Welcome to another edition of the PlantsofK weekly newsletter!

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:

• Lighting for Plants in Your Home

• 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.

Lighting for Plants in Your Home

This week, we're shedding light on a crucial aspect of plant care – lighting. Different plants have different lighting preferences, and understanding these preferences can make all the difference in helping your indoor garden flourish. Below explains the four main types of lighting: bright direct light, bright indirect light, medium light, and low light, and the plants that thrive under each.

1. Bright Direct Light: Bright direct light is the closest thing your indoor plants can get to basking in the sun. This type of light is intense and comes from a source that provides direct rays for several hours a day. South- or west-facing windows are typically the best spots for these light-loving plants. Some houseplants that thrive in bright direct light are: succulents and cacti, snake plants, and jade plant.

2. Bright Indirect Light: Bright indirect light is like a compromise between too much and too little light. It's the ideal choice for a wide range of houseplants because it provides bright, filtered light without scorching the leaves. East-facing windows are typically the ideal location for these plants. Some houseplants that thrive in bright indirect light are: peace lilies, spider plants, and pothos.

3. Medium Light: Medium light is a versatile category that suits many common houseplants. This type of light is found a few feet away from a bright window or in rooms with filtered light. North-facing windows and areas away from direct sunlight are typically where you'll find medium light. Some houseplants that do well in medium light are: rubber plants, Boston ferns, and Chinese evergreen.

4. Low Light: For those spaces in your home that receive minimal natural light, there's still hope for indoor plants. Low light doesn't mean no light; it refers to areas farther from windows or in rooms with minimal natural light. Some houseplants that do well in low light are: cast iron plants, ZZ plants, and snake plants.

Remember, even though these are general guidelines for different lighting types, each home is unique. Factors like the season, distance from windows, and the presence of obstructions can all affect the amount and quality of light a plant receives. Always monitor your plants and adjust their placement accordingly. By understanding your plant's lighting needs and providing the right environment, your plants thrives year-round!

Do you want more recommendations for houseplants based on the lighting conditions of your home? Check out my Pinterest board which has TONS of suggestions sorted by lighting type! 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 String of Hearts.

The String of Hearts plant, is recognized by its delicate cascading vines adorned with charming heart-shaped leaves. This charming succulent is relatively easy to care for. Here are some care tips to ensure your String of Hearts thrives.

1. Light Requirements: String of Hearts plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight, or provide some shade during the intense afternoon sun. They can tolerate a bit of direct morning sunlight, but too much can scorch their delicate leaves.

2. Soil and Potting: Well-draining soil is key to preventing root rot. Use a mix of cactus or succulent potting mix with perlite to ensure proper drainage. Repotting is generally necessary every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.

3. Watering: String of Hearts prefer to dry out between watering. Water sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Always use a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.

4. Humidity and Temperature: String of Hearts are relatively tolerant of household humidity levels, but they do appreciate a bit of extra moisture. Regular misting or placing a tray of water near the plant can help maintain humidity. String of Hearts thrive in a temperature range of 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) and should be protected from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.

5. Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your String of Hearts every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant winter months when growth slows down.

6. Pruning and Maintenance: Prune your String of Hearts as needed to maintain its desired shape and prevent leggy growth. You can propagate the cuttings in water and replant them to expand your collection or share with friends.

7. Pests: Keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any infestations, treat your plant promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

8. Support and Display: String of Hearts can grow quite long, so consider providing some support like a trellis or letting it cascade from a hanging planter to showcase its beautiful trailing vines.

The String of Hearts’ low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for both experienced plant parents and beginners looking to add a touch of green to their indoor spaces!

@plantsofk93

⬇️TIPS⬇️ for transferring water propagations to soil! 🌱Wait until roots have formed. Your cuttings need to have developed a good root syst... See more

Some of the gardening tools that I use frequently! These few items are great for indoor gardening when you have limited space. The potting mat makes clean up so much easier! The mini tools are great since they are easy to store and I’m generally working with smaller plants anyways. I love clear nursery pots for my plants because takes the guesswork out of watering and root growth. Click the button below to see these tools and others I use!

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!