plant care instructions
Here at mis plantitas, we believe plant parenting should be fun, therapeutic, and as easy as possible. This starts with a good foundation of plant care knowledge.
The care instructions below are general, basic care instructions for each species of plant listed. We have written them with indoor care in mind. Please take into consideration your space, light, humidity etc… EVERY SPACE IS DIFFERENT. Please find what works best for you and your plants in YOUR space. Generally, brighter light leads to more frequent watering, while lower light leads to less frequent watering. & a bigger pot will hold more moisture, while a smaller pot may dry out quicker. Adjust watering accordingly!
(in the process of adding more plants, thank you for your patience)
Beaucarnea recurvata 'ponytail Palm'
Water: every 18-21 days. The trunk acts as water storage for the plant, so be sure to let the soil dry out to the roots.
Light: prefers bright, direct light. Can be in indirect light, but nothing too low.
Growth: the stump will grow to the pot size. Repot when the stump is almost touching the sides of the pot, or if the plant is root-bound. Go up by one pot size (2 inches) when repotting. Trim browning leaf tips as needed and remove old leaves.
Pet Friendly
Calathea
Water: every 7-10 days. Prefers to stay somewhat moist; water when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. CANNOT tolerate the chlorine in our tap water. Distilled water is preferred; can use rainwater, boiled water (that's cooled down), fish-tank water, or leave an open container of tap water out for 24-48 hours (bad chemicals will evaporate). Loves humidity, but will adjust to normal humidity levels.
Light: prefers bright indirect light to indirect light. Keep the plant out of harsh direct light, as that can burn the leaves.
Growth: upward growth that reaches 1- 3 ft tall, depending on the variety. New growth spreads throughout the pot through rhizomes underneath the soil, rather than trailing/vining. Does not have a large root system; only repot when new growth has filled the majority of the pot, or when watering becomes more frequent. Known as "painted" plants because of their striking patterns and colors. Similar to Maranta (prayer plants), the leaves move (nyctinasty) from day to night. During the day, they will open and reach towards the light, while at night the leaves stand up straight or fold inward.
Pet Friendly
Chamaedorea Elegens (parlor/neanthe bella palm)
Water: every 10-14 days. Make sure the top layers of soil have dried before watering. Watering highly depends on light level. Higher light = more frequent watering (possibly every 7-10 days).
Light: prefers indirect light; could take an hour or two of direct light if needed. Can live in lower light, but growth and watering will be less frequent.
Growth: smaller roots; does not need to be repotted often. Typically reaches around 4ft tall when grown indoors.
Pet Friendly
Dracaena
Water: around every 18-21 days. Make sure the soil is dry before watering. As a cousin to the 'snake plant', these plants are also drought-tolerant.
Light: likes indirect light, but can adapt to lower light as well.
Growth: slow growth, but can grow to be around 6ft tall (or taller if given the room). Can lose lower leaves as the plant ages; this is how the trunk forms. Remove old leaves as needed.
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Epiphyllum (Orchid cactus, curly locks)
Water: every 3-4 weeks. Likes to dry out between waterings. Feel the leaves for reference; similar to a Hoya. If the leaves are plump, you can imagine them full of water. Thin and wrinkly leaves indicate a thirsty plant. Be sure the soil is dry before referencing the leaves.
Light: likes bright indirect light; can do indirect light if needed. Unlike other cacti, they don't need direct sunlight to do well. Certain varieties can turn red or purple from sun stress, while others can get burnt if placed in harsh sunlight.
Growth: mainly trailing, but certain varieties can climb. Small root structure; does not need to be repotted frequently. It is a spineless growth with different leaf cutouts per specific variety. Blooms can open at night and during the day, depending on the variety. The night blooms will wilt by morning, so be sure to keep an eye out!
Pet Friendly
Hemigraphis (waffle plant)
Water: every 7-10 days. Likes to stay moist, so it may need water sooner if in brighter light. The plant will droop/faint if it misses a watering. It should stand back up over the next hour as it absorbs the water. While the plant can bounce back, the drought also weakens the plant. Consistent watering is ideal.
Light: likes bright indirect/indirect light. Can live in medium light, but growth and watering will be less frequent.
Growth: small root system; does not need to be repotted often. Is naturally a lower-growing plant and can grow to 9in tall and spread to 18in wide. Trim occasionally for fuller growth.
Pet Friendly
Hoya
Water: normally 14+ days between waterings. Watering highly depends on light level and leaf size. Larger leaves hold more water, while thinner/smaller leaf hoyas may require more frequent waterings than every two weeks. You can pinch the leaves to see how firm they are. A firm leaf indicates that the plant still has water, while thin/wrinkly leaves can indicate thirst. Always check that the soil is dry before referencing the leaves.
Light: likes bright/bright indirect light; can take direct light if available. With bright light, more color will come to the leaves (sun stress), and there is a higher chance of the plant flowering.
