I Wish I'd Known This Sooner... MISTAKES TO AVOID When Keeping Houseplants Happy 🌱

In today's video I've compiled a list of planty ERRORS I've made over the years, so that (hopefully) you won't make the same mistakes as me! There's so many things I wish I'd known about sooner when it comes to caring for plants, and there's been a lot of trial and error in my time. I hope you find this video helpful 💚
-----------------------------
TIMESTAMPS:
01:09 - acclimating
06:07 - substrates
09:32 - potting propagations
11:07 - conditions
15:19 - repotting
18:14 - root pruning
19:05 - moss poles
21:43 - watering
24:55 - pests
27:04 - comparing
-----------------------------
💚 For BONUS planty content with me (and Joli), feel free to check out our Patreon!
/ thejunglehaven
🌿🌱
-----------------------------
* MY RECOMMENDED MUST-HAVES FOR HOUSEPLANTS:
→ Ladybird Plant Care (for pests) -
ladybirdplantcare.co.uk/?ref=...
→ Liquid Gold Leaf Fertiliser -
www.liquidgoldleaf.co.uk/?ref...
→ Lechuza Pon - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
→ Humidifier - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
→ Mother Grow Light Bar -
mother.life/US/shop/plantspectrum/1476a076
→ Amazon Flexy Grow Lights - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
→ Indoor Potting Mat - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
-----------------------------
💚 CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💚
Instagram:
@TheJungleHaven
TikTok:
TheJungleHaven
-----------------------------
#PlantFails #PlantTips #Houseplants
* Some of the links included are affiliate links, meaning that if you buy a product I will receive a small amount of profit (at no extra cost to you). Using my links helps to support my channel, but there's no pressure to use them you'd prefer not to :) x

[@TheJungleHaven]

I’ve realised I forgot to include the section I filmed on how I’m dealing with pests nowadays! Silly Claire! 🪳 I basically just spoke about how I’ve changed my approach in the last few years, and primarily now use biological pest control (vid explaining that linked below) and horticultural soap to combat pests. I have also become far more vigilant with my pest checking and isolating. I’ve used systemic pesticides in the past, and although I’ll still use these on occasion if an infestation was to become severe, in general I prefer to take the more natural route if I can (replicating how things would be in nature, where pest and predators both exist). BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTOL EXPLAINED: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6DIcpSeiNh7p7s

[@morningstar8187]

It’s not a mistake if you learn from it. Just part of the learning process.

[@jessicapetrin1655]

I love this! So true❤

[@torquess454]

The only thing about growing semi hydro for me is I forget about it when it needs water changes, flushing, and the cleaning of the substrate it all seems a lot, I’ve lost 3 plants by not smelling the reservoir Great vid girl!!

[@lilyofthevalley54]

Edited. Hi Claire. I love watching your videos. Your plants are beautiful. I have a tip for you. I am 70 years old. I have been growing houseplants for 45+ years. This tip will help you with stress free watering. I have drip trays for my plants and I put the little lids of bottles, milk jugs, medicine bottle lids, whatever can be placed under the pot in the drip tray, so the pot isn't setting in excess water. I water the plant (I've done it for so long) and the water runs out the bottom of the pot and doesn't set in the water. Hope I explained that. 😊🌷 💚 I am in USA Missouri 😊 Also, I can't speak to your exotic plants but I don't see the benefit in letting all of the water run through? Having said that, the basic big box plants can stand in water, depending on how much you give them and will soak it up fairly quickly. I just use miracle grow and perlite when needed. I love alocasias! Your Jacklyn is so beautiful!

[@jackiewhitney5031]

I'm the same age as you and have had plants since I was 20 and it sure has been trial and error. What works for one gardener may not work for another. I have also been watering my houseplants all the way through at least twice to make sure they get optimal water and it has always worked for me even with the succulents/cactus as well. I learned this from my mother and it worked for her when she was alive too :))

[@lilyofthevalley54]

@@jackiewhitney5031 Claire asked for tips. I shared my tip.

[@captainlovebug]

Learning how to use a moss pole correctly was a game changer for my golden dragon and billate

[@camillapersson1864]

I would love if you could do a video about propagation boxes. Mine tends to rot all the time.

