When you’re searching for plant care tips you aren’t always given information on how to take care of your plants in Canadian winters. Our days are short but unpredictable; fluctuating from frigid temperatures to downright balmy days. So how do we take care of our precious green friends during The Great Overcast that can last a good four months? We’ve made a short list of things to consider.

You lucky duck, you're going on vacation! Your bags are packed but now there are some preparations to do to make sure your indoor jungle stays lush in your absence. Your first step is to assess the needs of your plants. Do your plants need daily misting or constant humidity? How many times would your plant normally need to be watered during the length of time you are going to be away for? Once you have assessed the needs of all your plants, you can successfully put together a plan while you're away,

If you've ever looked at your windowless bathroom and thought that a plant would love the humidity from your shower. Or maybe your basement apartment could use a little a bit of greenery. Grow lights allow you to supplement natural sunlight and open the door to allow plants to thrive in places where light is lacking.They are also great for getting your sun-loving plants through a dark winter, and starting veggie seeds in the spring.

Ah thrips, the glitter of the plant world: Pervasive, persistent, positively peevish. These little guys are perhaps the most challenging pests to tackle, but can be managed with some effort. 

What are thrips?

Thrips are little cream-coloured or black sucking insects. They are very tiny, so tiny you often will notice the signs of their damage before you notice the insects themselves. Look for dull or dirty looking leaves and new growth that is deformed. The undersides of leaves and new growth are the most tender parts of a plant, so that is likely where you can see them. 

Mealy bugs have a special gift of making your plant look unloved. Often covered in white fluff, mealy bugs are white and excrete a sticky liquid called honeydew which can cause a sooty mold to grow on the leaves. Your plant will look like it's lost its pep, is sticky, or is covered in white fluff. 

It’s Spring and everybody including our plants are pumped. The days are longer, the sun is stronger and eventually we will be turning our heating off – wahoo! The change of seasons is the ideal time to assess your plant collection and see how everyone is doing. For a list of some things to consider read on!

While scale is a less common pest, if you are a lifelong plant-keeper it’s bound to crop up at some point. But worry not - with a little bit of know-how and effort you can get your plant scale-less and healthy again in no time!

While the thought of moving apartments is exciting in reality it is an arduous task that will test the patience of even the most chill of folks. Add to that the stress of moving your precious plant collection and now you’re really dreading the prospect. But with a bit of information and prep, your plants can make a seamless, casualty-free transition from one apartment to the next – we promise. 

Is there any faster way to create a tropical staycation vibe in our homes than by adding a palm? While palms come in a huge variety of species, sizes, and shapes most of them have very similar and specific needs that will have to be met to keep them looking their best. 

Mushrooms and fungus in the soil, while alarming, are a sign that your soil is healthy! Think of our how our bodies have healthy gut bacteria, it's similar for a healthy soil ecosystem. Read on for instructions on how to eradicate these from your soil and prevent future growth. 

You're a good plant parent. You've managed to keep your little darlings alive but now you realize that they’re not so little any more. Does it need a stake? We can help!

Second to Spider mites, we are most often asked about fungus gnats. They are common and incredibly annoying but they are treatable!

You’ve been coddling your little plant baby along. You’ve been misting, fertilizing and watering it the perfect amount and it’s doing really well - it grew three inches over the summer! Is it time to repot? Read on!

Well, the Schefflera amate isn’t what I would call an “it plant,” but there is something quite interesting about its shape as it grows to maturity. It has beautiful dark, glossy leaves that radiate from the stem in a finger-like pattern. Over time, the plant will develop a woody trunk which gives it a unique tree form. I love the amate because it is a quintessential grandma plant; easy care, pleasant looking, and will make you look like you have your life together. Thanks, grandma. It isn’t flashy, but with the amount of time I spend gazing at my plants, the amate has earned a special place in my heart.