Words by: Jaime Tyzack
Art by: Jennifer Chen 

Are the words of affirmation not nourishing your house plants like Google promised they would?

No matter how sweetly you encourage them, the leaves just keep on drooping, and no amount of love, water, or sunshine brings your green buddies back to life. Well, new year, new…found ability to keep plants alive? 

Welcome to your guide to growing some luscious green pals this year. Although I’m no expert, I do have an assortment of plants in my bedroom that have been growing alongside me over the past few years. So, call me a plant whisperer if you will. My sweet Snow Queen Pothos even made it through the chaos of moving house, so proud of her! 

The Melbourne winter blues tend to hit me hard, so having a vibrant and thriving life in my space brings me so much joy when the gloomy outdoors seems to be lacking it. Let me shed some light on how to keep your leafy friends alive and well this year, too. 

Find your match.

Not all plants will tolerate living inside, no matter how much care you give them, so research your potential new roomies to save yourself some tears two weeks down the track. 

Water smarter, not harder. 

Overwatering is often more harmful than underwatering, so I like to water my plants around every one to two weeks and let the top three centimetres of soil dry out between waterings. To further prevent the consequences of overwatering, a drainage hole in the bottom of your pot is ideal. 

Plants want the sun, but not the tan lines.

Indoor plants generally favour bright and indirect sunlight, so try to find that perfect sweet spot in your home. 

Create a habit, it’s botanic. 

It can be easy to forget about your green friends every now and then, so turning plant care into a habit can be really helpful. I like to check in on mine on Sundays, as I normally have the most free time at home. 

Drama queen of the shelf.

Although your plants can’t tell you what they need, they can definitely show you, so it’s important to stay attentive. In my case, I know that when my Golden Pothos’ leaves go limp, it means they need watering. The first time it happened, I thought it was the end for the poor little guy, but I’ve since learnt that plants can be veryyyyyy dramatic. Half an hour after you give them some water, they’ll be back to their vibrant selves, just like me after indulging in my afternoon sweet treat. So don’t worry, it’s just them showing you they need some love! Besides limp leaves, keep an eye out for other cues such as yellowing or browning leaves, spots, and leaf shedding. Don’t stress if you notice these; trusty ol’ Google is always there to help you find what’s making your plants moody. 

This is what has worked for me over the past few years, and I’m confident that with a little research, routine, and love, you too can feel the joy of your plant sprouting its first new leaf. 

Here’s to a year of growth — for both you and your plants.