{"id":15604,"date":"2021-09-17T13:26:52","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T03:26:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=15604"},"modified":"2024-08-06T08:15:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T22:15:24","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-creating-a-houseplant-starter-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/2021\/09\/17\/a-beginners-guide-to-creating-a-houseplant-starter-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcoming Houseplant Starter Kit: Cheap 6-Step Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/a>
Maybe it was the lockdowns that woke us up. Or maybe it was growing anxiety over the consequences of climate change. For whatever reason, more and more people have finally come to appreciate houseplants. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it was the lockdowns that woke us up. Or maybe it was growing anxiety over the consequences of climate change. For whatever reason, more and more people have finally come to appreciate houseplants. Many have come to love them for the life and color they bring to their homes. Others value the mental benefits and the potential better air quality that indoor plants provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, our levels of expertise as houseplant parents vary as much as the plants we raise. Those new to indoor gardening are likely to encounter a few problems raising beautiful, healthy houseplants. The learning curve differs from one novice gardener to another. A houseplant starter kit<\/strong> is a great way to get over that learning curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putting Together a Houseplant Starter Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping a flourishing collection of houseplants will require some attention and patience. Those of us who have managed to keep our houseplants alive and healthy have found a few items indispensable, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are keen to help newbies who are struggling to start an indoor garden. So, we\u2019ve assembled a list of the gear you\u2019ll need for a basic houseplant starter kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve made product selections mainly based on our own experience. But we\u2019ve also relied on the opinion of gardening experts from other sites for additional information. These include Wirecutter<\/em>, NY Mag<\/em>, and Family Handyman<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. You\u2019ll need planters.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find a wide variety of indoor planters on Amazon for your houseplant starter kit. We like Bloem\u2019s Saturn Planters<\/a>. These plastic planters are sturdier and better looking than the flimsy plastic pots you often see online. They\u2019re inexpensive and they come with a saucer for catching water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturn Planters are also lighter than traditional pots for any houseplant starter kit. But be warned that a lighter pot can sometimes be a little unstable. You best not use these on their own for large or leaning plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t mind spending money on something special with your houseplant starter kit, we recommend Sarosora Ceramic Planters<\/a>. They are a more attractive alternative to the ubiquitous terra cotta clay pot and are better-looking than plastic planters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This planter might look like it\u2019s made from delicate cane, but Sarotosa uses ceramic that\u2019s both sturdy and trendy.\u00a0 The planter comes in three sizes. We favor them in 5.7\u201d as this is the perfect size for a window sill. The planter might also add a touch of color and vibrance to an otherwise routine office desk, making it great for any houseplant starter kit. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Bloem\u2019s Saturn Planters are sturdier and better looking than the other flimsy plastic pots you see online. They\u2019re inexpensive and they come with a saucer for catching water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Do yourself a favor. Get a good watering can.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many who are new to indoor gardening will often use a drinking glass to water their plants. You fill the glass with water, empty it on one houseplant, then go back for a refill for the next. The fact is this method is wasteful and inefficient. Much of the water ends up on the floor or the countertop, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suggest that you switch to an Ikea Bittergurka<\/a> watering can for your houseplant starter kit. We love the modern design and the look of this watering can. Even better, it will hold more than half a gallon and is narrow and short. Storage shouldn\u2019t be a problem. The spout directs water exactly where you want it without disturbing the soil, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also like the versatile Qilebi Watering Can<\/a> with our houseplant starter kit. This is a watering can for indoor use or for outside in the garden. The detachable nozzle provides you with two watering options. You can go for a steady stream or a gentler shower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long, slender spout on the Qilbei is excellent for watering plants in hard-to-reach corners. The removable spray cap for the spout is excellent for more delicate plants, making it great for most houseplant starter kit. This watering can hold about half a gallon and comes in four fun colors to match your indoor d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"We
We love the modern design and the look of the Ikea Bittergurka watering can. The vessel will hold more than half a gallon and is narrow and short. Storage shouldn\u2019t be a problem. The spout directs water exactly where you want it without disturbing the soil, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Good potting soil is a must.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re cultivating containers of indoor plants, herbs, or vegetables, you need potting soil for your houseplant starter kit. Potting soil is different from topsoil and garden soil. Topsoil is what you already have in your yard or what you buy to fill a large lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potting soil, as its name suggests, is for potted plants or plants grown in containers. Commercial manufacturers formulate potting soil to create a chemically balanced, aerated, well-drained habitat for container plants. For all potted and container plants, be they indoors or out, potting soil is a must for any houseplant starter kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We favor Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix<\/a>. This is an indoor-plant-specific formulation from one of the most famous companies in the business. We like its water retention, porosity, and pH-balancing properties. Miracle-Gro uses coconut coir to ensure that the formulation retains moisture in the soil. The company also avoided using pine bark, which can attract gnats into your apartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want something else for your houseplant starter kit, make a selection based on plant health. For example, root rot, commonly resulting from overwatering, has spelled the end of many houseplants. But this is not always the homeowner\u2019s fault. Most premixed potting soils retain too much moisture and drain too slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have time, try mixing home-formulated potting medium. Use equal parts fine gravel or sand, peat moss, and regular potting soil. If you don\u2019t have time to mix your own, get premixed cactus soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We like to use Epsoma\u2019s Organic Cactus Mix<\/a> with our houseplant starter kit. This mix comes with an adequate amount of sand, which helps drainage. The formulation prevents root rot on all plants, not just cacti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Miracle-Gro\u2019s
