How to choose the right plant

What's my plant level?

Are your fingers a pale shade of green, or are you a true plant controller? How much attention you're willing to give your plant counts for a great deal when choosing the right one. Some plants need a bit of extra care to stay beautiful and healthy, while others really don't mind being forgotten now and then. Some plants need a splash of water once every 5 weeks, whereas others love to sit in slightly moist soil at all times. It's worth paying attention to this when you buy your plant, so you're not in for a disappointment.

I'll say it again: the spot is so important

Where your plant will stand is hugely important to consider when you buy a plant. Can it sit in the sun, or would it rather have a spot in the shade? Many plants have a strong preference when it comes to their position. The amount of sunlight can have a big effect on growth and on the development of new leaves. Put your shade plant in direct sunlight and it will soon let you know that this is not its cup of tea. The leaves will discolour and scorch, and in the end it can even mean the end of your plant. The same goes for a plant that needs plenty of sunlight but isn't getting enough. The leaves may droop or drop off. Move the plant to a brighter spot straight away so it can recover.

Indoors or outdoors?

It's also important to know whether your plant is suited to life indoors or out in the garden.
Not many plants can live both indoors and outdoors. Sure, there are houseplants you can put outside in the sunshine in summer, like the Strelitzia, but once the temperature drops to 15 degrees Celsius it really does need to come back inside. The olive tree, on the other hand, is happiest shining outdoors in the sun and will drop its leaves indoors. Check carefully what kind of plant you're buying. That way your plant stays in the best condition and you can enjoy it for as long as possible.

Feeling thirsty?

Watering looks so easy, yet it can sometimes be tricky to give your plant the right amount. In summer most plants can take a little more water than in winter. With the warmth and sunlight, they simply use more water in summer than they do in winter. Above all, take care not to overwater. No plant appreciates wet feet, and the roots can start to rot. Better to give a little water a few times than a whole watering can in one go. That keeps water use manageable and stops the roots from ending up under water.

One last thing

All our plants are delivered in a plastic nursery pot. We recommend leaving the plant in it for the first little while. Most plants need some time to get used to their new home and new spot, and honestly, we can't really blame them. At our place the plants all stand together snugly in a warm greenhouse, and however lovely and welcoming your home is, give it a moment. Taking the plant out of its nursery pot too soon can give it a shock, and it may drop leaves. Of course you can place the plant in a beautiful decorative pot, but for the first few months we recommend putting it in the decorative pot as it is, nursery pot and all. After a few months the plant can be repotted into the decorative pot with fresh soil. That gives the roots plenty of room to keep growing. Make sure the decorative pot you buy is 20% larger than the nursery pot the plant is delivered in. If the pot is too big, the roots won't know where to go. At Green Bubble we're happy to help you find a beautiful pot or basket for your new arrival.