Plant parenting isn’t always easy, but whether you’re more of a houseplant person or a container gardener, a few tips and tricks can result in happy, healthy, and thriving foliage.
Every potted plant needs a nice home with a little room to grow, soil to help it establish and strengthen its roots, a consistent watering schedule to keep its leaves nice and lush, and some fertilizer to support growth and overall health. Although this sounds simple in theory, our busy lives can get in the way of our at-home horticulture, and we can easily end up with parched plants that look a bit desperate for our affection.
To help plants withstand occasional neglect, take a proactive approach when potting (or repotting) and consider how to set them up for a healthy life. Choosing the right soil for the plant variety helps — and is certainly encouraged — but there’s a surprising item hidden in your pantry that can make the difference between dry dirt and well-watered soil.
How To Prevent Soil From Drying Out
A consistent watering schedule based on your plants’ preferences is the best way to prevent soil from drying out. However, when travel or life in general gets in the way, try this hack: Place a coffee filter at the base of your plant pot, covering the drainage hole, and then add your soil and plant. This tiny trick has a big impact, preventing soil loss and supporting moisture retention.
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Since the coffee filter is designed to allow water to pass through it, you can use it to create a barrier between the soil and drainage hole while encouraging excess water to drain out. This can support even water distribution around the plant’s roots, helping to keep everything well hydrated without getting soggy and creating an inviting environment for root rot.
If sticking to a watering schedule is the trickiest part of plant parenthood for you, try adding a plant globe to your pot, such as these basic clear plant watering globes, this cute collection of self-watering glass plant stakes, or this unique glass crystal self-watering bulb. A terra-cotta olla pot, such as this one from Back to the Roots, can also help ensure your plant doesn’t get too thirsty.
