Welcome to another edition of the PlantsofK weekly newsletter!

This week has been a bit all over the place with the weather in San Antonio. Lots of rainy, muggy weather followed by some sunshine, and we finally experienced a temporary temperature drop this week. For those of y’all living in places where it is already cold for the winter, I don’t know how you do it 😂 It is brutally hot here in the summer, but I will ALWAYS trade that over cold weather and long winters 🥶❄️

If you have already been a subscriber, I am thrilled to have you back. If you are new, I am grateful that you subscribed! Each week, I strive to bring you tips, trends, and insights to ensure your houseplants thrive and bring beauty to your living spaces.

This week’s newsletter will cover:

• How to Fix “Leggy” Houseplants

• Plant Spotlight

• Ask PlantsofK

• As Seen on TikTok

My hope is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own indoor jungle. As always, I value your feedback and input. If there's a particular topic or question you would like me to address in future editions, please don't hesitate to reach out by responding directly to this email. I am here to support you on your plant care journey, and I am excited to continue growing together.

I would love to grow this letter and reach more people interested in learning more about caring for their houseplants. If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you know and help grow our community of houseplant enthusiasts. Together, we'll create beautiful and healthy indoor spaces!

Sincerely,

Kristen

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK at no additional cost to you and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

How to Fix “Leggy” Houseplants

If you've ever wondered why your houseplants are stretching out, looking tall and spindly, you're in the right place. This post will explore what "leggy" means, why it happens, and how to restore your plants to their former beauty.

What Does Leggy Mean?

"Leggy" is a term used to describe houseplants that have grown tall and thin with elongated stems and sparse foliage. The proper term is etiolation. When your plant is leggy, it's typically not the healthiest or most attractive version of itself. But don't worry, there are ways to fix it and help it improve in health.

Reasons Why Houseplants Get Leggy

1. Lack of Light: Insufficient light is one of the main reasons houseplants become leggy. When a plant doesn't receive enough light, it stretches upward in search of more light, leading to leggy growth.

2. Overcrowding: If your plants are too close together, they may compete for light, resulting in legginess. Adequate spacing is crucial for healthy growth.

3. Nutrient Imbalance: An imbalance in nutrients can also lead to legginess. Ensure your plant is getting the right amount of essential nutrients.

How to Prune Your Leggy Houseplant

To fix legginess, you’ll need to get out your clippers and give your plant a trim. Here's how to do it:

1. Identify the Leggy Stems: Locate the leggy stems with sparse leaves that need attention.

2. Pruning: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, snip off the leggy growth. Make clean cuts just above a leaf node or joint. This encourages branching and new growth.

3. Don't Remove Too Much: Be cautious not to remove too much foliage at once; aim to trim no more than one-third of the plant's total growth.

Habit and Environment Changes to Keep It from Getting Leggy Again

Preventing legginess is just as important as fixing it. Here are some habits and environmental changes to maintain your plant's health:

1. Proper Light: Ensure your plant gets the right amount of light for its species. Move it to a brighter spot if necessary, but avoid direct sunlight, which can lead to other problems.

2. Rotate Your Plant: Turn your plant regularly to promote even growth on all sides and prevent it from reaching toward the light source.

3. Prune Regularly: Make pruning a routine part of your plant care. Trim leggy growth as it appears to encourage a bushier shape.

4. Space Them Out: Give your plants enough space to grow. If they're crowding each other, they'll compete for light and become leggy.

5. Fertilize Appropriately: Feed your plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

Dealing with leggy houseplants is a common challenge, but with a little care and attention, you can restore your green companions to their full, lush selves. Remember to address the root causes of legginess and adopt good practices to maintain healthy, happy plants.

Do you want more houseplant care recommendations? Check out my Pinterest board, in which I have curated tons of plant care tips and tricks! Don’t forget to give me a follow while you are there!

Plant Spotlight

Plant Spotlight highlights a new houseplant and its basic care tips.

This week’s Plant Spotlight is the Begonia ‘Escargot’ (Rex Begonia).

The Begonia ‘Escargot’ is a striking and unique plant known for its mesmerizing spiral-shaped leaves. This plant has become a favorite of collectors and indoor gardeners alike. Here are some valuable insights into caring for this beauty.

1. Lighting: Begonia 'Escargot' thrives in bright, indirect light. It's essential to protect it from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate foliage. Find a spot near a window with filtered sunlight or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light.

2. Temperature and Humidity: These tropical plants appreciate a warm and humid environment. Maintain a room temperature between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and provide adequate humidity. Regular misting or using a humidifier can help create the perfect conditions.

3. Watering: Begonia 'Escargot' prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.

4. Soil and Fertilization: Plant your 'Escargot' in a well-draining mix, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to support its growth, typically once a month.

5. Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly trim any yellow or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth and maintain its unique appearance. Keeping the plant free from debris and dust can help it breathe and thrive.

Begonia 'Escargot' is a living masterpiece that adds an artistic touch to your indoor garden. Its spiraled leaves make it a conversation starter and a stunning focal point in any space.

@plantsofk93

I love my apartment, but it's north-facing windows are problematic for my plant goals. I've been wanting to get a grow light for my monste... See more

Even for your low light plants, adequate lighting is important for their growth ☀️ If you have a home like mine that has limited natural sunlight indoors, grow lights are a game changer 💡 However, decor aesthetics are important to me and I didn’t want utilitarian-looking lamps all over my apartment. Here is how I dressed up a grow light so that it looks like another part of my decor. I have been really pleased with the Sansi LED Grow Light Bulb and my plants have looked so much healthier since I have started using it. I “hid” it in this green pendant light to make it more decorative. The installation was easy (although probably not OSHA-approved) and didn’t require any internal wiring work. Click the button below to visit my Amazon Storefront and check out other plant care products and decor I love!

Disclosure: This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This commission helps support PlantsofK and enables me to continue producing valuable content for you.

I am committed to providing informative and engaging content about houseplant care and community. I carefully select products and resources that I believe will be of interest and benefit to you. The inclusion of affiliate links allows me to earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Please note that my recommendations are based on my own research and experience. I only promote products and services that I have used and found value in myself, and that I think will be valuable to you as well.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these affiliate links or the products I recommend, please feel free to reach out. I appreciate your feedback.

Thank you for being a part of my plant care journey and for supporting my efforts to bring the joy and humor of houseplants to others!