To Buy or Not to Buy - The Gear Your Houseplants Really Need

When the outdoor weather chills, gardeners turn their attention to indoor plants. Catalogs are full of tempting accessories and gadgets to make our plant friends comfortable indoors. But are these things really necessary to raise indoor plants successfully? To make the best use of your money, here are Master Gardener recommendations.

Not Necessary

Soil pH Meter

Proper soil pH is extremely important for outdoor plants and can be assessed by a Penn State soil test. However, indoor plants are growing in a much more controlled environment, and it’s very unlikely that any purchased potting mediums would be outside the correct pH range, which is 5.5 to 6.5 for most plants.

Soil Moisture Meter

On the plus side, this gadget is based on the premise that plants should be watered only when needed, not on a schedule. However, interpreting the results is probably more confusing than helpful. Most gardeners insert a finger into the soil to determine whether the soil is dry enough to warrant watering. Pair the finger assessment method with information on whether the specific plant’s soil should dry out or be consistently moist between waterings.

Mister Bottle

Many indoor plants are tropical plants that grow naturally in an environment with high humidity. This condition is difficult to replicate indoors, especially during the winter heating season. Unfortunately, daily misting does not boost the humidity level long enough for the plant to take advantage of it. Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are an exception and do benefit from misting, which is one method of watering them.

Leaf Shine Spray

It’s a good idea to wipe the dust from indoor plant leaves, but leaf shine or polish may just clog up the plant’s pores. A soft, damp cloth works just fine.

Glass Watering Globes

Attractive glass globes with straw-like appendages must be filled with water and inserted into the soil. While they are supposed to water the plant for up to two weeks, in my experience, all the water runs out immediately. Remember, it’s not a good idea to water without monitoring. If you must be away for several weeks, place plants in clear plastic bags to create a mini greenhouse or ask a friend to water them.

Houseplant Transplanting Mats

Often sold in a kit with small scissors and pruners, transplanting mats resemble a wipeable placemat with turned-up edges to contain the mess. It is just as easy to transplant using newspapers, a box lid, or in a sink. And what about the tiny scissors and pruners? A pair of small scissors devoted to indoor plant grooming will work just as well.

Pebbles

Should pebbles be placed on the bottom of a pot to increase drainage? This myth has been perpetuated for years. However, it has been demonstrated that placing pebbles below the soil level does not promote drainage. In fact, a layer of pebbles tends to hold moisture within the pot. Instead, just ensure the container has a drainage hole and empty any water collected in the cache pot or saucer under the container after watering.

Copper Plant Supports

Sometimes, a vining or large houseplant will need support. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a copper or other ornamental plant support, but consider a simple and inexpensive option of bamboo or hardwood stakes. Make the plant the focal point, not the support.

Do Buy 

Save money by avoiding the items discussed above. Here are some items to consider purchasing.

Artificial Lights

Plants need light, but a cold windowsill is not the best spot for indoor tropical plants. Consider supplementing with one of the many options of fluorescent or LED lighting.

Fertilizer

Choose a fertilizer that is designated for your specific type of houseplant. Fertilize regularly (about every two weeks) from March through September. Most indoor plants do not need fertilizer in winter because of lower light levels.

Watering Can

Of course, a watering can is needed, but look for one that holds at least a half-gallon with a long, narrow spout. Having a reservoir of water is a good idea since tap water should sit for at least several hours to allow chlorine to evaporate. The narrow spout will help direct water to the base of the plant.

Saucers

As mentioned before, pots should contain a drainage hole through which excess water will drain. Sturdy saucers placed underneath plant pots will protect your furniture and floors. Just remember to empty them after watering.

Sticky Traps

Houseplants can be plagued with flying pests, such as fungus gnats, especially if they’ve spent the summer outside. Traps of small, yellow sticky paper placed right above the soil are inexpensive and effective methods to control these insect populations.

The next time a houseplant gadget catches your eye, ask yourself if it will really help you maintain the health of the plant. If not, spend the money instead to buy more plants!