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Oct 13
300

Birkin

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Beginner | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Birkin is a newcomer to the houseplant scene! With its light in color and fine stripes running along its bright green leaves, Birkin is the Pinstripe Suit of the plant world. As Birkin is a new discovery, not many definite characteristics are known about it.

Here’s what we do know:

  • We know that this philodendron member of the araceae family is more slow growing than some of its family members.

  • It grows in a vertical direction, with leaves extending out, but not far from the plant.

  • It is not pet safe, but is thought to be air cleaning.

  • Birkin’s signature stripes grow to be more prevalent as the leaves mature.

  • It may produce flowering spathes, but few have been recorded.

  • Birkin prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight. It likes humidity but will tolerate a dry climate, and prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Like Philodendron Hope, this is a non-vining philodendron.

  • Use a soil and a pot that are well draining. Because Birkin is slow-growing, it will be a while before you have to re-pot.

  • As with other houseplants, Birkin will benefit from having its leaves dusted now and then.

  • Birkin is a great plant for beginners who want something unique to add to their growing collection!

Birkin is related to the Red Congo Philodendron. As a result of this relation, you may see your BIrkin begin to develop red spots or leaves, and it could eventually morph back into its Red Congo coloring. This isn’t due to poor care, but instead just a natural possibility for this very interesting plant. Typically this change occurs near the topmost part of the plant, and it may be possible to stop the change by clipping away the part that is beginning to change.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Oct 06
300

String of Hearts

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Beginner | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

“String of” plants are some of the most fun and easy plants to grow – as long as you give them plenty of neglect! These plants are considered to be “semi succulents,” as they store some of their water in their “leaves,” but they also have a rhizomatous root system that also stores water. For this reason, these “String of” plants need very little water. As with most succulents, you want to let the soil dry out between watering, and you can also use the “leaves” as a guide. If they are firm, that means they are full of water and not in need of any extra. If they have become a little squishy, and the soil is dry, they are ready for a drink. Just water the plant until water begins to seep out the bottom of the pot. If your pot does not have a drainage hole, take extra care when watering, and err on the side of too little water. Succulents and Semi Succulents are very susceptible to root rot, which is caused by over watering.

The scientific name of String of Hearts is Ceropegia woodii, and it belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Its claim to fame is its thick heart shaped leaves. They are medium green in color, with light sage green veins running artfully through the surface. A rare flowering houseplant, String of Hearts’ flowers are tiny, pink, and shaped like trumpets, and have curios looking dark purple (and fuzzy!) fingers reaching out from the center. String of Hearts will flower around Spring and Summer under the right conditions. String of Hearts grows in a trailing habit and can grow to be up to 12 feet long in its natural habitat in South Africa, but as a houseplant it can be expected to grow to at least 2 feet in length. Pet safe and somewhat air cleaning, String of Hearts is a friend to all. Give it a place in indirect but bright sun that is warm (between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and keep it away from drafts and vents. If you notice that the “hearts” are spacing themselves out further and further, and are growing lighter in color, it’s a good indication that they may need more light.

Use a hanging pot, or place a non-hanging pot on a high shelf or stair. It’s not necessary to repot String of Hearts upon purchase, but when the time does come, use a cactus and succulent soil mix. As mentioned about, plant String of Hearts in a pot that has good drainage. If you’ve read many of our other Plant Parent blogs, you know all about Moisture Meters. But if you haven’t, a Moisture Meter is key for pots that do not have good drainage. Remember that you can gauge the water needs of succulents by testing the leaves to see if they are strong or if they give when gently pinched between the fingers, but a moisture meter can help you make sure there’s not excess water in the bottom of the pot.

String of Hearts, also known as Chain of Hearts, Rosary Vine, or Sweetheart Vine is closely related to the Hoya plant, and is very easy to care for. We’re rating it as a great option for beginners. It’s also great for travelers who can’t always water their plants often.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 29
300

ZZ Plant

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You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

With a name like Zamioculcas Zemifolia, it’s no wonder this plant’s name was shortened to ZZ! If you’re looking for your very first ever houseplant, ZZ Plant is for you. This plant is extremely easy to take care of and can survive in many different conditions. Plus it has a stunning look! Its dark green, pointed, shiny leaves are quite impressive to behold. A member of the family Araceae (Monstera plants also belong to this family), the ZZ Plant is also known as Zanzibar Gem, ZuZu Plant, Aroid Palm, and Emerald Palm.

