(Part 3) Top products from r/houseplants

Could you recommend me what type of soil to use and how big the pots should be, and how much watering I should do for a snake plant and a neanthebella palm?

I currently have this soil but I also have miracle gro potting mix. What would be better to use? (I like the appearance of the first one since it's rocky and dry, and that's apparently what I learned that succulents like, so I'm guessing the snake plant would love it, but not too sure about the palm...

Would this be an adequate size pot for that sort of size of snake plant? I'd rather have it at around that size since I don't like medium to large plants in a room.

I'm also curious about air purifying plants. How large would they have to be to effectively make a difference in air quality? Are any of the plants I've listed air purifying? And are there any that you may recommend to me? Preferably low-light, small potted plants? I typically like green leafy plants/palms/ succulents, but I'm open to suggestions! Thoroughly appreciate y'all's help :)

Your spider plant should be able to adjust quite well. They do just fine in low light.

In terms of growlights, check out this post comparing different types of growlights. The guide is aimed more at succulents but anything that works for a succulent is going to be good enough for pretty much any other plant.

Also, depending what your budget is like, Gardener's Supply has a great selection of pre-made growlight systems that work very well but they are a bit on the pricier side.

Edit: Forgot to add something. If you're talking about one of these flexible neck grow lights, I actually have one for my succulents. It has worked ok for me but in terms of succulents you have to have the lights super close to the plants (I have mine maybe half an inch above them) and I'm also pairing that with a lot of bright southern light. I definitely would not recommend them if they're going to be your main source of light.

>A plant though, I feel is an attainable goal.

Oh, it is!

I would suggest starting with one indoor plant. Just decide where the plant will be so you can match light needs, then go to the best greenhouse around and get the plant that speaks to you. This will work much better than researching plant species first.

In my experience terra cotta pots grow mold indoors, so I would suggest getting a nice ceramic pot if you can afford it, with a drainage hole in the bottom. Get an appropriately sized saucer to keep under the pot, which will catch any excess water. If it's going on a surface that is at all porous, like a wood floor, also get a thin piece of cork (they look like this) to place beneath the saucer. And you'll need soil to repot it ... I've been happy with Epsoma potting mix myself. But if you go to a good greenhouse, they will likely have everything you need on hand.

I think it would be good to start with one green thing in your immediate environment, then perhaps think about herbs for the balcony. Just my sense, anyhow.

Enjoy!

While I'm blessed with sunny southern exposure, I put my citrus plants under lights during the winter because they throw a fit and drop most of their leaves in protest otherwise. I've tried a couple of types of lights, but the link below are the brightest so far. I'm sure there are much better solutions out there.

crazy bright bulbs

Always happy to share knowledge. :) All my lights are diy pendant lights so I don't have personal suggestions for clamp hood setups but here are a few suggestions:

Clamp light fixture - No personal experience with this one but it's a broader clamp hood to accomodate larger LED lights but they may poke out of the bottom of the hood. Ymmv


LED Light suggestions:

• Sansi - This is the light I use and I really like it. I have no useable windows in my apartment so all my plants are under 4 of these lights and they're all pushing out new leaves all the time. The monstera uses 2 bulbs as its become quite large. Sansi also makes this bulb in a couple lower watts if this one is too intense but you'll have to move your plants closer to the bulbs.
  
  
• GE - No personal experience with this one but the specs are really similar to the Sansi above. Btw/fyi, PPF/PPFD is a more accurate measurement of how much light is available for photosynthesis.
  
  
• iledlight - Again no personal experience but this looks like a super bright light, brighter than the Sansi or GE. I might consider buying this one to try on my monstera... 🤔
  
  Hope this helps and good luck! 🌱☘🍀

Yeah that's a super etiolated succulent - it would stay more compact with more light. I'm not sure exactly what species it is because a lot of them will turn green like that when they're not getting enough light. My best guess is that it's some kind of sedum but the green might be throwing me off.

You can chop off the main head and those two smaller heads, strip off the bottom few leaves and then leave them in open air for a 3-5 days so they callous over. Then stick the new stems into succulent/cactus mix and they will grow new roots. If they start growing tall like that again they need even more light (lots of people use plant grow lights for these). The original stem will also sprout new babies - it will look weird but if you let the babies grow a bit you can eventually chop those off the main plant too.

You can also propagate the leaves on this type of succulent if you remove them properly. Watch a few Youtube videos on succulent leaf propagation and you'll get what I mean. You need to get the very base of the leaf that is attached to the stem (if you rip off a tiny piece of the stem with it even better). They will only propagate if you keep that part intact.