Growth: smaller roots; does not need to be repotted often. Will often grow a branch first and the leaves after. This plant can trail or grow on a trellis. Hoyas are known for their unique leaves and beautiful blooms. The plant can grow a peduncle (flower-bearing stalk) on any node. Most varieties bloom in clusters, and each variety's flowers are unique in color, texture, shape, and scent. Do not cut the peduncle off the plant, as it will continue to bloom from there over time. Keeping the plant by a window where it will experience a slight temperature drop at night will mimic its natural habitat and encourage it to bloom.
Pet Friendly
Monstera
Water: every 12-14 days. The larger the plant, the more time between waterings. Prefers to have soil dry halfway through to let allow airflow to the roots.
Light: bright/bright indirect light. Can take direct sunlight, but not for extended periods of time (can burn leaves). Can live in medium light, but will be more stringy and have fewer or no fenestrations (holes in leaves).
Growth: likes to crawl or climb. Moss poles and trellises are a great way to support the plant climbing. Otherwise, the plant will naturally trail down or grow outward. Aerial roots are normal; we recommend directing them down towards the soil. Repot when watering becomes more frequent, or when signs of the plant being rootbound begin to show.
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Nemantanthus 'Goldfish Plant'
Water: every 10-14 days. Make sure the top layers of soil have dried before watering. You can pinch the leaves for reference, similar to Hoya.
Light: likes bright/bright indirect light; does well in direct light if available. Brighter light encourages blooms. It can tolerate medium light, but most likely won't bloom in these conditions.
Growth: small root system; does not need to be repotted often. Rotate each watering for even growth; trim occasionally for full growth.
Pet Friendly
Pachira Aquitica 'Money Tree'
Water: every 12-14 days in bright light (14+ in indirect/lower light). The trunks store water, so let the soil dry almost completely to prevent them from rotting.
Light: prefers bright indirect light; can do indirect light if needed. Leaves can get burnt if placed in direct sunlight.
Growth: the trunk of the plant is very slow-growing. Can be treated like a bonsai if you keep it in a small pot. If you want it to continue to grow, repot it up one pot size (2 inches) once roots are growing out of the top or bottom of the nursery pot. Can grow to be 6-8ft tall indoors, but this will take years.
Pet Friendly
pachypodium lamerei 'madagascar palm'
Water: every 3-4 weeks. Let the soil dry to the roots between waterings. While this plant is drought-tolerant, it can drop leaves if there is too much drought.
Light: prefers direct sunlight; can live in bright indirect light as well. If the light is too low, the plant will drop its leaves and just be the thorny base.
Growth: small root system, does not need to be repotted often. Rotate when watering for even leaf growth on the crown of the plant.
toxic sap
Peperomia
Water: every 10-14 days. Make sure the soil is dry before watering.
Light: likes bright indirect light; can take some direct sunlight if available. Can live in lower light, but growth and watering will be reduced.
Growth: very small root system; does not need to be repotted often. Will top out at around 18"-24" tall. Rotate each time you water for even growth.
Pet Friendly
Pilea Pepermioides 'Chinese Money Plant'
Water: every 7-12 days, when the top 1/2 of the soil is dry. Leaves tend to droop or curl when watering is needed.
Light: bright indirect light is preferred. Can take direct light for part of the day if needed (water more frequently). Can adapt to indirect light, but growth and watering will be less frequent.
Growth: top-heavy and will always lean towards the light source. For a full spherical plant, rotate the plant once a week, or when watering.
Pet friendly
sansevieria (snake plant)
Water: 3+ weeks between waterings. Very drought-tolerant plants; they can go more than a month between waterings. The larger the plant, the less frequently it will need water.
Light: very versatile with lighting. Known for being a low-light-tolerant plant, but grows very well in bright light as well. The one plant you can really put anywhere.
Growth: slow-growing. Likes to be snug in its pot; only repot when it looks like it will break out of the pot. Does not need to be repotted often, but be sure to repot it in a pot that is deep enough to support the tall growth when it is time for that. Growth style depends on the specific variety. Some top out at 1ft or 4ft, while others can reach 8ft tall if given the room.
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Schefflera (umbrella tree)
Water: every 14-21 days. Prefers to dry out almost completely between waterings. Overwatering will cause leaves to turn brown and fall off.
Light: likes bright light or indirect light. Can live in medium light, but growth and watering will be less frequent.
Growth: relatively slow-growing; only needs to be repotted when the roots seem to be forming a thick mass within the pot. To encourage fuller growth, you can prune your plant to the size and shape you prefer.
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Schlumbergera (holiday cacti)
Water: every18-21 days. Let the soil dry between waterings, and pinch leaves to check for firmness (similar to Hoya). Is thirstier during the growing season and may be able to go longer between waterings throughout dormancy.
Light: bright indirect light is best, but can take direct sunlight as well. The leaves will turn a purple shade when in direct sunlight.