[@shnuggumz]

I appreciate it so much when you put out one of these longer form videos chock full of thoughtful plant information we can apply straight away! So many excellent points made in this video, especially the word of caution about being patient (acclimatizing, potting up, upsizing leaves…). Thank you.💚

[@vickykent353]

As is said, Patience is a Virtue. If you didn't come down the slot with it inherent to you or if you haven't taken it on as a learned character strength (as I have), tropical indoor plants are probably best to stay away from. It is amazing just how much patience is required. Believe me, they will definitely test you, so make sure to be up for the challenge before you begin. Having come to the conclusion that you are up to the Patience test, just Go For It!! I find that plants have rewarded me in so many areas of my life that I wasn’t expecting to be affected. So much, perhaps all, of what I've been able to do has been because of beautiful content creaters making these fantastic videos so we all can learn from their mistakes. I just have so much admiration for each and every one of them. 😊 ❤ 🎉

[@allisfaith]

I keep my house at 64 degrees f, they are all ready for warmer days here at the end of winter, even with a grow light, I haven’t seen much growth - don’t discount how heat effects your plants.

[@melanieg.9092]

Yup, I have my plants at 19-20° C with growlight and I'm getting moderate to good growth right now 👍

[@Toadlily647]

Yeah I keep my house around 65F/ 18 C and can't grow agleonema because of it. Too chilly for them to thrive during the winter. There are definitely other plants i have that get a bit sad when it's this cool even with grow lights and humidity to help offset other tough conditions during the cold season here. Overtime I was really surprised how much temperature makes a difference from one plant genus to the next

[@nekobx2094]

Totally!!! Heat is needed

[@Robert_A_Keyboards4948]

I found out just like you Monstera will really grow in bright light if slowly acclimated! I have one right now that used to start burning in it's younger years and I started turning it and it got used to the sun and now loves it! ( I still turn it) I have had it about 4 years now!

[@chrislynch1011]

🇦🇺. Everytime you mention your painted monstera I laugh my head off!😅 I'm so glad you watered and named your Ficus Alii, I noticed it a few weeks ago and wasn't sure, I have one and I love it. I watched your last video quite late so I'm mentioning your p. Hope here. I haven't tried the method you used, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, all my usual methods just rotted. The only way I've managed to get success is air layering! Under the leaf nodes I tied moss. It took months but eventually I got roots - it was a total pain keeping the moss damp but worth it. I now have multiple healthy leaf cuttings. Here in 🇦🇺 I find growers are using not only net plugs but rubbery foamy ones as well! All 4 orchids came in foamy plugs - needles to say when I repotted I lost nearly all of the roots. So I do repot as soon as I get a new plant. I love passive hydro, I'm a definite over-waterer! I have found chunkier substrate works better for me, I i use pumice. I'm so glad to have your channel, and a few others, as I've learnt so much from all of you! Thank you Claire

[@allisfaith]

Fantastic video! So much great info! So fun 🎉

[@mumsenmarte]

I just got into plants and im trying to keep my house as best as I can for them! In a snowy, dry norwegian winter I bought grow lights, humidifyer and im melting snow to water them so they get proper water! I also keep them in the huge west window to get them atleast as much of natural light I can, but I use growlight to boost it since we have dark days in the winter. My priced possesions is my fiddle leaf fig and my calethea mokoyana! I am so scared they arent going to acclimate well, since I made the mistake of repotting them when I got them home, but I am on day 12 and they have not dropped any leaves yet... lets pray xD

[@Wanderlust2602]

I wish I understood my climate much better at the beginning of my journey. I live in a humid sub-tropical climate which drastically changes my care regimen. Though high humidity might seem like a dream to many, root rot is an absolute nightmare and can come from the tiniest watering imbalance (even in chunky soil) and it takes down the plants super fast. I also need to be very mindful of funghi and mold. There’s almost no info available in English when it comes to my conditions, so a lot of trial and error. 🤷‍♀️ Another thing is that plants need A LOT more light to thrive than what we think (but of course acclimating them is super important).