Miracle-Gro\u2019s Indoor Potting Mix is an indoor-plant-specific formulation from one of the most famous companies in the business. We like its water retention, porosity, and pH-balancing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Protect your furniture.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Proper drainage is essential to the maintenance of a healthy houseplant. Although growing conditions vary, most potted plants are susceptible to suffocation and rot in consistently soggy soil. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll find a drainage hole at the base of a plant container for your houseplant starter kit. This allows water to drain freely and provides sufficient air circulation for the plant. But as the water drains out, potting soil often washes out with it, creating a mess on your counter and tabletop. You can prevent this by using one of three quick, easy solutions to the problem that comes with your houseplant starter kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can cover the drainage hole of the container before planting. Be sure to use a material that allows water to drain freely while holding the potting soil in. You can try a piece of broken pottery, a paper coffee filter, or a square of a fine mesh screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also place a potted plant on a drainage saucer. The saucer will collect the excess water as it runs out through the drainage hole. But do make sure that you never allow plants to stand in a saucer of water. Let the soil drain completely after watering and then empty the saucer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have time for either of these options, you can use GeSeraile Cork Plant Coasters<\/a> for your houseplant starter kit. You will get 8 pieces of thick cork plant coasters for each purchase. The coasters are chic and functional and can also serve as supplies for DIY crafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can easily trim the coasters into any shape you want for your houseplant starter kit. Or you can just slip whole sheets under your potted houseplants as is. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. You should be able to find some suited for your houseplants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"You
You can easily trim GeSeraile Plant Coasters into any shape you want. Or you can just slip whole sheets under your potted houseplants as is. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. You should be able to find some suited for your houseplants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. You\u2019ll need a spritzer bottle.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To prevent the tips of ferns from turning brown or curling during the dry weather, mist them with a trigger spray bottle. We like to use Driew\u2019s 10 oz. Plant Spray Bottle<\/a> with our houseplant starter kit. It emits a fine, precise spray that won\u2019t drown delicate plants. The bottle is the perfect size for spritzing small pots or even air plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottle is made from high-quality, PET & PP, BPA-free, eco-friendly plastic, and is ideal for indoor gardening. The bottle\u2019s elegant, translucent, forest-green color looks right at home with your plants, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the nozzle of the Driew spray bottle might not be large enough to hydrate larger houseplants. For those, Wirecutter suggests the commercial-grade Zep spray bottle<\/a>. If you have a large collection of indoor plants, you might want to invest in a humidifier<\/a>. Trust us, your plants will appreciate it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Driew\u2019s
Driew\u2019s 10 oz. Plant Spray Bottle emits a fine, precise spray that won\u2019t drown delicate plants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Learn how not to kill your houseplant.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our ideas about plant care have not changed much over the decades. That means you\u2019ll still get reliable gardening advice from second-hand how-to books. The 1970s were a particularly productive period for houseplant publishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, the book we think every newbie should own is the recently published How Not to Kill Your Houseplant<\/em><\/a> (Penguin Random House). The book, written by Veronica Peerless, covers everything from acquiring to potting to maintaining a plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This book uses clear illustrations and easy explanations that any newbie will appreciate. Most of this little book is devoted to specific advice on caring for over 100 popular houseplants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Get
Get a copy of the recently published How Not to Kill Your Houseplant<\/em> (Penguin Random House). The book, written by Veronica Peerless, covers everything from acquiring to potting to maintaining a plant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Keep trying. You\u2019ll get the hang of it.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a new plant parent, all detail and care that goes into keeping a houseplant healthy might feel overwhelming. But that\u2019s only at first. Once you\u2019ve established a good plant care routine, you\u2019ll find that raising a houseplant isn\u2019t difficult at all. You can help establish this routine with the proper houseplant starter kit by following our guide on what to add. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have more helpful projects to your house garden. Check out our guide on the best low light indoor plants<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keeping a flourishing collection of houseplants will require some attention and patience. Those of us who have managed to keep our houseplants alive and healthy have found a few items indispensable, though. Here’s a guide to assembling a good starter kit for houseplants. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13557,"featured_media":15610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%% ","_seopress_titles_desc":"A houseplant starter kit is a great gift to neighbors or families who are interested in starting their own garden. Craft this kit with our guide!","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"Houseplant Starter Kit","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sma_last_campaign_date":"","_mwseo_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[274,155],"tags":[160,89,50,558,369,559],"class_list":["post-15604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flowers","category-indoor-gardens","tag-bathroom-houseplants","tag-container-gardening","tag-gardens","tag-housplants","tag-indoor-gardening","tag-plant-care"],"modified_by":"Freddie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13557"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15604"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15604\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}