Drenched and Distressed

🌿 Struggling to Keep Your Plants Happy? Let’s Root Out the Problem!

If you’re constantly replacing plants and wondering what in the fern is going wrong, you're not alone. We've all been there — your collection is growing, your leafy friends are multiplying, but some just... don't make it. One of the most common mistakes us budding plant parents make early on is overwatering.

Now, you might be thinking, “But I only give them a little bit of water at a time!” — and that’s exactly the issue. Let’s leaf through an example:

💦 The Moist Misunderstanding: Fern Edition

Take a fern — the label says “keep moist” or “water regularly,” right? So you give it a little drink two or three times a week. Sounds caring, but what’s really happening is you’re keeping the soil constantly damp, and that’s a fast-track ticket to root rot city. Even if the plant likes moisture, there's a fine line between moist and miserable.

Instead, give your fern a good, deep drink — soak the soil thoroughly so all the roots get watered. If your pot has drainage holes (and it really should), you can even pop the whole thing into a decorative pot or sink, fill it with water, and let it soak for 10–20 minutes depending on its size. Then tip out any excess water and your frondy friend will be good for the week.

Even moisture-loving plants need to dry out slightly between waterings. If the soil stays soggy, your plant’s roots will rot, and nobody wants a mushy mess under the surface.

(Of course, there are exceptions — looking at you, Pinguicula — but chances are if you're just starting out, you’re not diving into the deep end of exotic plants just yet... but trust me, that day will come. Plant collecting is totally add-leaf-tive, and the collection is never really complete.)

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🌱 Great Plants to Start With

If you’re just sprouting into the world of houseplants, here are a few leafy legends to get you started:

• Monstera deliciosa – a total showstopper that can handle some forgetfulness
• Pothos – a trailblazer in resilience and perfect for hanging baskets
• Philodendron – forgiving and fast-growing, just how we like it
• Cacti & Succulents – basically the “don’t call me, I’ll call you” of the plant world

These green babes don’t need to be kept moist. They actually like drying out between waterings — it builds character (and strong roots).

When you do water them, give them a proper soak. Then leave them alone until their soil is dry again, which could take a few days or even weeks depending on light, pot size, and placement. They thrive on a bit of tough love.

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💧 Forgetful? Try Slow Watering Bulbs

If you’re busy (or have a plant jungle that sometimes turns into a neglect zone), slow watering bulbs are a total game-changer. I’ve got one in nearly every pot on my shelf!

They’re easy: fill them up on a set day (I do mine every Saturday), and they slowly release water over time. I use larger bulbs for plants that prefer moisture and smaller ones for those that like to dry out a bit. That way, even if I forget, my plants don’t throw a hissy fittonia.

As for my more pampered plants, like my Thai Constellations and monsteras — they don’t get bulbs. They get a full spa day. I give them a nice shower to rinse off dust, wash away any pests, and deeply hydrate their roots.

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🧼 Showers, Pests & Repotting – Oh My!

Whenever I upsize a pot, repot a plant, or spot signs of pests, I give the plant a full shower. It cleans the leaves, refreshes the soil, and gives me a chance to check on root health. Think of it as a leafy reset button 🌧️

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🌵 Not Mentioned? Don’t Worry!

If you’ve got a plant that wasn’t covered in this post — don’t panic. I probably have a dedicated blog post for it, or we’re in the process of growing one. Got a question? Feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to share what we fernly believe is helpful advice!