Happy Friday!

I hope your week has been great! If you are new here, welcome! I am so glad to have you join me on my plant journey and learn about plant care along with me.

This week’s newsletter will cover:

• 5 Common Mistakes of Beginner Plant Parents

• Plant Spotlight

• Vetter Plant Co. Review

• Ask PlantsofK

• As Seen on TikTok

My hope is 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.

5 Common Mistakes of Beginner Plant Parents

If you are new to houseplant care, it can be easy to make mistakes that can harm your plants. Here are five common mistakes beginners make with houseplant care and provide some tips to help you avoid them.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes beginners make with houseplant care. When you overwater a plant, you’re essentially drowning it. The roots can become waterlogged and start to rot, which can cause the plant to die. To avoid overwatering, make sure to check the moisture level of the soil before watering your plant. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait to water your plant a few more days.

Also, make sure your plant’s pot has proper drainage. If water is pooling at the bottom of the pot, it’s a sign that the soil is not draining properly and your plant is at risk of being overwatered. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, consider repotting your plant or drilling some holes at the bottom of the pot to allow water to escape.

Not providing enough light

Plants need light to photosynthesize and grow, so it is important to provide them with adequate lighting. However, different plants have different light requirements. Some plants prefer bright, indirect light, while others can handle direct sunlight. Research the light requirements of your plant and place it in a location in your home that provides the appropriate amount of light.

If your plant is not getting enough light, you may notice that its leaves begin to turn yellow and drop off. If this happens, try moving your plant to a brighter location. If your plant is getting too much light, its leaves may become scorched or turn brown. In this case, move your plant to a spot with less direct sunlight.

Using the wrong type of soil

Not all soils are created equal. Some plants require well-draining soil, while others prefer a more moisture-retentive mix. It’s important to use the right soil for your plant’s needs. Check the soil requirements of your plant and choose a potting mix that matches those needs.

If you’re not sure what type of soil your plant needs, a good general rule is to use a well-draining potting mix. This type of soil will allow excess water to drain away from the roots, and help prevent them from becoming waterlogged.

Neglecting to fertilize

Houseplants need nutrients to grow and thrive. If you are not providing your plant with the necessary fertilizers, it can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor overall health. There are many different types of fertilizers available, so it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for your plant.

In general, you should fertilize your plant every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). During the winter months, when growth slows down, you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing to once every two months.

Not repotting when necessary

Over time, plants can outgrow their pots, causing their roots to become cramped and preventing them from absorbing enough water and nutrients. It’s important to repot your plant when it outgrows its pot or every 1-2 years.

To determine if your plant needs to be repotted, check the roots. If they are tightly packed and circling around the bottom of the pot, it is time to repot. When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and use fresh potting mix. Water the plant well after repotting and give it some time to adjust to its new home.

It is important to avoid these five common mistakes to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Remember to check the moisture level of the soil, provide the right amount of light, use the appropriate soil, fertilize regularly, and repot your plant when necessary.

A final note: keep in mind that every plant is different and can have unique care requirements, so make sure to do your research and learn as much as you can about your specific plants. You will be rewarded with beautiful, thriving plants!

Plant Spotlight

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

This week’s Plant Spotlight is the aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen).

Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese Evergreens, are popular houseplants that originated in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Different varieties come in various shades of green, silver, and pink.

As a houseplant, Aglaonemas are relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced plant owners. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Light: Aglaonemas thrive in moderate to low light conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate areas with lower light levels. Exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Aglaonemas can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it's essential to keep them away from drafts and cold air.

Watering: Aglaonemas prefer slightly moist soil but can tolerate some drying out between waterings. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again, and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Humidity: While Aglaonemas can adapt to average household humidity, they appreciate higher humidity levels. Misting the leaves or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles can help increase humidity around the plant.

Soil: A well-draining, rich potting mix is ideal for Aglaonemas. You can use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil to create a suitable growing medium.

Pruning and Maintenance: Regularly remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and overall health. Aglaonemas do not require extensive pruning but can benefit from occasional shaping.

Propagation: Aglaonemas can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in moist potting soil. You can also propagate Aglaonemas through division while repotting.

Vetter Plant Co. Review

I have recently been seeing a lot of people on TikTok receiving plants in the mail, and I was so fascinated by the thought of plant mail that I had to try it for myself. After some shopping around, I chose to order my plants from Vetter Plant Co., a woman-owned small business. I am thrilled to report that it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. I could not be happier with the new additions to my plant collection, a Lady Valentine Chinese Evergreen and an Alocasia Silver Dragon.

It first must be said that the packaging of the plants was well done. My main concern when ordering plants in the mail was the high possibility of damage and messiness. Vetter Plant Co. made sure both plants were securely wrapped and protected, and there were no signs of damage or stress during transit.

When I unwrapped the plants, I was excited to see that there was already new growth emerging on both the Chinese Evergreen and the Alocasia. I was impressed to receive plants that were not only healthy but also actively growing.

I had to order the Lady Valentine Chinese Evergreen after having such a positive experience with my first Chinese Evergreen. I love the stunning contrast between the vibrant pink and green leaves. Alocasias are another plant I have been really interested in recently, and the Alocasia Silver Dragon’s unique and oddly-shaped silver-green foliage made it a must-have for my collection. I could not be more pleased with the condition and overall appearance of my new plants. It has been a few weeks now, and they still look great!

Overall, my experience with Vetter Plant Co. was very positive. I would recommend them to any plant enthusiast looking for healthy, thriving houseplants. I can't wait to order from them again!

Use code PLANTSOFK at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order!

Ask PlantsofK

Submit your questions about plant care for a chance to have your question and an answer featured in future PlantsofK newsletters! Simply click ‘respond’ to this email with your question.

As Seen on TikTok

@plantsofk93

a little lazy girl hack if you have a lot of propagations/a propagation station and you don't want to make a million trips back and forth ... See more

Refreshing my propagation station! (and a watering hack if you have a propagation station)

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!