[@emoo2342]

This. I think understanding one’s own climate isn’t talked about enough. There’s frequently discussion of “mimic where the plant came from, grow it how it grows in nature” etc., and it’s just not practical in most homes. That said, it means that the substrates will need to be editted based on home conditions, not where they came from, and that’s largely based on one’s climate. You are spot on about light as well. I found that getting my light right made everything else significantly easier. Most issues are derived from light problems-good light goes a long way.💚

[@melanieg.9092]

I'm guessing all the info on indoor greenhouses would apply to you then? Like using a lot of airflow 🤔

[@katcallender6699]

It's the same conditions for me most of the year humidity is between 80% and 99% lol! I found swaping to orchid pots helped a ton! They get more airflow throughout the soil.

[@Wanderlust2602]

@@emoo2342 Absolutely, so happy to have found someone that feels the same ☺️ Mimicking the plants natural habitat in relationships to one’s own climate is the real trick!

[@Wanderlust2602]

@@melanieg.9092 Not quite… but airflow is indeed crucial and another thing that is not talked about enough ☺️

[@tessie7e777]

Thanks for sharing, Claire!

[@vanessabland8813]

Loved this video! Thank you for all your great information!

[@debbielummus4637]

I appreciate these care tips so much! Great advice. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Have a wonderful day🌱🌿

[@angieyaeger2]

Always great content, thanks!

[@ninasuculentasymas]

Hello Claire from Puerto Rico!! Thank you for a very informative video!!! 🌱🌿🪴🙋🏼‍♀️

[@DieDieEla]

Love the style of this Video. Great work

[@shalimarssc3317]

great refresher/ reminders we should revisit time and time again. Great content-- love love the thoughtful detail and personal examples you provide! Thank you

[@ashleyjohnston4369]

Love your videos! I really enjoyed your podcast pilot last week. I listened to it while cleaning, and I even checked this week to see if you had another one before I started my cleaning. Hope you continue them! Love the Ficus Alii, by the way. Wishlist plant for me! 🪴

[@dora9368]

You have great plants, and this is a good video....love all the tips🎉

[@Plantswithjem]

Very informative thank you. And that variegated Jade plant is stunning. I have never seen one of those for sale anywhere.

[@juliehollandblubookkeeping8027]

Great video. One of your best so far. I've been a subscriber for years now. I use your grill and bowl method to water and my plants love it.

[@irismoles9369]

Thanks Claire I think I need another go at growing plants

[@colecarpenter3022]

As always excellent information

[@lorifenner4048]

I love your videos! ❤I’ve learned so much!

[@eowyn237]

Watching when I just repotted two new plants last night that i just got one day ago. 🫠 They were rather yellowy, drowned looking specimans from the Walmart rescue shelf, though. So gulity of mussing around with my plants to much in general, however! Love your videos as always. 😊

[@ashleyartus1193]

Clare...this is hands up one of the best videos on plant care prep and longevity...it should be mandatory with any new plant purchase...I loved loved loved..the " death" mention and you painting your monsterra to hide its stress will go down.in the plant care history books...😂😂😂....I must must use this next time I'm doing a film...lovely stuff. Keep up the work work and sharing. Respect from another obsessed plant parent. X

[@Constance-cl3wg]

Really adore your sweater. It’s cheery and cozy looking.

[@vickykent353]

I love it, too. It is just so cozy looking, and the colors are serene. I'd ask her where she got it, but I'm in the US, and she'd probably say she made it, or it was a gift someone got in Germany or some place obscure to me. Know what I mean?

[@scottgalbreath5707]

One key and vital bit of information IMO that should have been mentioned and discussed is having to do with what type of water to be giving plants. Some plants sadly don't particularly care for tap water due to chlorine. Others would much prefer either filtered water, distilled water and or rain water.

[@betsymaltby6788]

I may have to watch this video again, such great information! Question: Are the plants you are growing on moss poles in soil or semi-hydro? I don't think my moss poles are working in soil. Always enjoy your content!