ZZ Plant is drought-tolerant, and will actually prefer infrequent watering. It’s semi-succulent, and has a Rhizomatous root system. This means that the roots have little bulbs that store water for use long after the soil has dried up. Typically you should only have to water ZZ once a month. Make sure the soil has completely dried out (we love a Moisture Meter for testing soil moisture levels) before watering, then give the plant a good soak until water runs out the drainage hole. If your pot does not have a drainage hole, you’ll want to take extra care to make sure you don’t over-water the plant.

ZZ Plant is not picky about where it lives. It can tolerate most any light conditions, from low to bright (but always indirect), and this makes it a great plant for those spots in your home or office that are darker than other house plants will tolerate. Make sure to keep it away from your furry friends and children, though, because ZZ Plants leaves are poisonous if ingested. The leaves could potentially cause skin irritation to some as well, so give those hands a good wash after handling them. The good news is that ZZ Plant is considered to be an air cleaning plant, so it’s going to be helpful, but from a high shelf, if you have little or four-legged ones living in your space. Another benefit of ZZ Plants leaves is that they are so shiny that, when kept dusted, they can help to reflect a little extra light into those darker corners of your space! Rotate and ZZ Plant now and again to ensure uniform growth. Typically, ZZ Plant will grow to be about two to three feet tall, and remains somewhat vertical in its growth without spreading too much. However, If ZZ Plant’s growth starts to get too big for its space, just give it a little trim. This tough little plant will take no issue with a quick pruning.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 29
300

Triostar Stromanthe

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Beginner, Medium Sunlight | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Triostar Stromanthe, also known as Tricolor Stromanthe, is one of the few colorful houseplants, as the name suggests! Its green leaves are streaked with pinks both dark and light, and white. The underside of the leaves are usually a magenta color, which helps the plant to absorb sunlight more efficiently. For that reason, you’ll often notice your leaves turning their undersides to face the sunlight! Fun fact – it will fold its leaves up at night! This member of the Marantaceae family (the “Prayer Plant” family) comes from the Brazilian jungle, and for that reason, it prefers high humidity. Triostar will tell you if it’s not getting enough humidity with brown, crispy leaf tips and edges. A warm, bright, steamy bathroom window is a great place for Triostar, but having a humidifier nearby is another option to keep it from drying out.

Triostar will usually grow to be around two to three feet high and one to two feet across. This colorful little plant is both pet safe and air cleaning, so the only restrictions for placement of Triostar would be light and moisture – plenty of humidity and medium to bright indirect light. Temperature shouldn’t be an issue either as Triostar likes the same temperatures as most of us humans, between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn Triostar a quarter turn every now and then to make sure it grows evenly. You can plan to turn once a week, or just take notice when you see it beginning to grow more on one side. Do take care to keep it away from drafts and vents. Water Triostar when the top inch of soil has dried out, but make sure it never dries out completely. You’ll want to make sure it has both well draining soil and pot. As always, we recommend a moisture meter for any pots that do not have drainage. Soil can seem dry at the top, but still be wet at the bottom when no drainage hole is present, and soggy roots can kill many plants, including Triostar.

Don’t be alarmed if you see a few leaves dying every now and then on Triostar. It’s normal to lose a leave or two every now and then. However if the leaves have brown spots on them (actual round spots), or are brown around the edges, you’ll want to make some changes. Round spots mean the sunlight the plant is getting is too strong, so move it into a place with more indirect exposure. As previously mentioned, those crispy edges mean the plant is in need of more humidity. With the right spot and some humidity and/or misting, this colorful little plant is very low-maintenance and perfectly suitable for a beginner Houseplant Parent.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 29
300

Rex Begonia

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Intermediate, Medium Sunlight | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Begonias are catching up quickly to plants like Monsteras and Fiddle Leaf Figs as favorite house plants. This is due in large part to the Rex Begonia and the Polka Dot Begonia. This blog will cover the Rex Begonia, and you can find information about the Polka Dot Begonia in the house plant section of our website.

Rex Begonia, known to the scientific community as “Begonia rex-cultorum,” generally has large, arrowhead shaped foliage, and is a member of the Begoniaceae family. You may also hear Rex Begonia referred to as Painted-leaf Begonia or Fancy-leaf Begonia. What makes Rex extra special is that it is available as many different hybrids. Some popular varieties of Rex Begonia are the Escargot with its snail-shell-swirled coloring, Shadow King with its almost-white outer edges and darker inner leaf, and Salsa which starts in the center with a watermelon red color, has a middle the color of watermelon rind, and a rim of dark green (maybe we should rename it Watermelon Rex Begonia?).

