Tips for Rehabilitating Houseplants

*Remember: Plants can often be struggling due to multiple factors.

Light

● Increasing light can be the solution to many of your houseplant issues! Most indoor plants originate from tropical climates and enjoy consistent light year round. In Seattle, the low-light winters can lead to plants going semi-dormant and slowing their growth.

● Adding a (cheap) grow light during winter months can help boost your plants through the dark winters.

Water

● Wait until the soil is fully dry in between watering. Poke your finger into the soil a few inches deep near the base of the plant to feel for moisture.

● Water less often and less volume of water during the times when your plant is not actively growing.

Soil/Pot

● Choose pot size based on size of roots/root ball. The roots should fill out the pot with an inch of space around. Fill appropriate soil type around roots.

● Use nursery pots or pots with drainage. Pots without drainage will lead to root rot. Glazed ceramic or glass pots do not breathe and can also cause root rot. Plastic nursery pots or unglazed terracotta works well for most indoor plants.

● Use appropriate soil for your plant. Most indoor plants prefer well-draining soils. Adding perlite, bark, husk, or pumice can help increase the drainage of your soil.

Pests

● Check plants regularly for pests. Look closely at plants with new growth that is dying off. Pests also hide on the back sides of leaves.

● Pretreating plants that are prone to getting pests.

● Showering large plants or regularly wiping down leaves can clean and keep pests from getting on plants.

● Continue to treat for pests at least 6 weeks longer than you think you have them (eggs and larvae .will also need to be killed to stop the cycle).