12 Products That’ll Actually Keep Your Plants Alive

So you went ahead and invested in a plant. Or three. Or ten. And now you’ve got to keep them alive. Well, take a deep breath. The rewards of (plant) parenting can be great. 

We’re here to help you along the way. From your plant’s first flower...to their graduation into a bigger pot. Oh, they grow up so fast.

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For when you consider yourself a plant newbie…

Start with the basics. Aka a plant that doesn’t require constant sun or lots of water. Snake plants are pretty resilient, and can thrive at room temperature with low light. So you don’t have to worry about killing it immediately. Phew. ($44, Ansel & Ivy)

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For when you always forget when you last watered…

There’s an app for that. Literally. Consider Vera your plant nanny. It’ll send watering reminders to your phone and allows you to keep track of your plant’s particular needs. We’re rooting for you. (Free to download from the App Store)

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For when you impulse buy a ton of plants but no planters…

Oops. Remember your plant babies need good homes. These pots and saucers are made from Italian terracotta clay. So they’re frost-resistant, durable, and can withstand the outdoors. They feature drainage holes, too. When’s move-in day? ($24+, Terrain)

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For when you’re committed to being a plant parent for the long term…

Educate yourself. This guide will help you learn some basics. Like how to properly water, what kind of soil you need, how much light is necessary to keep your plant alive. It’ll also help you learn warning signs of a sick plant and what to do to nurse it back to health. Read up. ($6.99+, Amazon)

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For when you learn that your plant only needs misting…

Buy a spray bottle. Time to cater to their needs. Kids are soooo high maintenance these days. ($12.99+, Amazon)

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For when your plant needs some extra light to grow…

Hello lightbulbs. This one is designed to produce low heat and mimics natural light. It also provides a balanced spectrum so your plant can really grow. It appears white to the eye so it won’t disrupt your home’s decor. Plug it in, plug it in. ($10.88, Amazon)

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For when you own a wide variety of plants…

Mark ‘em. Wait...what type of succulent is that? There are multiple types of rubber trees? Say aloe to keeping track of your green babies. ($16/set of 10, Terrain)

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For when your plants are lacking nutrients…

Feed ‘em. It’s as easy as adding a spike to the dirt. Your plant will be fed for up to two months. BTW, these are ideal for indoor plants including ficus trees, snake plants, crotons, spider plants, and pothos. ($2.99/set of 24, Amazon)

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For when your plant has trouble standing up straight…

Provide a support. So they don’t topple over. These picks are waterproof and will blend in with your plant’s coloring. We dig it. ($7.99+/set of 25, Amazon)

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For when you see some dust collecting on leaves…

Cleaning time. Get rid of parasites and dirt so your green baby can thrive. Its eco-friendly formula helps to nourish the leaves, leaving behind a shine and barrier against pests. ($19.95, The Grommet)

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For when it’s time for you to take a little vacation…

Keep your plants watered. These globes will do the work for you. All you’ve got to do is fill and press them into the soil. Your plant will absorb the water over a two week period. So you can go about your business. ($9.98/set of three, The Home Depot)

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For when you’ve got some insects buzzing around…

Trap ‘em. These sticky tabs attract and trap whiteflies, fungus gnats, blackflies, fruit flies, midges, and other yucky bugs. So your plant can stay in tip-top shape. Huzzah. ($5.09, Amazon)

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PS: These are editorially selected, but if you purchase, theSkimm may get something in return. 

PPS: If something’s out of stock, oops, it was there when we published. And we apologize for any shipping delays due to COVID-19. Thanks.

Skimm'd by Alexandra Napoli, Jessica Kelly