You need a gritty, well-draining soil. I really like Bonsai Jack: https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Jack-Succulent-Cactus-Soil/dp/B0194E9RW4/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=bonsai+jack&pd_rd_i=B0194E9RW4&pd_rd_r=8181cdfd-0c8c-462f-ac25-934ddc331082&pd_rd_w=3i851&pd_rd_wg=t8V21&pf_rd_p=a5491838-6a74-484e-8787-eb44c8f3b7ff&pf_rd_r=3DSG67X2KBP6DWFBPSFP&psc=1&qid=1571963168

And you want a small pot with a drainage hole.

You can give a small treatment of phosphorus rich fertilizer, or any balanced houseplant fertilizer for that matter and see if it solves the issue. Plants that have leaves starting to turn red like this might be low on phosphorus.

I'd recommend https://www.amazon.com/Schultz-Purpose-Liquid-Plant-10-15-10/dp/B018LSGTLG it's a really concentrated formula that'll last you years of use, and it's incredibly easy to use. You should be able to find it at local big box stores like walmart, home depot and others.

Not dumb, necessary! And yes, find a bottle that sprays a fine mist. The cheapo plastic lil guy that came in this "plant lady kit" my mom got me from Urban Outfitters works a whole lot better than the beautiful Crate and Barrel brass plant mister that literally spits drops of water.

As for the humidity, I use this combination hygrometer and thermometer I got from Amazon.

Century Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3 Prong, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded electric with built-in ON/OFF switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBT3BVM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Hgrope 5W LED Grow Light Desk Lamp Clamp Flexible Neck for Hydroponic and Indoor Plants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVKWZH3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7ZEaBbZSW8ASJ


this last one isn't the exact red/blue lights i have but it looks better than mine hahaha

Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of bright light during the day. I have to supplement mine with a grow light (yay Amazon) because my south facing windows aren't bright enough to keep it happy during the winter months. It spends the summer outdoors.

Watering is pretty easy- let the soil dry out, then water until it leaks out the bottom of the pot.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078QZ1YTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

COPREE Bamboo Garment Coat Clothes Hanging Heavy Duty Rack

On amazon! it was pretty easy to build, but a little time consuming. I would say it's pretty sturdy, but I wouldn't trust the top shelf to hold the bigger pots. The hanging rack seems very supportive though.

I use Schultz 10-15-10 for my indoor leaf plants. My plants include schefflera, BOP, jade, pachira, ivy, snake, coffee zz, peace lily. They are very happy with it. Just be sure to make the correct ratios.

This light is the light that is a light ! . If your plant is in a place with little to no sunlight. Or you would like to put it somewhere like that. I recommend using a grow light to keep it growing well

The one I used is https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Spectrum-Hydroponic-Greenhouse-Succulent/dp/B01NCVWFUE

I prefer led because it doesn't use much electricity . Also don't like red and blue it looks crazy. Haha

I got another one that you can set timer :) Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QAYJPO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3ZjxCb7XTGJ84

SANSI LED Full Cycle Grow Light, 15w Full Spectrum Ceramic LED Light Bulb, Hydroponics, Indoor Farming, Greenhouses https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCVWFUE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I use this grow light for my tiny windowless bathroom. All my plants there are happy with lots of new growth. Make sure the light is close enough to the plant and have it on for 8-12 hours a day.

I'm currently using these under my shelves. I connected it to a timer outlet so that it turns on every day at 8 am and turns off at 11 pm. I just started using them so it's too early to tell how much my plants will like it but I think it's great. It comes with everything you need to hook it up (including sticky backers to mount them and a dimmer). I currently have a pothos, jade plant, pilea, snake plant, and a small rubber tree plant under the lights.

Getting this for the spare bedroom or out on my deck.
I love your plants!!
🌱 🌱🌱
Thank you


Edit, there are a few more options too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078QZ1YTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-pHDCbZSPP7B6

Start with choosing non toxic plants. Think about where they will go too. My toxic plants are all hanging away from my kitty.

Then buy a book like Houseplants: The Complete Guide... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591866901?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

My bible. It’s missing toxic plant info and some soil info. But that’s okay I write in mine. Good luck

I like 100watt daylight CFL bulbs that have a 5-6.5k spectrum (a 4 pack is like $12) And for clip-on housings I really like this style

Serene Life Cool Mist. Actually $38 but would highly recommend! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016IANZX4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

There's a motion-activated compressed air device that we've used to deter our cat from certain areas: https://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-Deterrent-Activated-Repellent-Environmentally/dp/B0721735K9

For new plants, especially small babies or props, we cover them with a mesh food cover to discourage nibbling until we're confident the cats will leave the plants alone. These may not work for a taller, upright plant like a Ponytail Palm though. Or a very determined cat. But it's been effective for our needs.

