Plant Care

💧 Watering

There’s no universal watering schedule — every plant and environment is different! Here are the key factors to consider:

• Humidity: Higher humidity slows soil drying. In drier environments, soil dries out faster.
• Temperature: Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, especially at the surface. Always check moisture below the top layer before watering.
• Light: More light means faster water uptake by your plant.
• Airflow: Increased airflow or windy conditions can dry soil faster and dehydrate leaves.
• Soil Composition: Different soil mixes drain and retain water differently. Our plants come from a variety of growers, each using their own substrates.
• Your specific plant: Consider how many roots and how much foliage your plant has. Even plants within the same genus can have different needs (e.g., not all Alocasia require the same care).
• Root-bound plants: As roots fill the pot and soil breaks down, water retention changes. Check for root crowding and repot when necessary.

General Rule: Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out before watering again.

• For tropicals, water before the bottom of the pot is completely dry.
• For succulents and cacti, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Pro tip: Use a moisture meter for new plants until you get to know their specific needs.

🌼 Repotting

When your plant arrives, wait to repot until it’s acclimated (about 1–2 weeks). If you want to check the roots:

1. Gently squeeze the nursery pot.
2. Cradle the soil and flip the plant upside down.
3. Healthy roots will be white, tan, orange, or red — but not black (black roots indicate rot).

Pot size tip: Only go one pot size up at a time. Too much soil can hold excess water and lead to rot. Always choose pots with drainage holes.

🌱 Soil Recommendations

Each plant type prefers different soil. We offer chunky, porous mixes, but if you want to mix your own, here are some starting points:

Aroid Mix (for epiphytic/semi-epiphytic plants)

• Bark or coco chips
• Potting soil
• Perlite or pumice

Tip: Knowing whether your plant is epiphytic or terrestrial helps you balance drainage and moisture retention.

Succulent Soil

• 50% inorganic (e.g., pumice, perlite)
• 50% organic (e.g., potting soil, small amount of compost)

Cactus Soil

• 70% inorganic
• 30% organic

Inorganic Components (Drainage)

• Pumice
• Perlite
• Expanded shale
• Calcined clay
• Crushed oyster shell (adds calcium)

Organic Components (Nutrition)

• Potting soil
• Peat
• Compost
• Earthworm castings (use no more than 10% of total mix)

Example Mix for Succulents:
50% pumice, 40% potting soil, 10% compost

Want to Skip the Mixing?

Explore our ready-made soil blends — crafted for aroids, succulents, and other specialty plants.