Most commercially sold Rex Begonias are native to Eastern Asia with “roots” in Northeastern India, Southern China, and Vietnam. Most varieties of Rex Begonia will have flowers similar to garden-variety begonias – shaped like a rounded fan that opens up to display a little yellow center – but they are not avid bloomers. For this reason, they will do well with artificial light, such as a grow lamp. They can be somewhat picky when it comes to watering, and for this reason we have rated Rex Begonia as a houseplant best for those with intermediate houseplant experience. The good news is that Rex will, as with many plants both indoor and outdoor, let you know when it’s running too low on water. It gets a bit dramatic and droops its leaves to let you know it’s thirsty. To keep the drama at a low (because we all need less drama in our lives wherever possible), water Rex when the top inch or so of soil in the pot is dry to the touch. Rex does not like to have its leaves misted directly as this can lead to powdery mildew, but it would benefit from a nearby humidifier in dry climates.

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If you have your eye on a pot that’s a little more shallow than others, Rex might be a good option as a resident. Use a somewhat porous soil that will drain easily, and be sure not to overwater. Pots that have good drainage can be watered just until the water starts to run out of the bottom, but don’t let a lot of water stand in the tray (some is okay, as it will evaporate). If your pot does not have good drainage, be extra careful to not over-water as the dramatic nature of Rex will become dire if over-watered. If you don’t have a drainage hole in your pot, put down a layer of rocks in the bottom of the pot before you plant. To keep Rex in good spirits, use a moisture meter to determine the saturation level of the soil at the bottom and middle of the pot.

Rex is neither pet safe nor air cleaning, but is definitely worth it (if you can keep it away from your four-legged friends) for the rare pops of color that the many varieties of this houseplant can bring to the mostly-green indoor plant family. Place Rex where it can get plenty of bright, indirect sun, and keep it in a place that’s safe from drafts and vents, and will be at a steady temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In the right conditions, Rex will grow in a mounding habit to be between 12 and 18 inches high and wide, making it a great plant for smaller spaces.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 22
300

Polka Dot Begonia

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Beginner, Medium Sunlight | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Polka Dot Begonia, also known as Trout Begonia, Clown Begonia, and Spotted begonia is the common name for Begonia Maculata – a showy houseplant belonging to the family Begoniaceae. Polka Dot Begonia can reach heights of up to five feet, and has a vertical growth habit. Its leaves are a deep olive color with bright white and somewhat uniform spots. They are a narrow arrowhead shape, and have burgundy undersides.

In the right conditions, Polka Dot Begonia will produce small flowers similar in shape to other begonia plants. They are a white rounded fan shape with a small yellow center. Polka Dot Begonia are not pet safe (and can be harmful to humans if ingested, as well), but the good news is that they are air purifying. They prefer bright, indirect or dappled sunlight, and like to stay relatively moist compared to most houseplants – let only the top half inch or so of soil dry out.

Polka Dot Begonia may seem picky, but once you get it settled into a good place with light and water (and away from heat and AC vents), it is relatively easy to care for. For this reason, we’re rating this houseplant as suitable for beginners. Like most houseplants, Polka Dot Begonia likes temperatures similar to human-preferred temperatures – between 65 and 75 degrees, but no higher than 85 degrees. Keep temperatures even with minimal fluctuation to keep houseplants happy.

Polka Dot Begonia can tolerate higher levels of light, but be prepared for accelerated growth with more frequent waterings and fertilizer. If you notice a loss of color in the leaves followed by yellowing and ultimately the loss of the leaf, try moving it into more sun. Yellow leaves are also a common sign of overwatering, so make sure your plant is not sitting in water. Moisture Meters are a great way to test the bottom of the pot to make sure it’s not saturated (which can cause root rot in most houseplants). Crispy, brown spots on the leaves can indicate that the plant is getting too much sun.

Overall Polka Dot Begonia is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that brings a rare pop of color and flowers into your home.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 15
300

Philodendron Hope

By | Blog Post, House Plants, House Plants Beginner | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Philodendron Hope Selloum could be called “Frill-odendron Hope” due to its frilly ruffle-shaped leaves! The scientific name of Philo Hope is “Philodendron bipinnatifidum,” and it belongs to the Aracae family. This beginner-level house plant is native to the tropical regions of South America. While it may start out small and fit in a sunny corner, it can grow to be up to five feet tall – and wide! The leaves alone can grow to be up to three feet in size. While this plant has been known to flower, even when planted outdoors in its natural habitat, flowers will not bloom until the plant is between 15 and 20 years old. But, Philo Hope definitely makes up for its lack of flowers with stunning foliage.

