A Beginner’s Guide to Houseplant Shopping: AVOID THESE TRAPS

In this video, I’m showing you some beginner plant collectors’ traps and pitfalls in hopes of saving you some grief and money! While my word is not the end all be all, these are just things I’ve experienced on my own and now I’m sharing this knowledge with you!
Plant Depot
32413 San Juan Creek Rd
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Purchase your Mars-Hydro Grow Tent Here:
www.Mars-hydro.com/
discout code: Patadendron
I have an Amazon storefront of my favorite planty things! Peruse!
amazon.com/shop/patadendron/
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links. By shopping these links and using my code, I will receive a small commission and I thank you so much for the support!
Follow me on Instagram to see what I'm up to on the daily:
/ patadendron

[@kittylette98]

My mom recently was given a pothos. It was her great grandmothers, that thing is over 80 years old. It is so beautiful and I’m prepared to be given this plant when I’m older lol. Not sure who I’m going to give it to when I die. Never thought I’d have to find a plant heir

[@Patadendron]

That is one remarkable pothos! That is so cool and very sentimental 💚

[@supertatertot97]

I have a piece of my high school art teachers, grandmothers pothos. The original plant is probably around this old if not older! It grows like crazy during the summer and then gets cut back and grows back to 10+ feet every year.

[@radiationshepherd]

That's incredible

[@dierdriu]

That is so sweet and beautiful. Be aware that pothos is dangerous for cats if you have them! I didn't know they were toxic to kitties.

[@taashaprice1706]

I love using plants as heirlooms its really amazing. When in uni my professor has a garden that has been tended by his grandmothers generations before him. It makes me excited to to the same.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I'm age 71 and a long tine plant lover and gardener (both Inside the home and outside.) My suggestions are these...TIP # 1: Avoid Miracle grow soil that all too often breeds bugs that drives new gardeners crazy! Mix you own soil for pennies on the dollar. I use a huge bag of $2.99 potting soil, perlites, peat moss, worm casting and sometimes I add pea gravel for drainage as needed. (Except fort the worm castings and pea gravel, I use equal amounts of each in my mix.) Tip # 2: Leave the plant in the plastic nursery pot and place it in the fancy pot. Once a week you lift it out, take the nursery pot and take it to the kitchen sink and soak it in lukewarm temp water (not hot/not cold) thoroughly and let it drain completely and then place it again in your planter. Tip #3: I only repot a plant when it begins to look peaked. IF it is looking "happy," I leave it alone and let it grow. Tip #4: I am not a big plant fertilizer person. Instead, I am more likely to give my plant fresh soil than I am to add a chemical fertilizer.

[@annettenoga6182]

Wow! Potting soil $2.99 where & what type? Good tips to follow. I totally agree if the plant is happy and growing leave it alone....😊🙏

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

@@annettenoga6182 A large bag of plain soil (indoor potting soil NOT outdoor dirt or mulch) from Menard's (or pretty much any big box store. It's a bit more money upfront to buy individual bags of dirt, perlites, peat moss etc. but per planter it is WAY cheaper over time and NO BUGS as seem to be found in Miracle Grow. The last I look... a SMALL bag of potting mix in a big box was over $6.00 for one third the size of the soil I buy and mix! I'm a frugal plant grandma!

[@bbyjcky1]

@@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933 did you get is on sale lol??

[@judithbarranco6260]

I have always thought you had to repot a plant asap after buying it! Im seeing more and more advice to just leave them in the original plastic pots! What are the opinions on tgis??

[@D4rthsunny]

is it bad to leave old mulch down?

[@carinfonk1695]

As someone who owns over 130 succulents, they are so misunderstood. They love sunlight, mine pretty much refuse to sit anywhere but the windowsill with 8+ hours of bright direct sunlight. They are also less forgiving if you mess up, once they drop a leaf or grow an inch that's their look now, the only way to reset the plant is to chop it off and replant it. It is super rewarding to watch them thrive though.

[@hoyitsdivine]

This is super true! I have mine under grow lights for 15 hours and some of them still want more or be closer to the lights! It's amazing how demanding they can be - not as low maintenance as people would commonly say.

[@xMrvnHD]

@@hoyitsdivine what grow lights do you use? I am new to succulents and just got some. I also wanted to get growing lights for mine

[@sophieisabelle3762]

So much this! I have well over 100 succulents and grow them from seed too, and can never get enough light for them. They’re in the greenhouse all summer and under pretty powerful grow lights all winter and they still etiolate in the winter.

[@hoyitsdivine]

@@xMrvnHD I use Barrina T5 lights, so far so good. Another good brand I was told was Monios, all available on Amazon.

[@ArcticBanshee]

I am gearing up to buying my first plant and I want a succulent. I’ve been reading up and watching KZbin videos. They are so weird with their needs (need space! No need of water all the time! Water only on Tuesday with a full moon and 45% humidity with a wind-chill of 3! Stop being stupid! Don’t mess it up! But aren’t I pretty?! 🥹” lol

[@vlong7112]

"Hey, you ain't that cute.." 😂😂😂

[@Patadendron]

Lmao! 💚

[@aprilhatfield79]

Bahaha, just read this comment and .2 seconds later he says it!