Growth: peak growing season is from April to October. During this time, it's better to give the plant ample light and water. This is the time to fertilize the plant (not always necessary) to encourage the plant to bloom. Do not fertilize your plant if it is already flowering. Usually begins blooming in the fall (Thanksgiving/Christmas time especially). If in ideal conditions, they can bloom in the early spring as well.
Pet Friendly
selenicereus (dragon fruit)
Water: every 3-4 weeks; could be 4-6 weeks between waterings for a larger plant. Likes to dry out between waterings.
Light: bright, direct sunlight. Can live in bright indirect light, but will most likely not flower or produce fruit.
Growth: small root system; does not need to be repotted frequently. Climbing structure, known as epiphytes (climbing trees) or lithophytes (climbing rocks/terrain). To support this growth, add a plank for the aerial roots to grab onto. After it climbs a few feet, you can let branches hang for fruit to grow off of. Can produce fruit after around 2 years of growth; this will appear after a bloom. Blooms begin opening in the early evening and fully open around midnight. The flower will wilt by the morning, so be sure to keep an eye on it! You can harvest dragon fruit when the fruit is a vibrant color (could be pink, red, or yellow depending on your variety).
Pet Friendly, but be cautious of spines
selenicereus (ric rac cactus, queen of the night)
Water: every 3-4 weeks. Likes to dry out between waterings. Feel the leaves for reference; similar to a Hoya. If the leaves are plump, you can imagine them full of water. Thin and wrinkly leaves indicate a thirsty plant. Be sure the soil is dry before referencing the leaves.
Light: likes bright indirect light; can do indirect light if needed. Unlike other cacti, they don't need direct sunlight to do well. Certain varieties can turn red or purple from sun stress, while others can get burnt if placed in harsh sunlight.
Growth: small root system; does not need to be repotted frequently. Climbing structure, known as epiphytes (climbing trees) or lithophytes (climbing rocks/terrain). To support this growth, add a plank for the aerial roots to grab onto. These plants can also hang and develop a trailing growth style if the branches are not supported. Known for their large blooms that begin opening in the early evening and fully open around midnight. The flower will wilt by the morning, so be sure to keep an eye on it!
Pet Friendly, but be cautious of spines
Senecio ('String of'/hanging varieties)
Water: every 3-4 weeks, or when the soil dries out and the leaves are limp (similar to Hoya). Could need water sooner if in direct light.
Light: prefers bright, direct light. Can do bright indirect light if needed, but growth will become smaller and stringy. If you hang this plant, be sure it is low enough for light to reach the top of the pot. If it is too close to the ceiling without a light source, the trailing growth can look healthy, while the top slowly dies out due to lower light.
Growth: crawls along the soil or trails out of the pot. Has a smaller root system and does not need to be repotted often. Depending on the variety, it could grow up a trellis. Dampen the growth before trellising to give the plant flexibility so as not to accidentally snap a woody branch.
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Senecio (upright/bushy varieties)
Water: every 3-4 weeks, or when the soil dries out and the leaves are limp (similar to Hoya). Could need water sooner if in direct light.
Light: prefers bright, direct light. Can do bright indirect light if needed, but growth will become smaller and stringy.
Growth: upright growth; height depends on the variety. Can be trimmed to help encourage new growth and strengthen older growth (similar to Bonsai).
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Stapelia
Water: every 3-4 weeks. Likes to dry out between waterings. The plant should generally feel firm when you pinch it and will feel soft when thirsty.
Light: likes bright light; indirect light is also okay if the plant is properly drying out. Can change to a purple or red color when in direct sunlight.
Growth: low-growing plants with a small root system. Can crawl or trail over the sides of the pot. Known for their large starfish-shaped flowers that have unique textures and patterns.
Pet Friendly
Tillandsia (air plant)
Water: Highly depends on size & environment. Small = 1-1.5 weeks, Large = 2-4 weeks
Soak your air plant UPSIDE DOWN in room-temperature water for 10-15 minutes for smaller air plants, and 15-20 minutes for larger ones. After soaking, gently shake excess water from your plant. Turn it right side up to let excess water wet the root ball.
Light: likes indirect light; nothing too direct/intense
Pet Friendly
Zamioculcas (zz plant)
Water: every 3-4 weeks. Likes to dry out between waterings. If your plant is in a bigger pot or in lower light, it could be closer to 4-6 weeks between waterings. Rhizomes act as a water storage for the plant, so be sure to let the soil dry to the roots.
Light: thrives in bright indirect light, but can also tolerate low light. ZZ plants are quite flexible when it comes to lighting.
Growth: new growth will stem from rhizomes (bulbs under the soil). Usually puts out new growth in bursts, rather than steady new growth. Likes to be snug in its pot; only repot when it looks like it will break out of the pot. Can grow to be 4ft tall indoors.
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