Are you really a share houser if you haven’t been through the circle of life with a house plant? Nothing makes a millennial feel more accomplished than keeping a house plant alive.

^{Image: Pablo Veiga}

Right now, we’re obsessed with plants. They bring nature into the home, they make us calm and that little bit of greenery really makes the scenery. But with Covid-19 upon us, this is the first time that most of us have had time to actually look after the plants we own. And if you’re isolating in an apartment and longing for the great outdoors, a little greenery can go a long way.

Luckily for you faltering plant mammas, Flatmates.com.au are giving you our Top Plant Parenting Tips so that your lil succies, Monsteras and Rubber Trees survive the winter, and thrive through Spring!

Choose wisely

We all want that Insta-worthy Boston Fern to hang in the lounge room. But if you don’t have the right amount of humidity, and balance of sun and shade then that little leafy friend will die. Pick the right plants for the right locations based on what they need in terms of light, air quality and watering. Do your research and most importantly, start small. If ghosting is your thing, think low-commitment, low-maintenance succulents as a first choice and don’t forget plant food. Most supermarkets sell it, so you won’t even need to go out of your way.

A forest for free

FYI plant babies can be expensive. A 1.2m Fiddly Fig that looks divine on Pinterest can set you back a mean $200 and let’s face it, who can afford that right now?

Instead, learn how to make cuttings from existing plants and you’ll save big bucks. Every plant is different, but generally speaking if you make your cutting at the end of a stem, just after a node or aerial root, you’ll give your plant the best chance at a new life. Place this cutting in a glass jar, swapping the water every 4 days. Wait until the roots start to germinate and BAM PLANT THAT BABY PLANT BABY.

Holiday hacks

If your flatmates can’t even feed themselves, you probably don’t want to leave your plant babies in their care while you’re on vacay. Unlike your flatmates, most plants don’t like Mi Goreng. (Holidays will return at some stage and you will need these tips then we promise).

Instead, a great idea is to use ice blocks to water your plants as the water is absorbed at a slower rate. You can also place plants in a semi filled bathtub or in buckets out on the front porch. Just be sure to not drown your plants. If you’re going away for a week, two centimetres of water should do it. Remember, drinking in excess can cause severe health problems – for you and your plants. So do you research on the best technique for your plant.

Love thy neighbour

You know your Greek neighbour with the amazing lemon tree? Chances are they know a thing or two about plants and gardening. Ask them for pruning and repotting tips, or their home fertiliser recipe. Use online resources – Facebook groups, Instagram and Pinterest are all home to avid plant mum communities. Got a friend with a healthy-looking Chain of Hearts? Be bold and ask for a cutting! After all, the more plants you have around, the better.

Potting pretty

Need to repot a plant that’s outgrown its current home? Or pot up some cuttings that have put out roots? Newsflash: you don’t need to spend hundreds on fancy pottery at a garden centre. You can do it for free — even in lockdown!

Old colanders, mugs, bowls and teapots all make quirky and attractive planters (depending, of course, on how stylish those items were to begin with). In fact, you can plant in anything from old boots to bathtubs, so get creative and spruce up your surrounds — without spending a cent. Have fun!

See, a bit of greenery does make the scenery! 2020 maybe a sucky year but that doesn’t mean you cant turn your house into a lush, green haven.