This Week in Houseplants

Winter is coming...

My plants are all back inside, so of COURSE the weather is beautiful atm.

It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s fine.

I managed to navigate an entire season repotting only one plant. I filmed it, extremely hungover, so watch that if you want to watch me DIY some potting mix from random stuff I have, into a grubby pot I brought in from outside.

I had planned to repot my Monstera Dubiab because it got thrips and lost most of its leaves so it looked ridiculous in a mahoosive pot. When I went to get it from the pot I discovered it had no roots. Not one.

Oops.

I’ve put it into some water with some already rooting cuttings (let’s hope Hoya roots produce rooting hormone as effectively as Pothos), but they are sad, sad, cuttings.

If nothing else, it’ll be a lovely surprise if it roots.

A few of the Facebook groups I’m in discuss buying tiny tissue culture plants. It’s not something I’ve ever done, because they require a level of care I have no interest in providing BUT like everything else in the world there are good options and scammers.

This video is great for people looking to buy from tissue culture sellers:

Looking for a way to spend an hour on a cosy night? This video is a collection of houseplant tours from some of the greats.

Disclaimer before you watch: Summer Rayne Oakes’ chicken is very cute, but they are terrible indoor pets. I have to tell myself this every time I see that damn hen. And every duck that graces my TikTok feed:

If you get a chicken, I will not take the blame. I’m no poultry influencer.

Has anyone read this book? It’s called Houseplant HortOCCULTure and it’s about…magic and plants? I think? I’ve not read it but I am INTRIGUED.

I was kinda hoping for the type of magic that self-watering plant pots promise but don’t deliver, but since the description recommends adding crystals to your watering can, I assume it’s not that easy. Not that I have an issue with crystals, I just want to be able to do away with the watering can altogether.

I hope you have a great weekend. I’ve written ‘water my plants’ in my diary for Friday night, so I can spend the weekend sitting down. I highly recommend Friday nights for plant watering because it frees up the weekend but isn’t exactly arduous.

Join me if you’re free (you know, in spirit. Don’t just rock up).

Kind regards

Caroline

(I always have such a strong urge to end these emails with a ‘kind regards’ because my day job involves an ungodly amount of emails. Also, I think it’s a nice phrase. My regards are kind, and a bit more kindness never hurt anyone)