[@nyctilia]

Pests are actually what really got me into plants! :D I never had many plants and with the 1-2 I had at a time I could never tell if they were happy or not. I think I ended up overwatering all of them. And then last year in spring I planted my entire balcony and actually researched the required care. The plants thrived until they suddenly didn’t even though I knew I didn’t do anything wrong. So I got the Planta app and tried finding out wtf is happening and realised I had thripse and spider mites. I couldn’t save most of those plants, only a Lewisia but she’s giving me trouble, too. But it made me realise that I might not actually suck at plants but that there are things beyond my control. Like pests. By now I have 22 plants and have lost quite a few but that happened in fall and winter (Germany, similarly little light). I’m really excited about this spring because in theory they should start growing more and I’ll give my balcony another shot this year, too :)

[@CreativelyChristoph-wg7wn]

Thanks for your continued fabulous videos, i noticed that your rug is still not on the floor, and got wondering how is your poor rug? xx

[@rosewagner4018]

Great tips and love your videos! Can you give tips on a pallidiforum? Conditions? How is your plant doing?

[@botanicburst_9]

Nice. Thank you

[@Planted386]

I love these videos you do! You have taught me so much, and I thank you 🙏🏻 I’m so glad to have found you back when I got started. You’re my inspo girl as cheesy as that may sound 😂 The only thing I do differently is repotting right away. I pretty much give my new baby a week to settle and then I’m in there repotting. I do this because I like to know the substrate I’m working with. I find the nursery soil remains too moist in my conditions and my love of watering lol. I started doing this because I lost a couple plants due to the dreaded paper plug thing. I’ve also been using a lot of semi hydro as well. I figure they have to acclimate regardless. 🤷‍♀️ I know I’m in the minority here. Anyways, sending love from Fl! Have a wonderful day!!

[@Wanderlust2602]

I fully agree with you, so much depends on your environment and living in a humid climate DRASTICALLY changes the care. I followed the standard advice to acclimate plants and even the slightest watering imbalance immediately leads to root rot.

[@melanieg.9092]

Yup same! Especially since I tend to overwater I really need the right substrate to help me

[@7sins_of_life]

I recently had to explain to a seller that I immediately removed the plugs and substrate from the plants I ordered, because the plugs they come with stay wet for like 3 weeks in my conditions. They were so adamant on not removing the plug before that. I make it a habit to remove the substrate if I can't see the roots or it's from a rescue box. Saved me a lot of pain and money (especially when ordering online, need to inform the seller quickly). Another big thing I'd say that I learned over time is to stand your ground when dealing with sellers. The amount of times I had to ask for a refund/ partial refund from my usual seller is ridiculous. Almost every order I have one plant (usually in the rescue box) that has issues. Their normal plants are great, usually bigger than advertised (except for my last order, had a baby Snowdrift with 5 2cm roots, which is tiny compared to what they usually ship out) but their rescue boxes usually have one bad one... Had to learn the hard way that the plugs and the substrate suck, so watch out y'all!

[@chrislynch1011]

I couldn't agree more regarding plugs! I don't care how much sellers say to leave it alone, is easier to remove when the plant roots are small

[@tonyweyers1381]

Thanks!

[@Forevergardening99]

Thank you for a great video. Question, where do you get your monestera moss wall please. Thanks

[@deborahcoutinho1399]

Put an old dinnerplate on the bottom of your basket! Greetings from Amsterdam

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

One monstera that doesn't need moss pole is Monstera Deliciosa. I stick the aerial roots into the pot and they become regular roots. Besides it's more stable and it looks better this way.

[@Prime_Life_Prepper]

I'm very much a cactus and Aloe lover, but I'm now upping my game, I have purchased pon, a self watering pot and a sweet little Alocasia portodora, just waiting on delivery. Fingers crossed I can keep it alive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@donnalynch6845]

Hi Claire 👌👍🤗

[@aspc3po]

hi! I'm from Ecuador!

[@nyctilia]

How do you go about moss poles in semihydro? I’m in the process of transitioning my syngonium batik (in water atm) and it really needs something to climb on but I want to keep the substrate inorganic. Have you tried using zeolite or a pon kind of mixture?

[@karletnegrete1843]

firts of all, thank you, it's enjoyable watching & learning from advice on your vids. next - help, help, help! I've been suffersing with thrips. I'd call it now an infestation. I did everything I could attemptimg to control it. what would you in this situation? :(

[@devvandyke1195]

Whoa! I didn’t know those ferns are epiphytic! No wonder mine kept dying 😭

[@gypsylee333]

I've got a syngonium in just water for a while now that's been thriving and I'm trying to see if my border of death plants take to full hydro. So far the 3 dying alocasia seem to like the straight water but we'll see....

