Plant Care 101: Keeping Your Green Companion Happy in Aussie Condition

Dan
Oct 28, 2024
4 min read

Welcome to the Biobotanic Abode family!

Now that your new plant baby has arrived, it’s time to introduce it to its new home. We’re all about helping you keep your leafy friends thriving, especially in the unique Aussie climate. Whether you're living in a high-rise apartment with no backyard or just navigating that sticky Queensland humidity, we've got the tips to make plant parenthood a breeze.

Step 1: The Unboxing Ceremony 🎉

Opening that box is like Christmas, but with more green and less glitter. Before you dive in, follow these tips to give your new green buddy the best start:

Gentle hands, gentle heart: Carefully unpack your plant, avoiding any unnecessary handling of its delicate leaves or stems. Plants can be a bit stressed from the journey, so think of this as a soft landing.
Assess its condition: A few bent leaves or a little bit of soil shift is normal after shipping. Simply fluff the soil back in place, and lightly mist the leaves to perk things up.

Step 2: Quarantine Time ⏳ (Yes, Even Plants Need It)

Just like you wouldn’t want to catch a cold, your existing plant collection wouldn’t either. So, let’s keep everyone safe with a 14-day quarantine. This step is a must, no matter where your plant’s coming from.

Set it apart: Keep your new addition away from your current plant gang to ensure that any sneaky pests don’t hitch a ride.
Daily check-ins: Over the next couple of weeks, keep an eye on your plant for any signs of unwelcome guests (like tiny bugs). It’s also a good time to learn its watering preferences and check how it’s settling into its environment.

Step 3: Hold Off on the Repotting, Mate 🌱🪴

We know you’re excited to give your plant a new pot to call home, but it’s best to wait at least 2 weeks before repotting. Why?

Let it adjust: The plant needs time to acclimatise to its new surroundings before it can handle the extra stress of repotting. Think of it as a decompression period.
Stable roots, happy plant: This wait gives the roots time to settle and adapt, reducing the risk of transplant shock.

Step 4: Give It What It Needs (Not What It Wants) 🌞💧

Here’s where the magic happens - catering to your plant’s natural needs based on where you are in Australia’s eastern coast. Let’s break it down:

1. Light:

Most indoor plants thrive in indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn leaves, especially in sunny states like Queensland or NSW.
Position your plant near a window where it can soak up that light without being scorched. South-facing windows are usually ideal.

2. Humidity:

Aussie conditions can be all over the place, but many indoor plants appreciate a bit of extra humidity. You can keep the air nice and moist by misting the leaves or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. No need to go tropical rainforest levels, just enough to keep those leaves lush.

3. Airflow:

Good airflow is key, but no one likes a cold draught! Place your plant in a spot where there’s a gentle breeze but not in direct line with air conditioning or heaters, as these can dry out or chill your plant.

4. Watering:

Water is love, but overwatering is heartbreak. Depending on your climate (whether it’s hot or more temperate), indoor plants along the east coast usually need watering once every 7-10 days.
Always check the soil first - if it’s dry to about 2-3cm deep, it’s watering time! If it’s still moist, hold off for a few more days.
Pro tip: Rainwater or filtered water is the gold standard for most plants, especially if you live in areas with hard tap water. They’ll love you for it!

5. Fertiliser:

Keep your plants thriving by giving them a good feed during the growing seasons (spring and summer). A balanced, liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks will keep them in top form. But, go easy in the cooler months - too much love can overwhelm them.

Step 5: Talk to Your Plants (Yes, Seriously) 🗣️💚

Sounds quirky, right? But chatting to your plants or even just hanging around them has been proven to encourage growth. Whether it’s a quick pep talk or a “Good morning, mate!” as you water them, those good vibes actually make a difference. A happy plant is a growing plant!

Patience, Love, and a Little Adventure

Taking care of plants in Australia’s east coast climate means adapting to the changing seasons, embracing the humidity, and fine-tuning your care routine. With a little patience and a lot of love, your plants will reward you with lush, vibrant growth in no time.

For more plant care tips, don’t forget to check out our full blog Plant Care and remember - we’re always here to help your plant adventures grow! 🌿

Thanks for joining the journey with us! 🌱 Share your growth, learnings, and plant tales with us @BiobotanicAbode, and let’s keep the conversation growing!