To keep the foliage of this philodendron in their dark, shiny state, wait until the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch before watering. The leaves of this philodendron, also known as the Tree Philodendron, can be trained to grow upward instead of outward by using stakes. Fun Fact – these leaves, when cut as one might cut a flower to bring it inside, can survive for months at a time in a vase filled with water!

The roots, on the other hand, do not want to sit in water. To avoid problems with over-watering, select a pot that drains well. If your pot has no drainage, put a layer of rocks into the bottom of the pot to keep the roots from sitting in water. It’s also a good idea to invest (usually less than $20) in a Moisture Meter. This tool can be used in any soil – indoor, outdoor, raised beds, pots, and even directly in the ground. A Moisture Meter really is the most accurate way to determine the moisture level of soil in any location, and at any depth. For your Philo Hope, use a soil that is rich and will retain moisture (but never let your soil stay soggy!).

Philo Hope is said to help clean the air in your home, but keep your furry friends away from the plant if they are chewers. Philo Hope is not dangerous unless pets ingest it, but better to be safe than sorry for our four legged friends. If Philo Hope is right for your home, put it in a spot that gets plenty of sun that is dappled or indirect, and is not near heat or air conditioning vents. Philo Hope likes temperatures similar to those we humans prefer – between 65 and 75 degrees is ideal. If you want to go a little farther, keep your Philo Hope near a humidifier. As with other houseplants, be sure to dust the leaves from time to time using a damp cloth. Keeping the leaves clean will help keep pests like spider mites away and will also help the plant to absorb more sun.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 06
300

Abyssinian Euphorbia

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You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Abyssinian Euphorbia is known by many common names such as African Milk Tree, Candelabra Cactus, Cathedral Cactus, Friendship Cactus, Good Luck Plant, and Good Luck Cactus. However, Abyssinian Euphorbia, whose scientific name is Euphorbia Trigona and who belongs to the family Euphorbaceae, is actually a succulent! This succulent, native to Africa, displays beautiful tones of green and plum, and can grow to be up to 8 ft tall. They are two or three-sided, and each of their vertical ridges is lined with spikes, between which grow small tear-shaped leaves. Abyssinian Euphorbia is not air cleaning, and will not flower, but its spikes, coloring, and delicate leaves make up for these deficits!

While it can withstand very brief cold temperatures, Abyssinian Euphorbia prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bright, indirect sun will keep it happiest, but watch for brown “burn” spots indicating the plant is getting too much direct sun. When potting Abyssinian Euphorbia, shallow roots will allow the use of a more shallow pot, but any shaped pot with good drainage will work too. If your pot does not have a drainage hole at the bottom, line the bottom of the pot with rocks before adding your plant, and use a moisture meter to check saturation levels before watering.

Cactus and Succulent soil will work best for Abyssinian Euphorbia. Water when the soil has dried almost completely – over watering a succulent can lead to root rot, and can cause these shallow-rooted plants to begin to tip over as they get taller. Pour water into the soil until it begins to run out of the drainage hole, and then remove any excess water from the tray (a little leftover water is fine, as long as it evaporates quickly). If your pot does not have drainage, you’ll have to take extra care in how much water you use.

Abyssinian Euphorbia is relatively easy to care for, so we are rating it as a beginner level plant. It is a striking addition to any Plant Parent’s collection, but keep it away from any other children – two or four legged – in your home. The sap excreted from cuts made to Abyssinian Euphorbia is poisonous and can also be an irritant. Wear gloves if you will be making cuts to this succulent for any reason, and discard any sap safely.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Sep 01
300

Fiddle Leaf Fig

By | Blog Post, High Sunlight, House Plants Intermediate | No Comments

You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

One of the most sought after houseplants today, Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a challenge when it comes to getting it settled, but is certainly worth the effort. Because care of the Fiddle Leaf Fig is relatively easy once it’s settled, we’re going to put this one at an intermediate level. The Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow to be about 6 feet tall in indoor settings, and up to 40 feet tall in its natural habitat. Part of the Moraceae family, Fiddle Leaf Fig is known to the scientific community as “Ficus Lyrata,” and as a result, often goes by just its first name – Ficus. But the reason this native of the rainforests of western and central Africa got its common name can be attributed to its leaves. The leaves of this tree are shaped like – you guessed it – a fiddle!