[@kraymond19]

LIES!!! I think they’re pretty damn cute!

[@cresbes56]

fax

[@joyousepidermis8515]

Definitely not cute enough to be a diva

[@carebears2luv]

Wish I had this video a year ago, when I was a beginner and bought and killed every plant you mentioned 😩. Not only did I buy all the wrong plants, I would buy a large quantity at a time, so there was a mass murder happening every week . 🥴 Now I stick to cactus, snake plants, zz, and pothos ….and i only buy 2 plants at a time. It gives me time to get acquainted without being overwhelmed.

[@Patadendron]

Thanks, Lorena, for sharing that! That’s a great way to keep things under control! Not a total loss if you learned self control… I’m still working on that 🥴😅

[@MorticiaAddams23]

Pothos are my fav. I've made my own jungle from one plant. I completely stick to pothos and philodendrons. Easy and cheap.

[@ashleyallen8817]

Any chance I could inform me how does one know when to water cactus?

[@anima6035]

@@ashleyallen8817 I'm not an expert but I think just let the soil dry between waterings... Think about its natural environment - the desert or other hot and dry lands... So they don't like to be sitting in moisture all the time and can actually survive long periods of drought. You just want to mimic what nature would be providing your plant if it was growing wild, those are the optimum conditions. Again I'm not an expert 😂 at all, but my plants are alive 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@krisaaron5771]

Oh, god -- you, too. Our house looks like it belongs on CSI: Plant Homicide. The local nursery knows me by sight and they always smile BIG when I walk in the door. But I can't resist a gorgeous green leaf!!

[@yellowbird2157]

Best quote I’ve heard all day, “Not all ferns are assholes.” Noted, Patrick! 👍🤗

[@Thelmageddon]

Ha! This cracked me up too. I kept chuckling to myself about it through the rest of the video 😁

[@carlahager]

Lolol 🤗 🤗 🤗

[@zuzuspetals9281]

My favorite ferns grow wild in my yard so I enjoy them outside.

[@TheBlackExperienceArchive]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@Sprinkles2001365]

Pro tip for anyone who is determined to get a nonbeginner fern: PUT IT IN THE BATHROOM. Preferably high up in your shower/bath, and just keep an eye on it every time you shower. The humidity in a bathroom is great for ferns, especially low light ones!

[@Patadendron]

That’s a great pro tip!

[@rachelgibson6800]

Does it get enough light in there though?

[@CourtneySchwartz]

@@rachelgibson6800 If you have a window in your bathroom, it can be fine. The humidity really helps some plants. My coffee plant loves it.

[@asmrtpop2676]

@@rachelgibson6800Right my bathroom doesn’t have a window lol

[@sshannah1]

I fell for the maidenhair fern trap. She was too beautiful to walk away from… and I’m a brand new plant parent. now it’s my life’s mission to keep her alive! It’s been a month so I consider that a win already 😂

[@Patadendron]

That is an impressive feat! 👏 💚

[@sarahalexandra3892]

The best tip I found to keep a maidenhair alive was to plant it in a terracotta pot with moisture wicks running through the soil. Then imbed that into a self watering pot filled with lachuza pon with the wick running into the water reservoir. Then HUMIDIFIER!!!!!

[@centrifugedestroyer2579]

There is a 30+ year old giant one in my grandmas house. I don't know how she does it.

[@yespls4184]

May be a good idea to get a grow tent or a terrarium to maintain the humidity!

[@oliviag6407]

Mine dried out after two days and I was so confused. I cut all but the two healthy fronds left and now spray it 4 times a day which seems to be working Update, one month later: Two new fronds!

[@carmeninherlife2137]

From my many failed experiences, the thicker the leaf the safer😂 ZZ plant and snake plants are my tried and true loves.

[@Patadendron]

That’s a good one, and a very astute observation at that! There are some cool varieties of both the zz and snake plants that I love too!

[@MjDused808]

As a carnivorous plant grower, what was mentioned in this video is absolutely CORRECT! Any beginners should keep in mind that carnivorous plants eat bugs because their roots do not take in any nutrients from the soil. Nutrients in soil will burn the roots and eventually kill the carnivorous plants. Another thing beginners mistaken is that they will water plants with regular tap water, DO NOT DO THIS! Depending on your tap water, most areas in the US have hard water or PPM over 100, which is not great for carnivorous plants since the minerals in the water will also burn the roots. To be safe, buy distilled water with no added minerals to water carnivorous plants or measure your tap water and see if it's 50 or less PPM to water them. As you get more into carnivorous plants, doing research on each type and genes is important, because like any other plant, some of the rarest will have more of a specific (DIVA) care. HAPPY GROWING EVERYONE!

[@muurrarium9460]

They sell soil especially for canivorous plants for a reason... Why people ignore these hints is beyond me.

