Things I Do as a Plant Parent That Might Make Other Plant People Cringe
Let’s chat about being a plant parent and, more specifically, some of the “rule-breaking” things I do that other plant people might side-eye. Look, everyone’s plant parenting experience is a little different—it’s all about finding what works for you and your leafy friends. Maybe some of these tips will also inspire you to ditch the rulebook.
My Plant Love Story
I’ve been obsessed with plants since I was a kid. Growing up, I’d walk barefoot through the woods around my family’s backyard, admiring everything from little wildflowers to towering trees. Trees, in particular, are my ultimate love—they’re just freaking awesome, aren’t they? Every time I travel, I’m fascinated by how unique and beautiful the trees are in each place I visit. Fun fact: my favorite movie as a kid was Fern Gully. (If you’re old enough to remember it, you get me!) If you aren’t, then think AVATAR, but for kids!
When I finally moved in with Justin (my partner-in-crime), I decided to start small with houseplants. My very first plant was a pothos—an awesome starter plant if you’re new to this life. Justin’s mom gifted me one, too, which I merged with my own. Back then, we lived in tiny apartments with almost no light, but those trusty pothos followed us everywhere. Things changed when we moved to our apartment in Stoughton, which is magic because every room had a window. Game. Changer.
Before I ramble your eyes off, here are some things I do that might make traditional plant parents clutch their pearls.
I repot in the all year round.
Yes, I Repot Year-Round
I know, I know—some folks say never repot a plant in the off-season. Winter, specifically, is supposed to be a huge no-no. But here’s the deal—I repot my plants whenever they need it. If one’s outgrowing its pot and it’s January, guess what? I’m grabbing my gloves and soil.
When I do winter repotting, I make sure to put the plant in the sunniest spot in the house so it can soak up as much natural light as possible during its transition. I also use a plant light in those areas because, hey, shorter days are a thing. Just watch the recovering plant—check the soil moisture and lighting often. You got this!
Feeding My Plants (Even in Winter)
Some plant parents will tell you to hold back on feeding your plants during the colder months. And hey, that might work for them, but I like to give some of mine a little snack every now and then in the winter. I don’t go all out like I do in the summer—maybe once or twice during the season.
Interestingly, a few of my plants actually seem to thrive in winter. My fiddle leaf fig, for example, seems to love the cold months and sprouts new leaves more frequently. Who knew?
I Put Rocks in the Bottom of ALL My Planters (Gasp!)
Here’s the one that ruffles feathers. I put rocks in the bottom of all my planters. Yup, every single one. I once had an online plant parent tell me I was committing some plant crime, but hear me out.
I ran my own experiments—two identical plants, same soil, same light, same care, but one with rocks at the bottom of the planter and one without. Want to guess which one thrived? EVERY SINGLE TIME, the plants with the rocks were healthier.
I think rocks improve drainage and airflow, allowing the roots to breathe a bit. And while the internet might scream, “Don’t do it!” all I can say is, my plants are thriving, so I’m sticking to it.
Remember—It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Plant parenting isn’t about perfection. Every plant you lose teaches you something new—it’s all part of the process. Trust me, even the most experienced plant parents likely killed hundreds of plants along the way. I still kill a plant every now and then (RIP, my little fern), and that’s okay. Keep going. Each little green buddy you nurture is a win.
You’re doing better than you think, and every day that you learn and grow is a step closer to becoming the amazing plant parent you’re meant to be. Ignore the rules that don’t work for you, experiment, and enjoy every second of the process. You’ve totally got this!
