Are you a Plant Rookie or Expert Plant Parent?
Let’s put your plant care knowledge to the test! Tell us if you think the next statements are myths or facts. No matter how you score, we'll match you with the right plants and tools.
Myth or Fact?
Brown or yellow leaves mean my plant is dying.
It depends!
Yellow or brown leaves might mean your plant is struggling but can be a symptom of a few issues, so you’ll need to investigate. This could be a sign of under or over-watering, a pest problem, or even a nutrient-deficiency. You may just need to repot, change humidity levels, or increase the lighting. We recommend you start by paying close attention to your care routine to figure out what’s causing the discoloration.
Tap water is bad for my plant.
It depends!
Tap water is usually fine, but some plants are more delicate than others. We recommend reading your plant care guide for information on watering or researching your specific plant via our Plant Care Guides.
If I put rocks at the bottom of my pot, I don’t need drainage holes.
Not quite...
Despite what you may have heard, this one’s a myth. Putting rocks in the bottom your pot won’t necessarily keep the roots out of sitting water, and may even raise the water level at the bottom. The best way to prevent root rot is to use a pot with good drainage and a hole at the bottom, so excess water can run through.
That's right!
Putting rocks in the bottom your pot won’t necessarily keep the roots out of sitting water, and may even raise the water level at the bottom. The best way to prevent root rot is to use a pot with good drainage and a hole at the bottom, so excess water can run through.
If I’m repotting my plant, I should go up one size at a time.
Actually, that's a fact!
A bigger pot isn’t always better, but if your plant is outgrowing its pot, you should only go up one size at a time. Plant Mom recommends finding a new pot that is only 2” bigger than the last pot.
That’s right!
A bigger pot isn’t always better, but if your plant is outgrowing its pot, you should only go up one size at a time. Plant Mom recommends finding a new pot that is only 2” bigger than the last pot.
It’s important to water my plants on a strict schedule.
This one's a myth!
You should only water your plants when they need it. When’s that? It depends on the plant, but Plant Mom recommends getting your hands dirty by sticking a finger in the soil to check for dryness. Also, it’s best to water your plant thoroughly less often than giving it a little bit of water all the time — yes, even for succulents & cacti! Thorough watering encourages healthy roots to develop in the soil.
You're right!
You should only water your plants when they need it. When’s that? It depends on the plant, but Plant Mom recommends getting your hands dirty by sticking a finger in the soil to check for dryness. Also, it’s best to water your plant thoroughly less often than giving it a little bit of water all the time — yes, even for succulents & cacti! Thorough watering encourages healthy roots to develop in the soil.
There’s no such thing as over-fertilizing my plant.
You're right!
Over-fertilizing your plant can cause fertilizer burn. Fertilizer only helps your plant grow, but on its own, it can’t make your plant grow without the other right conditions to help it thrive.
Actually, that's a myth!
Over-fertilizing your plant can cause fertilizer burn. Fertilizer only helps your plant grow, but on its own, it can’t make your plant grow without the other right conditions to help it thrive.
Trimming my plant is good for it.
Actually, that's true!
Contrary to what many believe, trimming is good for your plant’s overall health. Just like a hair cut, giving your plant a trim helps encourage new, fuller growth. It’s especially important to trim off any brown and dry, yellow, or damaged leaves.
You're right!
Contrary to what many believe, trimming is good for your plant’s overall health. Just like a hair cut, giving your plant a trim helps encourage new, fuller growth. It’s especially important to trim off any brown and dry, yellow, or damaged leaves.
I shouldn’t put plants in my bedroom because they release carbon dioxide.
Definitely a myth!
Plants respire as humans do, emitting carbon dioxide at night as a reverse response to photosynthesis when they convert carbon dioxide to oxygen during the day. In small amounts, carbon dioxide is relatively harmless. In fact, people and pets release more carbon dioxide than plants do! It's safe to add some greenery to your space. Plants in the bedroom makes the space feel even cozier!
I need to clean my plants’ leaves.
It depends!
Regularly cleaning your leaves can help keep away dust and pests, but how often you do is up to you! If you choose to clean your plant’s leaves, we recommend using a vinegar and water combination to keep your plants looking healthy. Cleaning the leaves will help your plant photosynthesize (that’s a good thing) and encourage growth!
I need a green thumb to take good care of my plants.
You're right!
Anybody can be a plant parent, you just need to learn how to take care of them! Plants need the right amount of attention, so get to know your plant to figure out its unique needs. Download our plant care app Vera to keep track of your plant care routine and your leafy friends’ progress.
Actually, that's a myth!
Anybody can be a plant parent, you just need to learn how to take care of them! Plants need the right amount of attention, so get to know your plant to figure out its unique needs. Download our plant care app Vera to keep track of your plant care routine and your leafy friends’ progress.
Thanks for playing!
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