[@zoebenefer6149]

Surely rain water is fine as rainwater is what the are adapted for

[@muurrarium9460]

@@zoebenefer6149 Depends on where you are... Rain coming down picks up all kind of particles floating around in the air, so the chemicals (coming down with & in the drops) are not the same everywhere. We had a lot of "acid rain" years ago (because of pollution), and it affected the soil (washing out/dissolving too much) and so it affected the plants A LOT! Those who loved the more base soil were not happy :) now the rain is less acidic and now the sour-bottom-plants are unhappy... so it's complicated. (We still have calciumdeficiency showing up in birds etc.etc. very sad.)

[@mcreena]

I seriously considered trying to start growing carnivorous plants. I'm a succulent grower, and wanted to branch out a bit to other more unique plants. But after reading how sensitive their roots can be I decided they weren't for me! Succulent roots are so hardy and can take such a beating, it's a blessing for a clumsy plant owner like me who likes to go at things full tilt. It's just such a different way of caring for a plant! I greatly admire you and others who grow carnivorous plants. I worry I'd accidentally kill it by forgetting filtered water and using tap one day, but with my succulents I've literally watered some of my cacti with hydrogen peroxide before to kill off pest outbreaks and they've done perfectly fine. It's crazy how varied our flora can be!

[@antivaxxnugs7859]

Yea haha, my sarracenia and nepenthes are doing amazing, and there the original ones I bought, however my 6th/7th venue fly trap in my life has just died, I'm stunned

[@erinjoy5625]

"not all ferns are assholes..."....🤣🤣🤣 I died

[@myconfusedmerriment]

Thanks for reminding people that you DO have to water succulents lol. I feel like a lot of advice for them is like “water once a month” or even longer, and it really depends where you place them. If your succulent is dry as a bone and looks sad…you can water her. It’s gonna be okay. 😂

[@Meraxes6]

I just water when the leaves get squishy, which can be as often as once a week when they’re in my south-facing window

[@hamsterama]

Also, depends on the time of the year. I live in region 6b. When I have my succulents inside for the winter, they're dormant, and watering once a month is good. But when I have them outside, during spring, summer, and fall, they need more frequent watering. I water them least once a week when I have them outside.

[@KHall-du6dl]

I love pothos, it has been one of the MOST forgiving plants that I've ever had and we been through some things😅

[@embaljac365]

If any beginner has the chance to get their hands on a jade plant, go for it! I’ve killed so many plants including succulents… and the clippings from my grandmothers jade plants have made it through three long car rides (one where they totally fell over), rinsing the roots because mites and repotting, letting them dry out too many times, temps from 40-90 degrees, indirect sun, direct sun, winter storms with hardly any sun, basically drowning from overwatering, and every time I’ve messed up they bounced back once I corrected my errors. They grow fast too! These plants really make me feel special and like I can care for something, unlike the calathea who could never even tell me when she was thirsty. So over her. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@Patadendron]

Jade plants are great! They grow so fast too! A small baby plant will turn into a miniature tree in no time it seems lol

[@mcreena]

Fun fact: Jade plants are actually succulents! They're very hardy and can take a lot of beating. They're also one of the much more resilient and forgiving succulents for indoor growing, and are great to propagate. Some types will actually grow into miniature shrubs and trees! They're really great plants.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

I have zero green thumb. ZE-RO! But for some reason I went crazy buying EVERY variety of Prayer Plant I could get my hands on. And THEN I found out that they were super picky and difficult. But for some reason all of mine are thriving. I just give them their distilled water, keep their little rock plates full of water when i notice them getting low and basically that's it. The lighting in my bedroom must be perfect for them cuz I seriously don't do anything special for them. I do NOT know how they are doing so good. My red prayer plant even flowered. Tiny cute little lavender and dark purple flowers. And they've all gotten so big! Oh also! One of my favorite leaves snapped off my Red Prayer Plant so I stuck it in a cup of the distilled water and now it is four giant leaves and a huge cluster of roots. Don't even know how to propagate, wasn't trying to, and now I'm not sure if I should take it out and pot it since it's doing so good in its cup of water.🤣🤣🤣

[@mcherry9137]

I absolutely love prayer plants! I have 5 different varieties. It all started with one little cutting from an online add for a barely rooted lemon lime maranta. I didn't even know what it was but the color of the leaves were beautiful. I brought it home and it struggled for a while. It lost 2 of it's 3 leaves then grew a bunch of leaves that it just kept losing. It is still small but it's finally grown tall enough to propagate. I can't wait to see what it looks like in another year! I've gotten confident enough with my prayer plants that I took a Dottie with no healthy leaves left from Lowe's and it has all new foliage. The leaves are only 1/4 of the size of the full size but they are beautiful. I can't get enough of how drastically the leaves move. You're amazing with yours. You have to have near perfect conditions to get a prayer plant to flower! I grew one flower on my red maranta this year. They're so delicate and pretty.

