As the weather gets warmer and the daylight hours stretch a little longer, we’re often told that there are things we need to do this time of year to ensure our plants’ optimal health. Some of it applies but there are still some things to keep in mind when looking at changing up our plant care routine for the spring and summer. Longer days can often translate into plants requiring more frequent watering. But what are the things that do not necessarily apply? Let’s have a look at these long held myths.

Image by @mon.cotyledon We often think that plant health is synonymous with how much water, light, and fertilizer we provide to our plants. We understand that plants have different soil requirements and some are happy growing in moss, leca, and even water. But for plants that commonly grow in soil, what does it mean to encourage and promote soil health? We’ve learned it can make a huge difference in your plants’ vitality and overall well being. Soil as a topic can be a little bland, but trust that it matters.  We'll keep it brief and informative! Understanding Soil Structure Indoor plants need a growing medium with adequate moisture…

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. 

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!

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.