There are so many different things the average plantfluencer or plant group member might suggest that as a new houseplant parent it might be difficult to figure out what is really worth it. I’m going to share with you my houseplant care must haves, and you’ll find it’s not much.
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Watering
Moisture Meter– Although, I prefer to check soil moisture levels with my actual finger, I will say that a moisture meter and/or bamboo skewers are a great option to confirm what your tact is reading or vice versa.
Watering Can– I water 99.9% of my plants in the shower or the sink, but a watering can is good for adding in plant food or fertilizer.
Plant Food/Fertilizer– I use this every watering on all my houseplants and they love it. I’ve also used specific fertilizers for my peace lily and fiddle leaf figs that I was very happy with. Another great fertilizer is worm castings.
Lighting
Grow Lights– I will almost always recommend a grow light regardless of how much light you think you have or see. Our sight cannot properly identify lighting requirements for plants, and even though some plants may require less light than others, the fact remains, plants need to be able to see an unobstructed view of the sky. Some right up against the window, others can afford a few feet back. For this reason, depending on the plant, I recommend grow lights. These are the only 2 I use and have proven results on their efficiency.
- Soltech Solutions pendant light
- Sansi 36W bulb
- Rousseau Pendant Light– I haven’t used this personally yet, but I did just place an order. I’m intrigued because it has great specs, sleek look and $50 less than the Soltech pendant.
Humidity
Electric Mister– there’s a ton of controversy as to whether misting your plants actually helps with humidity or not. I will share, that it makes me feel better to mist my calathea and I also mist the new buds on my fiddle leaf figs. So if you’re misting, this is the mister you need!
Humidifier- I don’t like to say a humidifier is necessary for your plants, but I will say my allergies and my plants are much happier when humidity levels are above 50%. A humidifier is especially important if you have calatheas or marantas. I have these two:
- Levoit– love this one, great area coverage, no filter needed and can be controlled from your phone or smart home device.
- Dyson– this is a big investment, but like I said, the humidifier is really for my health too!
RELATED POST: Overwatering: Amount vs. Frequency
Potting
Nursery Pots– I hold on to all my nursery pots and keep all my plants on nursery pots even when I upsize as it’s easier to repot and move around. If I have to buy a specific size I don’t already have then I like these transparent ones so I can see the roots.
Soil- I started making my own mix, this is what I use:
- Potting Soil– full disclaimer, this is usually cheaper at the local nursery or garden center
- Orchid Bark
- Perlite
- Worm Castings– I still find some kind of way about paying for worm poop, but plants love it!
Already made airy + good draining soil- Sol Soil. I recently started using Sol Soil and LOVE it. If you’re interested in trying, use code CLAUDIA10 at checkout for discount.
Lost of plant people will advice on a potting mat or bin to mix your soil, but I find using recycling paper or paper bags as mat and a large mixing bowl for the soil work just fine.
Pest Control
I whip up a natural pest repellent with dish soap, EO and water. Last resort I call in the big A. Here is what I use:
Accessories
I guess the list is longer than I thought, but in comparison to all the products I see being pushed… I think it’s pretty conservative.
Take what makes sense for you and leave the rest!
iamclaudiaq 
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