[@amypanddirtytoo1926]

@@mcherry9137 I have a Lemon Lime too! That was the one that made me notice prayer plants. It wasn't the first one I bought, but it was the first variety I saw a pic of online and then I noticed we had a bunch of different ones at work (I work at Home Depot). My lemon lime has flowered now too. I've taken pictures of them, they're so cute! Yeah, I seriously don't know anything about plants so the conditions in my bedroom must be absolutely perfect for them lol! They're in a window that faces SW, but to the side of the window, not in the direct line of sunlight and the heating vent is along that part of the floor. But they are on a bunch of plant stands on a dresser so the heating vent is closed off, not open to blasting them. The AC vent is on the other side of the room and I don't like cold anyway so it's never below the 70s. I have a Red Prayer plant, the Lemon Lime, both of which have flowered, a Peacock Prayer plant,, and then I have one with huge dark green leaves with this magenta band across them, one that Nick has too (the one with the pink stripes on the leaves). I don't remember what they were cuz I threw away the name tags they came with.🤣🤦‍♀️

[@mcherry9137]

Wow. You've got quite the collection. I have a lemon lime and red maranta,rabbit foot, rattlesnake and Dottie calathea (Dottie has big round dark green to dark purple leaves with purple/pink lines that that make a more traditional leaf shape and dark purple bottom) and one white fusion that I purchased online.

[@m.katherinelamont1873]

"Not all ferns are a**holes" I love that! I brought my first fern home last spring and it was dead by midsummer. Decided to try a maidenhair this spring because my son upsized his lizard tank and I decided to try and repurpose his old one as a terrarium for some divas. There is a thermometer /hydrometer too that helps. I still water and spray the plants in there at least once a day and fuss over them because it's sort of therapeutic, something to tinker with 😀

[@kayleepauley2160]

I once fell for the succulents needing no care trap, but my dad was able to train me out of that. Now I have succulents that broke through their containers and are currently growing in the dirt on my front porch. Let’s just hope my HOA doesn’t notice that, thank you for the awesome video!

[@MakaylasLifee]

wait, you can get in trouble for that? 🤔

[@homosexualitymydearwatson4109]

@@MakaylasLifee HOAs are evil. If you’re fined you always have to pay the HOA for some stupid rule they made up to scheme more money out of you while they do nothing- or else they won’t let you sell your house. It sucks. I knew one guy who was fined $500 for not having his garbage cans off the curb before a specific time

[@ashleyallen8817]

How do you know when a succulent is thirsty? I be thinking they thrive on neglect🥹

[@kaylimay13]

@@ashleyallen8817 mine the leaves get thin and lose their bounce. They also get squishy and translucent when they're overwatered. I have aloes and echeverias

[@aog1747]

@@MakaylasLifee some neighborhoods have HOA which just means you have to keep your exterior of the house looking a certain way

[@hilmariearbelo1553]

“Everyone’s shaking their fiddle leaf” made me literally lol. Love it.

[@krisaaron5771]

Patrick, you are a LIFESAVER!! I'm a sucker for needy plants and have spent literally thousands of dollars on these "traps"! And then tossed their little dead bodies on the compost pile. I name them, I water and feed them, I even mist them and then they DIE on me!! My husband suggested I name the spider mites instead of the plants (he thinks he's funny). Many thanks for your good suggestions and recommendations. Hopefully, our home can stop being a place where good plants go to die...

[@Patadendron]

Haha I like yiur husband's humor 😂 thanks for the chuckle lol 💚

[@krisaaron5771]

@@Patadendron I forgot to mention Henry and Eleanor PLANTagenet -- they live while the others die off... I think they're vampires for chlorophyll!

[@hesherette]

"not all ferns are assholes" lmao, instantly subscribed once i heard that love, someone who killed a few calatheas as a beginner

[@debs_boho_jungle]

Hey PATRICK!! I'm so glad you did this video. I see so many new plant parents get in too deep, then frustrated, give up on indoor plants. We need more good content like this for our new PP's. Much love, good vibes always. 💛💙✌🏾

[@Patadendron]

☺️🙌🏽Aww, thank you for watching!! Everything you said is so true! Encouraging a love for plants can hopefully make the world a healthier place in some way 💞💞💛💛💙💙💞💞

[@maatirah6530]

I know I did! Thankfully, I had my tried and true pothos to keep my head slightly in the game before diving in again

[@sassysucculent6291]

I agree! This is such a wonderful, informative & unique idea 💚🪴✨

[@Penn_chill]

@@Patadendron Yes! SO helpful and presented in such a fun way. I kept thinking "I want this guy as my neighbor!" I'm pretty good with certain plants, but (sorry, this is a downer...) I lost all of mine in a house fire. I KNOW! Had a gloriously happy Peace Lily that would cost more than I can afford to replace, if I could even find one as large and healthy. So, I'm starting over. Can't afford to buy many similar sized plants, and I really want ones that I do buy to thrive. Who knew that of all the things you lose in a house fire, your plants would be among the things you miss the most? Anyway, Patrick, you never know who you will both help and cheer up with something like this post! Thank you! 😇

[@charlimarieTV]

The KZbin algorithm really came through for me with this recommendation 👏🏻 subscribed! Love your vibe :)

[@Patadendron]

Yay! Thank you for subscribing! 💚

[@alicegabriel1009]

Same, I love your vibe!! I am always annoying people around me with my plant talk. It's good to see someone so passionate about this 😍

[@bfitnessforlife]

what a joy to see such a well stocked store! so many great types to chose from! great video!

