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Moisture Meter
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XLUX Soil Moisture Meter, Indoor/Outdoor, no batteries needed
This is the number one tool you need to avoid under or over-watering. Experts like myself use it for clients (and my own collection) so if you’re going to care for your plants on your own, this is your smartest investment. Click below to grab it from Amazon!
Watering Can
Psukhai Watering Can, Indoor/Outdoor, Small Water Can Long Spout, 1/2 Gallon
This durable watering can comes with a detachable shower head for your outdoor garden and a long spout for your indoor jungle, especially to water thicker plants with less of a mess after. I have the green one and even though it says “small” it holds more than you think.
If you need a bigger watering can, check this one out.
Spray Bottle
BeautifyBeauties Spray Bottle, Ultra Fine Continuous Water Mister, 17 Ounce
With over 91,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, this bad boy is a best seller. It says “hair spray bottle” but it has multiple uses. I’ve used this style before and it feels nice in the hand, easy spray, and fine mist each time. I currently use these eco-friendly bottles from Grove Collective, but recommend the BeautifyBeauties mister for your tropical plant needs as well.
Humidifier
Pure Guardian H965AR Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, 1 Gal. Tank, Filter Free, Includes Essential Oil Tray
Humidifiers are multi-purpose tools designed to purify the air and keep the moisture high, ideal for tropical plants like alocasia. This has 70 hours of run time and can cover 320 square feet of space! Set it amongst your plants and fire away from the morning to late afternoon.
Indoor Potting Soil
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix, 12 Dry Quarts, pH Adjusted
My FAVORITE potting soil. I use this for all my houseplant repots and refreshes. It has a “blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, fish and crab meal, forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, and more.” I know that sounds gross but it’s high-quality food for your plants and encourages healthy growth habits.
The best mix for your houseplants is this FoxFarm soil and a handful or two of perlite.
Cactus/Succulent Soil
Espoma Organic Cactus Potting Soil Mix for Cactus, Succulent, Palm, and Citrus, Indoor/Outdoors, 4 Quarts
Miracle-Gro is the most popular but I personally prefer higher quality ingredients for my plants, like this organic succulent mix. The one I use is from Lowes so it’s not listed on Amazon but I’ve heard great things about this company. as they’re certified and registered to produce natural products.
Perlite
Espoma Organic Perlite, All Natural and Approved for Organic Gardening, 8 Quarts
This organic perlite is perfect for mixing into indoor or outdoor potting soil for aeration and drainage. You’ll want this addition for patio plants, succulents, and cacti especially.
Fertilizer
Indoor Plant Food, 4 Self-Dissolving Tablets
I use these dissolving tablets because I like supporting their small business, they’re easy to use, have clean ingredients, and are very effective. You fill up your watering can (or a large glass of water if that’s your go-to), drop one tablet in, let it dissolve, and then water your plants like normal.
If you want to go all-natural, I also soak banana peels in a mason jar for 24 hours, remove the peels and pour the water over the plant’s soil. I’ll then top it off with a thin layer of compost or coffee grounds!
Crop Control
Trifecta Crop Control, Maximum Strength Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, 32 Ounce
It’s an all-in-one that works! This formula is on the natural side (compared to many insecticides), and it treats most pests like spider mites, as well as fungicides like powdery mildew. I use it for my clients and it saves their plants.
Sticky Traps
36 Piece Sticky Traps for Fruit Fly, Whitefly, Fungus Gnat, Mosquito and Bug, Indoor/Outdoor, Non-Toxic
Here’s how to get rid of fungus gnats using these sticky traps. They are GAME CHANGERS when it comes to removing flying pests around plants, gardens, fruit, and even your indoor compost bin.
Pet Deterrent
Cat Spray Deterrent, Indoor/Outdoor, 120ml, Used to Prevent Cats from Scratching Plants & Furniture, Safe for Children & Plants
This spray has the best reviews on Amazon, and while I don’t currently have pets I used something similar with my cats. This is a small bottle, just a heads up.
