How to take care of your houseplant (PNW Edition)
Ever find yourself Googling 'houseplant care' and drowning in advice that just doesn't... click? You're not alone! Much of the online plant wisdom caters to sun-soaked locales like LA, leaving us in the PNW scratching our heads. Here in Portland, our plants face a unique challenge: navigating our wildly varied seasons. Fear not, fellow plant lovers! We're here to provide tailored tips to help your indoor jungle flourish - and as the days get longer your houseplants are ready to thrive!
Light: Move with the PNW's Seasons
Our sunlight changes dramatically from the short, cloudy days of winter to the long, bright days of summer, and your plants' needs shift, too.
Assess Your Space: Before placing a new plant, consider the intensity, duration, and angle of sunlight your windows receive. An East-facing window might be bright in the morning, but a South-facing window will offer stronger, longer light throughout the day. The closer the plant is, the more intense.
Ficus Friends & Light Lovers: Plants like the Ficus family crave bright, direct light in the winter, but may need to move back just a bit during summer to prevent getting scorched in the hot afternoon sun. Don’t be afraid to move them (but remember to avoid drafts and dark corners).
Expert Advice: Still unsure? Bring photos of your plants and windows to your local plant shop! We're here to help you match your plants to the perfect light conditions.
Beyond Apps: The Art of Attentive Watering
We are huge fans of ditching a rigid watering schedule. Forget the apps and choose a "plant check-in" day each week.
Observe & Adapt: Check for dust (a gentle shower can help!), soil dryness (test with your finger – dry to your first or second knuckle?), and new growth.
Understanding Your Plant's "Normal": Familiarity with your plants' typical state is key to spotting issues early and preventing overwatering, a reeaallly common PNW problem. This is also how you stop pests before they get a hold.
Deep Watering Technique: When you do water (which may be way less often in winter) do it thoroughly! Water slowly and evenly until it flows from the pot's drainage holes. This ensures all roots are hydrated.
Nourishing Your PNW Plants
As our days get longer and spring arrives, plants need nutrients to grow to their full potential.
Spring Renewal: As spring arrives, replenish soil nutrients with a gentle, balanced fertilizer. We are huge fans of Joyful Dirt, a PNW local business that feeds your plants and keeps the soil well-balanced with mycorrhizal fungi.
Soil Replenishment: Another excellent way to fertilize your houseplants is to add a thin layer of fresh, high-quality houseplant soil. Avoid using outdoor soil, which can harbor pests.
Quality Matters: We’ve rehabbed countless houseplants and container gardens where we start with removing thick clay-like soil that forms a cement-like layer in the bottom of pots and prevents drainage. Stick to the good stuff.
Your Local Plant Shop: Your PNW Plant Partner
When in doubt we have friendly plant people here to help answer your questions. You can stock up on everything you need to keep your plants thriving, and maybe even find a new green addition! This week, don’t miss our Spring Break Sale! We’ll have discounts on unique and special plants to celebrate spring.
