I used to think houseplants were simple—just soil, water, and light. Turns out, they’re picky little roommates with opinions on pots, humidity, and even what bugs they’ll tolerate. Over time I’ve gone from plant-curious to full-blown plant lady, and ...
Sections
7
Pots and Planters
Soil Mix supplies
War on Fungus Gnats
Crazy Plant Lady Must Haves
Influencers
Beginner Plants
Pots and Planters
Choosing the right pot is your first step toward thriving plants—drainage, transparency, and health checks built-in.
So you can actually see when the soil dries or roots are getting wild—no more surprise root rot. These are my go-to for repotting newbies. You can always put them in a cute planter.
Bluepro 36-Pack Clear Nursery Pots Variety
Classic, breathable, and the best fix if you tend to overwater. They practically sip moisture for you.
Pennington 4.0-in W x 5.0-in L Orange Clay Indoor/Outdoor Self Watering Planter
These are the best propagation stations for your window!
Better Homes & Gardens Glass and Wood Propagation Station Set, 11.3 in L x 4.3 in W x 5.5 in H
Walmart is great for low cost decorative planters to put your clear nursery pots in especially at the end of the summer when they go on clearance!
Google
Soil Mix supplies
This is my favorite low cost potting soil
Schultz® Potting Soil Mix - 2 cu. ft.
Great potting soil base mix
Burpee 9 Qt Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix
Best candidates for adding horticultural charcoal to your soil:
Orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, hoyas (epiphytes and semi-epiphytes).
Plants prone to root rot or needing “sweetened” soil.
TOYPOPOR Horticultural Charcoal 1Quart
Orchid bark is chunky, airy, and drains quickly. It’s best for plants that naturally grow on trees (epiphytes) or for those that hate being in dense, soggy soil.
Plants that do well with orchid bark mixed in to the soil:
Orchids (of course!) – Pha...
Sun Bulb Better Gro 4-Quart Orchid Bark
Worm castings are basically a gentle, slow-release superfood for plants — full of microbes, trace minerals, and organic matter. Most plants love them, but some benefit more than others.
Plants that benefit most from worm castings
Leafy green lovers...
True Organic Worm Castings - Natural Fertilizer
Sometimes adding extra perlite to your mix helps plants with drainage
Miracle-Gro Perlite, 8 qt., Improves Drainage and Aeration in Potting Mixes
War on Fungus Gnats
Works great for attracting and trapping adult gnats
40 Pcs Yellow Sticky Traps for Flying Insects
Use regularly as directed to continue to kill gnats in all stages of
Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control 8oz
Use to battle larvae
Summit 116-12 Quick Kill Mosquito Bits, 8-Ounce
Use regularly!
Neem Oil Spray with Peppermint Plant Wash
These are great for attracting bugs and keeping them off your plants.
Flying Insect Trap 20PCS Glue Boards w/ UV Light
Crazy Plant Lady Must Haves
Great for keeping your counter clean during winter repotting or general plant maintenance
Owl Focus PE Waterproof Repotting Mat 39.4x39.4
When I first saw these I thought they were dumb. Now I see what a huge benefit dusting your plant leaves is for photosynthesis!
Molain Microfiber Dusting Gloves Reusable
When I first saw these I thought: that’s nothing a fork, a spoon and a dollar store scoop can’t do. I finally gave in and these tools work so much better for potting and maintaining small plants.
5 Pcs Mini Garden Tool Set for Succulents
These are awesome for pinning bald leggy pothos strands down so the nodes can grow roots and make it a fuller plant.
100pcs 1.7in Floral U-Pins for Crafts
I don’t trust Miracle Grow soil anymore after a long battle with the gnats I bought with it but I do love their plant food!
Miracle-Gro Succulent 8-fl oz 0.5-1-1 Liquid Indoor Plant Food
Influencers
By far my favorite influencer for advice!
PlantswithKrystal on TikTok
Another plant queen
Paige Tailyn on TikTok
Tanner gives great tips!
TannerThePlanter on TikTok
Beginner Plants
These are so fun to propagate and easy to take care of.
Pothos: Plant Care & Growing Guide - Houseplants
This was the gateway plant for me! Someone gave me a pup in a shot glass and now I have a forest.
