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Pam's plant toolbox


I get asked what products I use regularly, so I made a list of my favorite items to share in the form of a helpful Amazon storefront.


I receive commission if you purchase anything through my storefront. Link to my complete Amazon storefront https://amzn.to/44W3kkK


 

Light

The Pacific Northwest has terrible light for houseplants in the winter! Not only is the sunlight less intense in winter under the cloudy gray skies, but it only sticks around for six hours in the darkest months. Most of our houseplants prefer 12+ hours of daily sunlight, so we need to supplement our light to maintain plant health until they can actively grow again in spring.


Aim for 6,000+ kelvins and "daylight white." Remember, what you consider bright light may not be adequate for your plant to photosynthesize, so use a light meter to assess actual brightness. When using artificial light, the distance from the plant to the light really depends on the light you are using and the number of hours you leave the lights on (I aim for 12-16 hours/daily). Careful, sometimes a grow light can burn plant leaves!


 

Fertilizer, pest, and disease control

I think houseplant hobbyists overthink fertilizer. Just use it when plants are actively growing, when you remember, and do not use more than instructed. I generally fertilize very weakly (1/4 to 1/2 strength) every time I water March through November, and I skip it every so often. Be sure to give your plants a good flush of just water through their potting substrate at least a few times a year to dilute mineral/salt buildup (which will interfere with growth).


Most fertilizer is going to be totally fine but I've noticed a new marketing trend with fancy, expensive fertilizer promoted to new houseplant hobbyists. Don't buy into it.


Most pest control is going to be a continuous process, not a one-and-done treatment. I have simplified my pest mitigation routine to regular pest inspection and spraying with DIY neem soap, which has saved me so much money. There is a lot of useless crap on the marketplace and completely terrible for the environment!


 

Plant potting mediums and tools

I make my own potting mix using a natural potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. I will propagate most cuttings in sphagnum moss.


 

Tools & miscellaneous houseplant care

From humidifiers to plant support structures to storage, here is a list of my miscellaneous plant supplies!


 

Greenhouse

I have been doing that trial 'n error thang since March 2019 with my greenhouse. I have the

Palram Oasis hexagonal greenhouse with a very small 48-square-foot footprint for my little Tacoma yard. I only grow hoya, aroids, and rhipsalis in my greenhouse (no food). Some day I will write up my experiences in a formal blog, but until then, here is my Pacific Northwest greenhouse "must have" checklist.




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