[@annacostello5181]

Omg i want to move in

[@Penn_chill]

@@annacostello5181 @bfitnessforlife, me too! They would have to drag me out of there. It's kind of like how a great library makes me feel - like I've entered a magical realm and the rest of the world disappears for a while!

[@solmare851]

My mom had a maidenhair fern, after it was passed down to me I made some mistakes... more like did a triple whammy. Transplanted into much larger pot than the original one, left it in a fairly sunny area, then forgot to wet it for a week. Everything went brown and crispy. Thankfully maidenhair is resilient and after placing it in an area that never gets direct sun and making sure that the soil stayed moist, it sprouted back up after a couple of months and now it completely fills the pot. I think the plant is lovely and I'm grateful to my mom for setting up a good foundation...But now it's getting too big for the pot... ( I nearly fell for the peperomia this month...went for a sedum instead.)

[@sarahalexandra3892]

I love how chill and honest you are! So many plant channels have hyper kinetic shouty show offs. “Look at MMMYYYYYYYYY huge plant and how amazingly healthy and perfect it is”. They don’t mention the fact they picked it up from the nursery the day before because they actually can’t keep them alive!

[@jeanettedavis-es6rg]

Can I get an AMEN !!!!???!!!!

[@birdlydotley7191]

AMEN 🙏🏻

[@powapuffer]

Can confirm Ctenanthe burle-marxii is super easy to grow as a beginner. It grew new leaves for me all winter too so its a very gratifying plant to grow at home.

[@everestsmith8114]

Calathea are the only plants I can grow well, I give my plants to much attention so I end up overwatering/caring for plants and they die. So far the calathea are growing fast and beautifully and I don’t use a humidifier or anything. I always say there is a plant for everyone. Some people do better with cactus and succulents and others do better with needy plants.

[@Meraxes6]

I live in a 15% humidity house and the calathea do NOT survive no matter what 😂 glad you have success with them!

[@nattcattt]

I have had a similar experience. I have not found them hard to care for personally!

[@ZacharyN369]

I’m the same way. Plants that need a lot of attention to, I seem to do okay. The plants that go forever without water and care, I kill because I just forget lol

[@laurac5451]

Always loved having pothos when they droop a tiny bit water them and all other plants in the house everything stays happy that way

[@jseehowitsbeen3177]

We bought a $14 fiddle leaf fig tree at HEB 2 years ago, and it was about 2ft tall at the time, and now it’s over 6ft tall. We’ve kept it in our bathroom, and in the middle of a large east facing window, and it’s done so great.

[@annettenoga6182]

Wow! I think I fell for most of those traps during the early days of my plant journey. Well done video and very informative. I've come to realize the beauty in the most simple of plants like the pothos...😊🙏

[@Patadendron]

Yes! And the basic heart leaf philodendron - big pillowy green hearts ☺️💚

[@wheezelouise_]

“Take me home..” Don’t fall for it! 😂 Every time.

[@feyrie]

The first plant you grabbed was actually the first house plant I chose!! They did exactly that, they dried out so quick. 🧿🕳🧿

[@Kiwi-in1ib]

When I first started my plant collection, I fell for a cute little maidenhair fern and she crisped up in like 3 months. Also fell in love with Calathea leaves and have since killed two :/ The first one was because I had no idea what I was doing and the second fell to spider mites. The fourth plant I've killed was also on your list; a ripple peperomia T_T However since all of these were in your video I definitely feel a tiny bit better about these planty passings. Thank you for such an informative video!

[@kayleepauley2160]

My ripple peperomia just perished, very sad. Watching this video I’m kind of surprised it lasted for a year because I’m not too attentive to it. I also tried the maiden hair fern like three times because they’re just so pretty and I couldn’t help myself and every time they were gone within a month. My calathea is currently dying on my kitchen table. Everything makes so much more sense now 😂

[@lololo1186]

@@kayleepauley2160 my ripple peperomia dropped all its foliage and now it's got these dinky lil leaves

[@erinbrennanbroussard3366]

It took me a while but I figured out my maidenhair ferns. They are DIVAS but so worth it🖤

[@vpu2]

I'm known as the plant killer 😬. I've killed two succulents, once because I was going on a trip so I drowned it in water and a 2nd time because I kept it inside my restroom, thought it looked cute there 🥲

[@ThatFitGirlLife]

It was a sad sad day when I realised my maidenhair fern was not going to make it🙈 she was sooo beautiful but I’m not putting myself through that again!

[@MakeupMobster]

My mom kept a corn plant alive for well over 25 years. When she passed I obviously wanted to take it home. Well as I was getting it in the car I broke it! I was so upset! Well luckily it was easy to propagate! I cut it up into many pieces and now have many trees I can try to keep alive for 25 years!

[@mikodancer]

I highly recommend snake plants for beginners! I seriously only water it once a month/when the soil is completely dry. I also really love my peacock peperomia. I've had it for over a year now, and it almost died last December because I left for a couple of weeks and it had a fungus issue in the soil (the problem with buying plants from Walmart etc! You never know what issue it'll have). I moved , and now it's doing super well in a west-facing window, I don't mist it or anything, just bottom water when the soil is dry.