[@debbieharman1160]

I'm never buying a banana again lol,great vlog 🙂🌸⭐

[@puddsmax863]

I recently got a FL ghost and asked the seller what conditions they keep their plants in so I could adjust it to my home conditions, I wouldn't plan on doing the same with something like a more common, hardier philodendron. I also find that larger plants can go straight into your home conditions, but baby plants cannot do that. 😅

[@ekimtv7057]

how high is your attic, what will you do when the strelitzia presses on the upper wall

[@YesIAmSmarterThanYouPleaseCope]

The plants that survive my care will one day take over the world.

[@imteyazahmad9722]

Your hair style is nice

[@TheJungleHaven]

Thank you!

[@jeffdavis2377]

What materials do you use for your moss poles?

[@user-xi3vl7ci6f]

Got any tips for giving propagations nutrients while propagating??? I find that my props leaves tend to become smaller and i think it is because they need nutrients.

[@TheJungleHaven]

A lot of the time if they give you smaller growth it's simply because they're working hard to produce new roots and re-establish themselves, not because they're lacking nutrients. I only ever introduce fertiliser once my props have a really well established root system

[@user-xi3vl7ci6f]

Ok thank you 👍❤️. Btw I love your channel so much.

[@turogers13]

Second time visit. How do you acclimate a very large plant that can't be covered with a bag.

[@allisfaith]

How do you fertilize in semi-hydro?

[@TheJungleHaven]

You can get fertilisers specifically for hydroponic/semi hydroponic growing (not every fertiliser is suitable for it, so it's always best to check), but the one I use (Liquid Gold Leaf) can simply be diluted and used in the same way. I make a very weak mix for my plants in semi hydro mixes, and they seem happy with that!

[@alicelarez4311]

Oh yeah I moved my pepperomia albo to a bright area-nope she went to green ,lost her varigation.

[@aqua.scape69]

Love your channel, new sub here. Also may I say that you are absolutely gorgeous. 🥰🥰😘

[@ot7stan207]

remember everyone its Pest Management, not pest eradication (permanently)/ The ecosystem is YOU in the home. Bugs will always happen outdoors but its taken care of by mother nature with rain and predatory insects in cycles. Expect the pests, but take care to not let it take. over your collection and treat and prevent!

[@PlantsAndBlink]

Re: humidifiers. Doesn't this cause mold in your apartment?

[@allisfaith]

Why do you prefer not to bottom water?

[@lucasvermeulen4454]

I killed so many plants, lost count. Now everything is sort of stable. Unfortunately i reported my verrucosum and it now is losing all its leaves.

[@lorifenner4048]

How is our friend Annie?

[@susanmusnicki8583]

Have you ever had issues with pests. .

[@clarehealy3632]

The idea of getting mealies on bananas made me barf in my mouth a little

[@jackiewhitney5031]

When I lived in South Carolina I would bring home cockroaches in the bag from the market. They literally love to hang down at the bottom of the bag and eat the glue where the bag is glued......grossed me out!

[@clarehealy3632]

@@jackiewhitney5031 🤮🤮

[@wadadde]

Cacti is plural. Saying "a cacti" is like saying "a dogs". It's so weird and grating. You're not alone. So many people insist on doing this. You could all just say "cactus" and "cactuses", but nooooo: let's all annoy the guy who isn't even a native English speaker and never learn basic vocabulary. :'(

[@TheJungleHaven]

That's one more mistake I wish I'd known sooner!

[@Wanderlust2602]

WOW You could have worded this in a much kinder way, we’re all human and make mistakes… English is my 4th language and I fully understand that not everyone is as great at languages as I am (even when it’s their native tongue).

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

@wadadde this isn't an English tutorial channel, this is a plant channel, which means your comment is unwarranted and not helpful. Now if you have a plant comment, that is appropriate. I hope that helps clear things up.

[@eowyn237]

Thanks for explantation! Always second guessing myself on this one.

[@Never-mind1919]

Condescending much?

[@dora9368]

Plantsbymelissa here on KZbin has amazing plants and moss poles. Most of her plants are gorgeous and grow well🌊🌿💙

[@jessicapetrin1655]

She is my fav!!!!!! ❤

[@The_Black_Truth]