Here's some different types:

• Mesh: https://www.amazon.com/Apecks-outdoors-Protector-Umbrella-Collapsible/dp/B07H58VLP6/
  
• Large Mesh: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FDV517W/
  
• Pop-Up: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EYFV4M/
  
• Mesh & Bamboo: https://www.amazon.com/Cocoboo-Serving-Natural-Artisan-Handmade/
  
  For more desperate measures when we needed to keep cats off window sills or ledges, we put some wide double sided tape on the window sill or some kind of sticky or noisy pad they wouldn't want to walk over. There's all kinds of "cat training tape" or scratch control strips for furniture available online or at pet stores.

Thank you! I got it from amazon! It’s pretty cheap but sturdy! Mkono Macrame Plant Hangers Shelf Indoor Hanging Planter Decorative Flower Pot Holder Boho Bohemian Home Decor, 45" L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JR9TBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hrjWCbVZR92EH

Hey, it’s hard to answer your question since the information you provided is very general.
What kind of plants do you have? Tropical plants require more humidity. Calatheas, for example, need tons. Also, how big is the room where your plants are? Maybe you’ll have to have 2 humidifiers. It’s better to buy a humidity meter (the hydrometer) to know how dry/humid your air is.
I personally have this kind
I love it so far, but I had to idea it needed the filters to be changed so frequently (like once in 2 months)
It rises my humidity to around 60-70%, and it’s enough for my plants. I run it day and night, ‘cause I need it for myself too.

Swiftrans LED Grow Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GFWK69Q?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is the single bulb I bought off of amazon. It's full spectrum and does a good job for the succulents I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Mkono-Macrame-Hanging-Planter-Hanger/dp/B071JR9TBS

I don't know how study they are, and there are different brands and styles if you browse, but I saw these when browsing and thought they were really cool.

It is a ridiculously cheap IKEA lamp. I'm not sure how well it'll hold up to the heavy LED grow bulb... but it's trying. The lamp is LERSTA.

The bulb is this thing. It's quite bright, but I suspect the Monstera and the Marble Queen pothos would like to be closer to it. I'm considering a stand to get them up higher.

And I'm using this physical timer to turn the grow light on and off. My office is basically a cave - near no natural light. So the plants get 12 hours with that grow light when the office is less busy. I'm not certain this is enough, with the distance the light is from the plants, but I'll keep an eye on them and find additional supplemental light as needed.

I bought this stuff on amazon and it seems to be doing well in it! Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y04TK6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ak-RBb8520ZP3

I bought this humidifier and I really like it! It’s got a large water basin I only have to refill 1x a day and it’s adjustable! So I can blast it so turn it down low!

This looks like a diorama or one of these miniature handmade house kits. .

Bamboo 3-Tier Hanging Plant Stand... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078R35KHN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is the link for that one exactly.

Bamboo 3-Tier Hanging Plant Stand... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078R35KHN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

here they are!

Here ya go!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SRT9CY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Miniature Greenhouse

$19 here in the states

The Botanical Bible: Plants, Flowers, Art, Recipes & Other Home Uses https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419732234/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VeWBCbD2MCME3

This one is really good

$35 on amazon???? SO TEMPTING!!!


The Botanical Bible: Plants, Flowers, Art, Recipes & Other Home Uses https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1419732234/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nbVBCbBYMBMJE

UPDATE: mine just came in the mail https://i.imgur.com/aASc0yv.jpg

A humidifier is really your call, depending on your needs and where you live (a dry region, temperate, or humid) I have a few plants that don't do well without one. I try to keep them around 55%-60% humidity. Anything higher has been hard for me to maintain even with a large humidifier in the room.

If you don't know what humidity you've got, try a hygrometer to measure it. Here's one I own.

I live in an apartment that gets very low light so all my succulents were beginning to die. Found these guys on Amazon a few months ago and they work great!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MQPCAKX/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1493740459&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=grow+light+clip&dpPl=1&dpID=41KOueyz%2BwL&ref=plSrch

You could try bitter apple spray which shouldn't harm the plant itself but will smell and taste bad to discourage her from chewing. I know you said that you haven't seen her doing it but you could get a water spray bottle to squirt when she does...

They also make spray motion sensors. So something battery powered you'd put in the pot next to the plant that will mist or squirt water if sensed motion too close to the plant. These are specifically made for pets who chew plants

Edit: here is a link to the motion spray: PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Pet Deterrent, Motion Activated Pet Proofing Repellent for Cats and Dogs, Environmentally Friendly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721735K9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_snY0CbPFPRFEG