[@mikodancer]

I just got a purple passion plant, and I have a firefly leopard plant and a pink syngonium on the way. I'm hoping I'll have good luck, the purple passion already gave me a scare because it is so dramatic when it needs water!

[@EricaRae76]

First you're adorable and cheerful and then you say, "not all ferns are assholes," and BAAM, I'm subscribed! Sunny w a high chance of profanity is my jam! Thanks for the info and the candor!

[@Patadendron]

😆🙌💚

[@linseywicker6843]

My sister and I got "nursery hoppin" too. We have ALOT of beautiful nursery's here in central PA. She roots her own cuttings and ships them to people all around the U.S. she loves those rare plants 😆 I've learned so much from her and nursery owners. We'll be at a nursery and I say "ohhhhh look at that baby, that'll look great in my new outside pots". She'll look at me and say "no it won't, they don't stay that nice after awhile" 😆 so you're 100% right in this video.

[@botanybaybeauty2394]

Hey for anybody who thought the maiden hair fern and is in 8b in the PNW like me, mine suffered inside and I planted them outside on a whim and they've been going strong for 3 years now!

[@mr.passionfruit1958]

Ugh, finally another plant youtuber that isn’t boring

[@igiddyup]

Wait a minute. I just spit up my water because not all ferns are assholes. I just never admitted that out loud because i thought I was the asshole and that there has always been a hand full of super flimsy ferns that would never live under my rule. So I am not going to take it personally anymore. Keep making your your happy video's. They are a real treat. 💚

[@Patadendron]

It’s not you!!! 🫶🫶🫶

[@jonathanryals9934]

They got me. I bought a cactus from Lowes that had a flower hot-glued to the top...

[@PaigeNugent]

As to the Peppermonia with the rippled leaves, you may be keeping them in too high of humidly. I have 3 and live full time in an RV in the Coloroado/AZ mountains. They are fine and my humidity in the RV runs just about 20% daily, sometimes even lower. I don't mist them either. Just water when dry and keep them on the dry side. I treat them the same as my cactus.

[@M3GANdoll]

Patrick...You made my week with this Thirst Trap video...Meme Award worthy - I LUUUUV IT!!!🤣😍😍🍾🥂

[@Patadendron]

Honored! Thank you! 😅🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@stellamantikou4978]

9:01 I fell for ivy twice,having the dream of ivy raining down the side of my kitchen cabinets. Never worked even though we had plenty of light and humidity. POTHOS RULES.

[@rc_23]

always thought orchids were these high maintenance plants cuz they looks so beautiful, thanks for clarifying! Thinking of buying one now

[@bronwynreijnders7205]

I have a mini phalaenopsis and a minin dendrobium. Super easy - orchid girl channel is very helpful to care for them

[@je5107]

Exactly. I always thought the same thing. However, over the past few years, I've attached some to trees, literally ripped them off that tree after a year with my bare hands, repotted it, and it still keeps growing. I find they're impossible to kill.

[@evelynrose2257]

I'm so jealous about the selection of carnivorous plants that are available at your local nursery! conniverse plants do fantastic outside in the summer they get so beautiful and colorful and all the bugs are attracted to them it's wonderful. I only have Venus flytrap available from the grocery store lol or the hardware store and usually they're all dead. or on the way out. your nursery is a dream!

[@CM-vp3ub]

My jaw dropped at that succulent collection that’s amazingggg

[@MsElectricsurge]

I really recommend the blue star fern. Mine was really forgiving when I put it in direct sunlight and it is huge now. Also be careful with ficuses if you have allergies/ eczema or asthma. They are super allergenic because they have latex in them and spread it via dust through your whole flat.

[@VixVerdant]

The maidenhair fern is native to the PNW, so up here in Seattle we can just plop them outside in dappled shade or the west or north facing side of the house and they'll love it! Just water it in the summer if it gets too dry!

[@Patadendron]

That's so cool! I bet the nature up there is gorgeous! Hope to visit up there someday soon! 😍

[@arynphillips5888]

I have been TRAPPED by calatheas. They are beautiful and I love seeing them thrive, but when they start to suffer, it's like "literally what am I doing wrong?!"

[@adamkreuz9068]

KZbin is reading my mind. Just yesterday I was thinking about getting my first houseplant. Thanks for the tips!

[@rosaotterstetter7282]

First of all, I LOVE your energy✨ Second of all, I learned so much already. You're so inviting and knowledable at the same time. As a super beginner, who used to actively avoid plants, this type of content is so helpful. And when you said "Plant Traps," I cracked up. Thank you!

[@evhw]

Orchids thrive on neglect. I am a terrible plant parent and have unfortunately killed so many, but the orchids are doing amazing and I've had them for years.

[@mathdesm9306]

The furry rizomes are some kind of 'Kangaroo foot fern', they're really tough and a great choice for beginers. I had to get rid of mine because the cat developped a weird addiction to it.

