If a plant dies fast, it might be getting too much water. Make sure it’s getting enough light and only water when the top part of the soil is dry. My Birkin gets good light, and I water it about once a week or every week and a half.
@Darcy
Thanks! I always check the soil when I bring a new plant home to see if it has been watered recently, but it’s hard for me to tell if it needs water or if it’s just drying out.
Lex said:
@Darcy
Thanks! I always check the soil when I bring a new plant home to see if it has been watered recently, but it’s hard for me to tell if it needs water or if it’s just drying out.
That can be tricky! Sometimes, people overwater their plants when they buy them. Also, I’d avoid misting since many plant care sites suggest it, but it doesn’t help much and could lead to fungus if the leaves stay wet. As long as the plant gets enough light and you water it roughly every week, it should do well! If it’s still wet after a week, consider moving it to a brighter spot. Birkins are so beautiful; my first plant was a Birkin too.
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Jensen said:
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This is the best advice and the hardest to follow.
If your plants are dying just days after you get them, they likely weren’t healthy to start with. Here’s a tip for future plant shopping: always check water levels and soil condition. I aim for plants that need watering without any signs of mold or pests on the top or bottom of the soil. Also, look at the leaves for bugs. This has saved me from making bad purchases and reduced the chance of pests. If you see a great deal on rare plants, I wouldn’t blame you for taking a chance, but be ready to repot.
When it comes to caring for new plants, always quarantine. I let a new plant stay separate from my other plants for a couple weeks before determining if it’s safe to introduce it. As I mentioned earlier, since I buy dry plants, I wipe down the leaves and water it within a week of bringing it home. I always use filtered water and ensure I buy plants in nursery pots to drain properly for about an hour before placing them in decorative pots. Make sure to research during this quarantine period to see if the plant has specific needs. I always check for toxicity where my cat is concerned and if the plant’s light needs match the area I’m filling. In-depth research can reveal specific drainage or moisture needs.
Wes said:
@Laken
Thanks for posting this! I’ve lost plants shortly after getting them, so I will definitely follow your tips.
Yes, I tend to have that experience buying from chain stores. You get excited over the price, but then you see how poorly they treat their plants. It’s rare, but I have found some places with knowledgeable staff. Usually, I just go to a local garden shop that costs a bit more but offers much healthier plants.
@Laken
Appreciate it!
@Laken
I really appreciate all the advice you shared. It shows you care.
Step one is always quarantine. You want to avoid bringing pests into your space. This is especially true if you get plants from big box stores like Canadian Tire or Walmart. They don’t take pest issues seriously.
@Lennon
Definitely agree. After a bad spider mite problem, I always quarantine now!
I try to avoid direct sunlight. And as others have said, don’t overwater them. Make sure they don’t sit in water.
I usually just read the basics about the plant’s light requirements and try not to water too often.
Always ensure the pot has drainage holes! Often, pots come without them, making overwatering much easier.
Oakley said:
Always ensure the pot has drainage holes! Often, pots come without them, making overwatering much easier.
I can’t stand when plants don’t come in proper nursery pots, it always leads to issues!
Respectfully, if your plants die just days after purchasing, take a break from buying until you understand why. For your Birkin, don’t repot for at least a month, provide it with medium filtered light, and only water when it’s almost dry.
Jensen said:
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I’m not sure either. I struggle to tell if my plant is wilting from a lack of water or from overwatering.