Nothing is more exciting than bringing your first houseplant home. And nothing can be as discouraging as finding out they attract insects. Where do these houseplant pests come from?

Unfortunately, these pesky bugs can arrive in many different ways, from simply flying through an open door to being in a bag of potting mix. They can also arrive already on your plant, so always inspect your plant before purchasing. Routine inspections of leaves, stems, and soil will also help ensure these insects don’t harm your plant long-term.

If you notice any of these bugs doing damage, first isolate your plant from any other plants you may have. Then once you identify which pests are on your plant, you can safely control them – or eliminate then for good.

Aphid
A more well-known insect, aphids are generally green in color, though they can almost any color, including red, black, and white. These plump, soft-bodied pests can be easily removed by giving your plant a pressure wash in the shower. Aphids can persist, however, so it’s a good idea to keep a spray bottle of water mixed with fragrance-free soap on hand. Thoroughly soak the tops and bottoms of your plant’s leaves whenever you see aphids. A soap soak will kill them on contact. You can also spray your plant with a water and neem oil (a natural insecticide) solution, which is a great way to prevent future aphid infestations.

Fungus Gnat
If you’ve ever noticed minuscule insects flying around the soil of your plant, you were probably seeing fungus gnats. While the adult flies don’t cause much harm, their larvae that lives in the soil can damage your plant’s roots. Fungus gnats aren’t healthy for your plant, but they favor damp soil and rotting roots. Having these insects around is a sign that you might be overwatering your plant or it’s not draining properly! Fungus gnat eggs and larvae can be effectively eliminated if you let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Sticky traps can also capture the adult gnats, which will help control the population.

Spider Mite
Noticing red-orange specs on your plant? They’re most likely spider mites, insects no bigger than a pinhead that create webs on the intersection of stems. These houseplant pests drink the sap inside the plant’s stems and leaves, which causes speckling, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. As with aphids, a high-powered shower is your first line of defense. Then, thoroughly spray your plant and the soil with a mixture of water and natural soap (or neem oil). Continue to spray your plant every 7-10 days to interrupt the growth cycle of these mites and keep them from harming your plant.

Mealybug
The white, cottony fuzz along your plant’s stems may look like fungus, but it’s actually the creation of mealybugs. These insects are miniature and white and feast on the plant’s juices. Mealybugs are resistant to most chemical pesticides, but can be effectively removed with rubbing alcohol. Simply soak a Q-tip or cotton ball, and rub the leaves and stems of your plant, including at the base of the soil and edge of the pot. Additional treatment with a water and natural soap or neem oil mixture is also highly effective. As with any pests, you may have to continue treating your plant for a few weeks to ensure it’s healthy.

Are Your Plants Pest Free?
Don’t let houseplant pests keep you from enjoying the foliage in your home! Have you gotten rid of a plant because of bugs? What pest control remedies have been effective for you? I’m curious!

XO,
Micah

If you’re like me, having just one houseplant is never enough. But if you’ve had bad luck keeping plants alive in the past, it may be daunting to think of trying again. The solution to keeping your new plant alive might be easier than you think, however. Have you been making these common houseplant mistakes? If so, read on to learn how to fix them!

1. Buying plants because they look pretty
There are certainly many beautiful plants available for purchase. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they’re the best ones for your particular region or home’s normal conditions. Is your home in a humid or dry climate? Does it lack good natural light or is usually kept at a cold temperature? Keep these questions in mind when shopping for a new houseplant. Many shade-loving plants exist, like golden pothos, while options like the snake plant thrive in humidity.

2. Watering too much or on the wrong schedule
Overwatering is all too often the most common mistake plant parents make. Most houseplants require little water to remain healthy, especially those that also don’t require much sunlight. Different plants require different amounts of water and frequency of watering, too. While it’s easier to simply water all your plants once a week, opt for testing the soil before sticking to such all all-encompassing routine. If the plant’s soil is dry a few inches before the soil, it’s time to water! If not, check back in a few days.

Pro Tip: Trouble remembering to water your plants at all? Succulents and cacti are a great choice for you, but only if you have a window that receives bright light.

3. Putting all your plants in direct sunlight
We all know that plants need sunlight to stay healthy. But many plants don’t need bright sunlight. In fact, a lot of plants prefer low-light conditions and stay healthy despite a lack of sun. Research before you buy a houseplant, whether your home has a lot of natural light or none at all. Many sun-loving indoor plants like aloe vera or fiddle leaf figs won’t stay healthy in a dark home. However, leaves of more low-light plants like philodendron and the peace lily can burn if kept in direct sunlight for too long. This doesn’t mean you should never put these plants in the sun. Just be sure it’s soft, indirect light.

4. Leaving your plants near radiators, drafts, or air vents
Plants are sensitive to temperatures, especially those that fluctuate regularly. Your houseplant may provide a stylish upgrade for an unattractive windowsill or radiator. But this could lead to their demise. Drafts, cold air, and high heat temperatures are too extreme for most indoor plants. Heating and cooling also removes humidity from the air, so place your plants in other locations to keep them happy.

Have you caught yourself making one or more of these mistakes? I definitely have. But taking care of each houseplant based on what it needs makes a big difference. Happy planting!

XO,
Micah

Today is National Plant a Flower Day, which presents the perfect opportunity to talk about potting mix! Though perhaps not the most interesting of subjects, it’s good to become familiar with the different types of mixes available and their benefits for each type of potted plant. After all, potting mix is what your plants will be living in year after year. It only makes sense that you give them the best possible home!

What is potting mix?
We’ll start with the basics: potting mix is not the dirt you dig up out of your backyard. It’s a fine-tuned combination of pine bark, peat moss, and vermiculite to absorb water or perlite to purge water. Unlike potting soil, a potting mix is soil-less and its purpose is to remain “fluffy” and not become too compact when wet. These mixes come in different types to match the specific needs of each plant, including their drainage, moisture, or acidity levels.

Houseplants
Most indoor plants will grow well with all-purpose potting mix, either organic or non-organic. These mixes will retain moisture without becoming too dense or packed. Certain potting mixes may come with time-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients for the first couple of months after potting. You’ll still have to fertilize routinely as your plant will eventually use this limited amount of nutrients. If you’re growing acidic soil-loving plants, such as azaleas, you’ll want to use a well-draining mix with a low pH. Plants like lavender, however, enjoy a sweet alkaline soil with a higher pH.

Herbs
Herbs have either a moisture or drainage preference when it comes to their potting mixes. Mint and rosemary prefer a higher level of moisture, while thyme, parsley, and basil need the soil to dry out between watering. Choose a potting mix that is well-draining to ensure your herbs don’t drown. A vegetable and herb mix will provide the proper type of soil to keep your herbs thriving. If the ingredients has perlite included, this is a good mix.

Succulents and Cacti
Both succulents and cacti are desert plants that thrive in dry, hot climates that receive occasional water. It’s crucial that you pot these plants in well-draining soil. The type of mix for succulents and cacti is generally more gritty, and is light and airy, with plenty of pockets to help the water quickly drain. Like other specialized mixes, your local garden center will have succulent and cactus potting mix that includes rock mineral and the right soil consistency.

Get your hands dirty
Soil is the foundation of a healthy, happy plant and is just as important as proper watering and sunlight. Don’t overthink potting mix, but keep in mind the different types of soil certain plants need. As always, be sure to pot your plants in a container with proper drainage!

Did you know different types of soil existed? Or is this old news? I’d love to know!

XO
Micah