BE WARNED: Not every product you find will work for your pet; each pet responds differently.
For cats and dogs, you can also try orange peels on soil, lemon water spray, coffee grounds on soil and the ends of leaves, and placing plants out of reach.
Gloves
COOLJOB Gardening Gloves for Women, 6 Pairs Breathable Rubber Coated Yard Garden Gloves, Outdoor Protective Work Gloves with Grip, Medium Size
These are specifically for women! Men, you can get your gardening gloves here. Honestly, both work for either gender but COOLJOB makes breathable and durable gloves that are highly recommended.
Cloths
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Non-Abrasive, Reusable and Washable, Pack of 24
Dust, dab, and do your cleaning thing with these fiber cloths. I spray a little water on one to dust my leaves, wipe off excess sprays or soil, and use them for house cleaning purposes or just keep some handy in my car.
Shears
Gonicc 8" Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears, GPPS-1002)
Sharp and ready to cut dead leaves off your plants or for propagation, these shears are a best seller with over 17,000 ratings. For smaller cuts and daily use, I love my VivoSun shears.
Trowel
Fiskars Ergo Gardening Hand Trowel, Ergonomic Handle Design with Hang Hole for Digging and Weed Removal
Maybe it’s the orange handle, but this trowel is my favorite when it comes to scooping soil out of the bag, breaking up dense old soil, and gardening. You won’t be disappointed!
Grow Pots
TDHDIKE 4" Small Plastic Plant Nursery Pots, 100pcs, Comes with 100pcs Plant Labels
When you buy a plant, it’s typically in a grow pot like these. It’s also easiest to repot into another grow pot because going one size up is simple, the plant is accustomed to the material, and you can place the grow pot inside of a decorative.
These also come with labels.
Poles
Moss Pole 4 Pack for Climbing Plants, 16 Inch, Indoor Support, Garden Ties
Some of your plants, like the monstera deliciosa, will grow big and want to climb somewhere. These coir poles are stackable which helps your investment over time, breathable for the plant, and …
I also use these simple bamboo stakes for smaller plants or propping the plant upward. You can also break them in half for double the amount!
Moss Coverings
SuperMoss (25320), Forest Moss Preserved, Fresh Green, 2 Ounce
If you’re a little bougie like me, an extra touch of aesthetic to your plant goes a long way. For clients, I take a thin layer of this SuperMoss and cover the soil so it touches the edge of the decorative pot (and covers the plastic grow pot). Check out Zen’s Instagram to see how it’s done!
I also recommend looking at your local nursery for a larger bag of moss since you can get more for the price. You’ll have to order a few of this SuperMoss if you have more than a couple of plants.
Repot Mat
Owl Focus PE Plant Repotting Mat Waterproof, Portable Gardening Mat (26.8" x 26.8")
One of the best investments I’ve made is this portable repot mat. It’s mess-free because of the raised sides that snap together (and stay), it’s portable so after you compost the excess you can pack it up into a square no bigger than a purse. It’s also useful to let friends borrow it if they need to repot or work on a messy project. Plus, look at this price…
Plant Stand
Fox & Fern Mid Century Modern Plant Stand, Indoor, EXCLUDING White Plant Pot, Bamboo, Fits 12" Pot
Fox & Fern has quality products, I’ve gotten their 12” pots for clients and they are impressive. Plant stands like this bamboo one is helpful for design and height levels - remember you can flip it upside down for a different height.
I highly recommend this plant stand as well. I use it in my home and it’s adjustable. It even has pads so your hardwood floors don’t get scratched. P.S. it’s cheaper ;)
Plant Care Guide
The Definitive Text for Potting, Maintaining, and Loving your Houseplants.
The ultimate guidebook by two wonderful plant parents. I still haven’t read through all of it because of how dense yet beautifully informative it is but it’s one for the shelf!