Fiddle Leaf Fig likes a soil that will drain well, and a pot that does the same. As with other houseplants, if your pot does not have drainage built in, add some rocks into the bottom of the pot before the soil in order to help keep the roots of the plant out of water. Take extra care to water only when necessary if your pot has no drainage. If you’re using a pot that has good drainage, you can usually check to see if the soil is dry to the touch one to two inches below the surface to determine whether or not you need to water. With pots that do not have drainage, a Moisture Meter is recommended to make sure that the bottom of the pot is not still saturated. When watering house plants with good drainage, slowly pour water into the soil until it starts to run out the bottom of the pot. Make sure to drain excess water left in the tray (a little is fine and will evaporate).

Fiddle Leaf Fig likes bright (indirect) sunlight, and should be rotated regularly to keep growth uniform. It can even benefit from brief periods of direct sunlight. Brown spots on the leaves will appear if the sun the plant is receiving is too bright or too direct – just watch your plant for warning signs. Keep Fiddle Leaf Fig in temperatures similar to your own comfort, but don’t let the temperature go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fiddle Leaf Fig will also benefit from some humidity (use a humidifier to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig extra happy if you live in a dry climate like Colorado).

Don’t fret too much if you have given Fiddle Leaf Fig its recommended environment but it still sheds some of its leaves upon arriving at its new home. They can get stressed out with environment changes and will shed leaves if they do stress. Keep Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves clean by gently wiping them down every now and then. This helps keep some pests at bay, and the leaves will soak up sun more easily if they are clear of dust. Like many houseplants, Fiddle Leaf Fig is said to be an air cleaning plant, but this one is not pet safe. If you have chewers, keep them away from the plant, or the plant away from them, to keep everyone safe.

Happy Plant Parenting!

Aug 24
300

Swiss Cheese Plant

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You might have seen the Mile Marker boards that parents create for their children – they highlight things like the height, weight, likes, and dislikes of their child at various stages of life. We at Nick’s Garden Center think Plant Parents should have something like this for their Plant Babies as well! Our Plant Parent Chalkboard Photos and blogs will provide you with an overview of what each plant needs in order to “grow up” happy and healthy!

Swiss Cheese Plant, aka Monkey Mask Plant or Five Holes Plant, is another cousin to the very popular Monstera Deliciosa. Although many plants are often referred to as “Swiss Cheese Plant,” most often that name refers to this plant – Monstera Adansonii. This is due to the fact that the holes in the leaves are much larger and take up more space on the leaf than the holes on other “Swiss Cheese” plants – giving it an almost skeletal appearance. Only one other Monstera causes such large holes – the incredibly rare Monstera Obliqua – whose leaves have more hole than leaf!.

Monstera Adansonii is similar to its cousins (the Monstera family has over 41 species!) in that the plant is vining, has heart shaped leaves, and has naturally occurring holes in its leaves. Adansonii is, like Raphidora Tetrasperma (Monstera Minima), a great option for people who don’t have a lot of space for the massive size of a Monstera Deliciosa. Adansonii (like  Raphidora Tetrasperma) also develops its holes earlier than Deliciosa. A member of the Araceae family, Adansonii is not likely to flower, but is known to help clean your air. Just make sure to keep it away from pets as it is not a pet friendly plant. This vining plant will usually grow to be about 3-5 feet in length, and its vines are suitable for trailing, making it a lovely hanging plant. Hanging Adansonii can help keep the vines out of reach of pets.

Use a pot and a soil with good drainage. As always, if your pot doesn’t have good drainage, use a Moisture Meter to check the moisture level at the bottom of the pot so that you don’t overwater, and take care to avoid adding too much water when it is time to water your plant. As long as your pot has good drainage, just check the top inch or two. If the soil is dry, water the plant until the water runs out of the bottom of the pot, but don’t let the pot sit in a tray full of water (though a little is fine as it will dissipate).

Monstera Adansonii likes bright, indirect sunlight just like its cousins, and it also likes the same temperatures as its cousins (and its humans!) – around 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A native of Central and South America, Monstera Adansonii loves humidity and will be happier with added humidity in dry climates. Keep it away from drafts and vents, but consider a humidifier to help your plant be at its best.

Happy Plant Parenting!