[@cattuslavandula]

Years ago, my aunt stayed in her mother in law's house while she was out of town. The mother in law had low upper cabinetry in her kitchen and an ivy growing on strings around the perimeter between the ceiling and the tops of the cupboards. The pot hung in the window above the sink. There were 4-6 branches of the ivy trailing around the room. It took a good decade to grow and it was beautiful. My aunt killed it, lol. In one month, she killed the ivy all the way to brown and crunchy. Ivy can be hard to kill...but then there are those special people. 🤣🤣🤣

[@VeganSquid]

Orchids were my beginner plant 🥰

[@vivimannequin]

Mine was a nepenthes which have pretty similar care but I didn't know shit about plants (especially epiphytes like these are) and it died

[@TheAwesomes2104]

My favourite plant is the maidenhair Fern, but I also have reptiles that need misted daily, so it's really not that bad

[@Patadendron]

That’s perfect! Maidenhair ferns are so beautiful!

[@pureluck8767]

I have pothos (7 varieties in 2 pots), philodendron heart leaf and mican, dwarf zz plant, regular and variegated zz plants that are rooting from leaf cuttings, spider plants (3), snake plants (2) and 2 peperomia thai and the cute variegated peperomia in a pot :) thats my indoor collection only 😆 Edit: I was able to finally get a monstera thai constellation (its very small like 2”) and a ruby ficus but have a white princess philodendron and a red heart philodendron that is on its way :)

[@LuckSpinner]

"Not all ferns are a$$holes" I felt that. Takes going through a few ferns to find the fern for you.

[@TheJenlavoy]

Ok hooked your voice is so soothing I keep you on wile I cook or clean and I learn something and stop having violent outburst on dishes

[@valeries1251]

Loved going with you to the nursery and all the commentary! Totally agree with all the traps and recommendations! Thank you!👍🏼

[@Nse204]

For once someone is honest about these "easy care" plants! Completely agree with all of your takes. I have the dead plants in my history to back it up. 💀

[@blythe4336]

“Calathea, ARE A TRAP” 😂😂😂 I have a rattlesnake plant, and it’s doin it’s best. But I will happily walk away from ALL THE REST 😂👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@charliecamelia3601]

This was honestly the BEST plant beginners tips videos I’ve ever seen. So chill, smart and understandable. Thank you!

[@jonafoto]

I needed this video a year ago, I've literally bought several of these beginner traps and learned the hard way lmao. Great video though I'm still a beginner so this will def come in handy in the future!

[@chameowmile]

The maidenhair fern is notoriously finnicky about light/placement, to the point where here in Brazil they're seen as a type of "juju plant" that absorbs bad vibes and/or wilts when something is "spiritually wrong". Regardless, I've found that keeping it on a windowsill with morning sunlight and watering a little every day does the trick for me, and I love watching the little sprouts unfurl. It does require some commitment, but it's wonderful to watch it thrive.

[@Guikrazy]

I haven’t even finished the video, but I subscribed to your channel immediately after you said, “Not all ferns are assholes”! 😂🤣 Great line!!

[@jennb5660]

Loved this video! I’m definitely a beginner (very slowly growing my collection over the past 5 years) and it’s comforting to know that the only plant I’ve killed was a trap that never stood a chance 😅 I also love what you said about Orchids. I got one 3 years ago as a birthday gift, and once I found the right window to keep it in, it’s been very happy!

[@mizzhops]

This is the most helpful instructions I have ever got on houseplants! Since I’ve lacked this knowledge I have tried and failed with most of the plants that are defined as beginner traps in this video. Now I don’t feel so bad for killing so many plants during the last 40+ years…

[@UniversalLanguage1]

HAHAHA “ you know not all ferns are assholes.” BHAHAHAA I adore you! Like who wouldn’t ?!?

[@AstarteAnthro]

"Not all ferns are assholes"...then you show me a fern I just brought home on a whim, and it's a non ass hole bird's nest fern! SUBSCRIBED!

[@Juliest]

I fell into the Fiddle Leaf Fig trap yesterday and discovered this video today! I’m really gonna have to do my homework because I do really like how it looks 😅

[@peggymalabuyoc9150]

Loved this video! It’s one of your best! Everything you say is so true and such good advice. Wish it had been around when I was a young pup. It would have prevented so many undeserving plant deaths. 🤭. Great tips.! Excellent job! 👏👌🥰🪴

[@cucar8363]

You are so right! I fell into that trap in the beginning, not anymore. Ivy? Pepperromias, Ferns? HEck no!!!

[@milavasques]

Totally agree with maiden hair fern. Mine literally just came home to die. Calatheas, on the other hand, I have luck with. Mine are all thriving. Except the white fusion. That diva was let alone for 7 days while I was travelling and I came back to a brown dead mess =\

[@Patadendron]

Lol at “came home to die” - that’s so accurate with the maidenhair lmao

[@petroleumjelly1488]

@@Patadendron I went to San Francisco for a week and came back to leaves so dry you could use them as a freeze-dried seasoning 😭 maiden hairs are sooo pretty but are total princesses

[@yolandapascual2423]

Woo, US garden centers look amazing! In Spain, not much variety, some bad looking plants, even fungus...

