Welcoming a new plant

I HAVE MY PLANT, NOW WHAT?

You’ve thrown caution to the wind and finally decided to buy your first plant! So, what now?

Place your plant in its intended spot and leave it alone.
Avoid fertilizing or watering too much at first. Let it adapt quietly.
During these first few days of adaptation, observe how your plant reacts.
If all looks good, consider repotting (see below for instructions). Usually, a pot the same size or just 1 cm wider is enough.
If leaves look scorched, your plant is probably getting too much sun. Move it to a shadier spot.
If leaves become soft, yellow, or wilt, it could be watering issues or temperature changes (beware of drafts!).

REPOTTING, WHY?

Repotting (transferring a plant to a slightly larger pot) and replanting (changing pots without changing size) are regular, necessary steps in a plant’s life. Common reasons to do this include:

You just bought your plant and want to check the soil quality and root health.
The plant has outgrown its current pot; roots fill it completely, getting tangled or growing out of drainage holes.
The substrate has become compacted and nutrient-poor over time.
You want your plant to keep growing and thriving.
The current pot or soil causes drainage problems.

STEPS FOR SUCCESSFULL REPOTTING

Prepare the new pot, making sure it’s clean and disinfected to prevent disease.
Moisten the substrate slightly before use.
Gently pull the plant and tap or press the pot while tilting to release it.
Check the root ball closely—smell the soil. It should smell earthy, not bad. Rotten roots smell foul. If so, clean all roots, cut damaged ones, and replace all substrate.
If no bad smell, gently untangle the roots.
Add a drainage layer at the pot’s bottom—pumice, clay pellets, gravel, etc.
Add substrate on top, place the plant in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly below the pot’s rim.
Fill sides with fresh substrate, pressing lightly to remove air pockets.
Water gently, making sure water drains freely from holes.
Let the plant drain completely before placing it in a cachepot or saucer.
Optionally, cover substrate with mineral or organic mulch.

For help choosing pots, substrate, and mulch, see our article “A Little Guide to Soils and Pots“!

WATERING FREQUENCIES

Watering is often the hardest skill to master. Even if you follow plant-specific advice, you’ll need to adapt to your environment and season. What works for your neighbor may not work for you!

My best advice: go slowly and watch your plant carefully. Be cautious—drooping leaves can mean both under- or over-watering!

How to tell? First, know where your plant is native to:

Tropical zone? Likely needs constant humidity but no waterlogged roots;
Mediterranean zone? More drought-resistant. Water rarely but deeply;
Temperate zone? Regular watering, letting soil dry a bit between waterings.

HOW TO WATER?

From above: Use a watering can with a thin spout. Avoid wetting leaves. Water slowly, possibly in several rounds, especially if soil is very dry to let it soak fully.
From below: Place water in the saucer or basin and let the plant absorb it by capillarity. It’s slower, but effective, especially with unglazed terracotta pots.
Soaking: Immerse the entire pot or plant in water until bubbles stop rising. Not all plants like this. Prefer a heavier mineral mulch to keep soil in place.
Shower: Some plants enjoy an occasional warm shower. It helps remove dust and pests from leaves.
Misting: Using a spray bottle increases humidity—great for tropical plants. Be careful, some plants like mist on leaves but not on flowers!

Whatever method you use, always let the plant drain before placing it back in a cachepot or saucer. Never neglect drainage—place a drainage layer at the pot’s bottom, and use a pot with at least one hole!

Which water to use? Rainwater is best—plants dislike chlorine and limestone in tap water. Also, use room temperature or slightly warm water for some plants.

LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE

As with watering, light and temperature needs depend heavily on the plant’s origin:

Tropical zone? Provide filtered light, warm and stable temperatures, and avoid drafts.
Mediterranean zone? Needs plenty of light, even full sun. Temperatures may vary but generally shouldn’t fall below 0°C (32°F).
Temperate zone? Prefers gentle light and mild temperatures, like a summer morning.

Beware of vague terms like “full sun,” “partial shade,” or “shade.” These are often unclear and, from experience, not reliable since indoor and outdoor light levels differ greatly.

Also, avoid placing a plant fresh from a greenhouse directly in the sun. This can burn its leaves. UV rays are as harsh on plants as on us. Acclimate them gradually, even those that tolerate summer’s full sun.

FERTILIZER OR NOT?

In theory, with proper watering, placement, and substrate, plants don’t need extra organic or mineral nutrients. But that’s theory.

In practice, some plants—especially flowering ones—need a vitamin boost to stay healthy and beautiful.

I handle fertilizing case by case, depending on plant health. I never use fertilizer just to speed up growth. The goal is balance, not fast results!

CONCLUSION

Welcoming a new plant into your home is a rewarding adventure that starts the moment you place it in its new spot.

By following these simple but crucial steps—observing, repotting properly, watering carefully, managing light and temperature, and feeding when needed—you give your plant the best chance to thrive.

Remember, every plant is unique. Your attention and care make all the difference. Take time to understand its specific needs, and it will reward you with beauty and vitality.

Happy gardening!