Plant Care Guides

 

Soil Requirements

For optimal growth, your rare plants—be it a Variegated Monstera, Alocasia, or any other exotic species—require well-draining soil. This ensures that your plant's roots remain healthy, avoiding root rot.

Light Conditions

Bright, indirect light is your go-to for most rare plants. Whether you're in Melbourne or any other part of Australia, mimicking a tropical environment is key 

Watering Schedule

Water when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch. Overwatering can be detrimental, especially for sensitive species like Philodendron 

Humidity Levels

Aim for a humidity level of 50% or above. Utilising a rock or pebble tray can help maintain this atmosphere, mimicking the plant's natural tropical habitat.

Temperature Guidelines

Maintain a temperature above 20°C. Think of placing your rare plants in warm areas of your home like the bedroom, living room, or bathroom, where temperature drops are minimal. 

Note on Stability

Tropical plants, commonly found in rare plant collections, prefer stable conditions. They thrive in warmer parts of your home with consistent indirect light throughout the day.

Purchase Information

The plant shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. It will be shipped in the pot displayed. Choose wisely, as all sales are final.

What to do when your plant arrives

Step 1: Unboxing Your Plant

Carefully open the shipping box, remove any protective materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts gently. Inspect the plant for any signs of damage and contact us immediately if your plant has been damaged during shipping.

Step 2: Watering

If the soil is dry, give your plant a moderate watering. If it's still damp, allow it to drain. For rare plants like Variegated Monstera or Alocasia, be cautious not to overwater.

Step 3: Light and Placement

Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight initially, as the plant may already be stressed from shipping and will need time to acclimate to its new home.

Step 4: Humidity and Temperature

All our plants are acclimatised to Melbourne weather however we do suggest a few things especially for the more ultra-rare tropical plants. Ensure the room has a humidity level of at least 50% if possible and a stable temperature above 18°C. Use a pebble tray / humidifier and a heater in the room. 

Step 5: Quarantine

To protect your existing plant collection, keep the new arrival isolated for a week to monitor for pests or diseases. We treat and inspect all our plants regularly however even we follow this rule religiously when we purchase any personal plants.

Step 6: Long-Term Care

Once the plant has acclimated, move it to its long-term location and begin your regular care routine. For most of the plants we sell this means bi-monthly, weak fertigation (i.e. ¼ strength) with a balanced fertiliser (GrowthTechnology, Dr Greenthumbs, Osmocote etc) 

Air Plant Care Tips

Light Requirements

Air plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive filtered sunlight, but avoid direct exposure to harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Watering

Since air plants absorb moisture through their leaves, misting alone is often insufficient. Instead, submerge the plants in room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes once or twice a week. After soaking, shake off excess water and place them upside down in a well-ventilated area to prevent rot.

Humidity

Air plants prefer environments with moderate to high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, increase humidity by misting the plants more frequently or placing them near a humidifier.

Air Circulation

Good air circulation is essential for preventing moisture buildup and rot. Ensure that your air plants are placed in open, airy locations rather than enclosed containers.

Temperature

Keep air plants in temperatures ranging between 10°C to 32°C. They don’t tolerate frost, so ensure they are kept indoors during cold weather.

Fertilisation

Use a specialised air plant or bromeliad fertiliser diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season. This helps boost growth and encourages blooming.

Cleaning

Occasionally rinse your air plants under running water to remove dust and debris from the leaves. This helps maintain healthy photosynthesis and improves moisture absorption.

Bloom and Pups

Air plants bloom only once in their lifetime, but they produce pups (offsets) afterward. Once the mother plant dies, you can separate the pups when they are about one-third the size of the parent plant, or leave them to form a clump.