a plant might become harmful. The plant needs to be in an area where its light needs are met, but still safe from getting too much, and that might mean moving it to a different part of the room, or a different room entirely. The specific type of plant and the layout of your home will determine the best course of action.

Finally, you can avoid overexposing your plant by simply knowing what it needs before a problem arises. When you choose a new plant for your home, know what type of light it needs, and give it the right spot from the beginning. And if you have a place in your home that could really use a beautiful plant, you can choose one that fits the lighting that already exists. Whether you choose a spot based on the plant, or vice-versa, knowing what’s required will avoid problems later and possibly save the plant itself.

Further Assistance

You aren’t expected to have all the answers. Fortunately, you know the people who do. For decades, the experts at PLANTZ have been matching the right plant with the people who love them. Whether you need advice on keeping a specific plant healthy, or you want some guidance on how to spruce up a specific part of your home, we can help. Just use our contact page to begin the conversation.

 

Earth Day 2022

by Barry Powers

Earth day began in 1970 when Americans saw a change needed to happen for our planet. Inefficient automobiles were causing a huge amount of leaded gas and it became to the point where the only choice was for the people to act on this issue. By 1990, Earth Day became a global campaign and making people recognize the number of environmental issues that are taking place. Earth Day is a time for everyone on this planet to contribute committing and recommitting to recycling, reducing carbon emissions, and even growing a plant!

Today, we have grown our efforts to help our planet in so many ways because people are seeing more and more effects of the environmental issues our planet faces. There are many people who don’t see this day as an important one, but that is why this has become a national day every year to show why it is important and give you ways that you can help.

Earth Day is meant to remind people to think about the future of Earth. Whether you think about it or not the planet has threats, and we are the only ones that can help protect it. The typical recycling and doing little fun challenges like limiting driving for the day can help show your contribution, but getting and caring for a plant is an immediate contribution for everyone. Not only does growing a plant bring you closer to nature and fulfill your biophilic attractions, but plants also help clean the air. We trade carbon dioxide with our green friends and in return they give us humans the oxygen we need to survive.

Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in Our Planet”. It is time to invest in what matters most and that is our health, family, and the future for everyone. Our efforts have grown a lot since 1970, but it needs to continue to grow more every year to be able to help our one and only Earth. Do your part by recycling, growing a plant, and making everyday Earth Day!