[@Patadendron]

😮That’s surprising to hear! I just assumed Europe’s way ahead of us here in terms of indoor plants cause of everything I see on social media! Hopefully they step it up where you’re at!

[@Isnt_She_Lovely_]

Surely, you're only speaking of the area of Spain that you reside 🤔

[@spaceman83]

That’s one for 19.99 that u said curls up. It actually prays at night I have one and it stands up at night and goes back in morning. So cool love it

[@jamesbrown4027]

Absolutely loved this🥰

[@danielav3971]

This is so informative and relaxing to watch... and also the sass in between

[@jennifersantucci1855]

I’m high key obsessed with ferns and have an ardent admiration for Calatheas! But I’m also a beginner and so far have been doing okay except for the maidenhair! I fall for her every time but I’ve gotten better at admiring her respectfully from a distance. And only just recently about the distilled water trick for Calatheas. A couple of mine were starting to crisp up and I’m glad I learned just in time.

[@saravonnahme8258]

it makes me so happy seeing such well taken care of plants and that store is absolutely gorgeous!! love it!! :)

[@pl4stikgo4t26]

I subbed and liked this video strictly because of how warm and inviting his smile is.

[@Patadendron]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🙌🏽

[@ZielonaPastela]

Really enjoyed your video 😊. I could watch hours of you going around the nursery with chill music in the background, it's very relaxing. Your affection for plants shines through the content! 🍀

[@StrawberryMontage]

I have fallen for every single one of these traps 🤣🤣🤣 I am much better now with my plants but yeah I laughed too hard at these very true traps

[@Gypsy235]

I absolutely love Pothos 💜. I have them all over my house in hanging baskets and colorful pots. And I have the other one too with the heart shaped leaves.

[@fayetollefson6899]

I LOL'd 5 or 6 times because no one tells you about these traps and many people think they cant grow plant because they fell for a beginner plant trap. Me included...dang Fern! And you're funny😅 Thanks

[@violetscreaming]

I’m in Australia and I buy my plants from Bunnings because they have a one year warranty on plants, if your plant dies within a year of buying it they will replace it. Yeah, they know me by name now!

[@Patadendron]

LOL! But hey, that’s a great policy! 💚

[@brendaboles3875]

You are Right On, I fell into all of the listed traps! No ferns for me except the birds nest and absolutely no calatheas, can’t even spell it. I love my snake plants

[@Patadendron]

I did too! 😝 I’ll still fall in love with a calathea from time to time. Glutton for punishment here 🙄🙋🏻‍♂️😅

[@karamelkande]

my mom got me a kimberly queen fern... why I’m here lol

[@emberwolfe937]

Thank you so much for this video, I have been looking for plants to keep in an open lid enclosure and you made all this so simple and well explained.

[@joyousepidermis8515]

“Not all ferns are assholes” 😂🤣😂🤣 I don’t know where u came from but I’m so happy u appeared in my feed. I’m subscribing to this channel immediately!!

[@FrenzySowieso]

I fell in ALL of the traps over the years 😂 How did you know 😱😄 Thank you so much for showing an alternative that works.

[@newmanmansell760]

Oh Great beginners guide to plant shopping Patrick😘👌I like how you introduced alternative plants that do the same job and still look beautiful in the home👏🌟Thanks and I look forward to your next plant video😌💞

[@Patadendron]

Thanks for watching Newman! You’re an expert so your compliments mean a lot! 💚

[@MrsSmith-qk6mt]

Yes! So many ferns have met their demise in my home😢I thought it was me but realized I just didn’t have the right conditions. Thanks for confirming and providing helpful advice 😊

[@Coolschness]

"Okay, you ain't that cute." 7:35 Nearly fell off my chair!

[@lotus7589]

Hoyas can also be very forgiving (depending on the species) and seem to thrive on benign neglect. Plus, unlike a pothos, they give gorgeous star-shaped flowers when you give them the right care! My Hoya Carnosa was my first and it's started blooming, can't wait to see more. Now I've got a growing collection of different Hoya species and I'd highly reccomend them. They do prefer higher humidities, specially if you want to see them bloom. But a light misting at the end of the day seems to do the trick for mine despite being at a south-facing window that they allegedgly don't like. However, at least in these parts, they seem to be hard to find. That's the only downside I've noticed so far!

[@Patadendron]

I agree! Loooove hoyas!

[@syzygyfarm]

This is so helpful. I live in Arizona and I find it's really hard to grow leafy plants here because we have no humidity. Everything wants to wilt immediately. 😢

[@kimgomez8099]

Eleven months later and I am still going on planty adventures with you. Thank you for opening up your world and sharing your knowledge with all us. I have learned so much and look forward learning more. ❤ you.

[@Patadendron]

🥰🙌🏼❤️

[@SaviiMoon]

Patrick the star of plants ☘️😂❤️

[@judithbarranco6260]

Oh my gosh, you spotlighted so many of tge plants that have sucked me in even more than once! Ficus triangularis, button fern, maidenhair fern! Uour videos are both informative and entertaining

[@sherimoua3589]

You are so hilarious. I love this video! My fiddle fig leaf was on its deathbed because it was my first plant i bought. The thirst trap is real.