1. Apartment Walkabout
Start by looking at your space. Big or small, everyones home has a space for a plant.
‘Do you have a sunny spot?’
‘Do you have a space that’s well aerated?’
‘Is the empty space just right for that needed lush of green?’
‘Do you have a ledge, window sill, flat surface where you can place your plants without the cat coming over to tip it?’
Well, if your answer is yes to all these questions, you are ready to start your plant gang 🙌🏽
2. Best Plants For You
Now that you’ve identified a spot, think about what plants you love.
If you are clueless, I’d suggest you do a little research. For example are florals your favourite (fed up of buying fresh cut?), or as a novice, you may want to try succulents because you are sure you have the ‘black thumb syndrome’.
Or perhaps you are a ‘plant warrior’, and want to make the brave leap to try some regal golden palms at the balcony, a bunch of rare and exotic begonias on the patio alongside a blue myrtle on the front step?
Well, know they self.
Pick a plant species and then buy one or two to see how that goes. My suggestion is that at first, you go for fewer plants, get the hang of taking care of these before adding more. Newbie plant parents should go for the hardier, easy-to-care -for-and–water-once-a-week plants. That way, even when watering is forgotten, the plant is forgiving.
3. Cost and Value
Yes. This is a big one. Luckily, there is a plant for everyones pocket size so have your budget. Also find out where to purchase the plants.
If you are in the city and want to get them delivered to you, are going for quality, we definitely recommend you start your shopping experience here.
Make comparisons online, search for ‘exotic plants Kenya’, or ‘where to buy fruit trees in Nairobi’ and believe it or not, you will get some good options coming up.
Keen brands offer their customers a bargain. So find who offers the best value for money.
Ask yourself, ‘Do I pay extra for delivery if I shop for goods worth a certain amount?’
‘Is there an offer or promotion?’
‘What size are they selling that particular plant?’
‘Does it come potted or unpotted?’
4. Do Not Kill The Plant
One of the mistakes that plant parents do (poor new moms and dads) is they don’t ask how they shall take care of the plant. They get so excited after the purchase and do a trial and error run with their plants. Do make sure when you are purchasing the plant, that you have the exact instructions of how to care of it.
Each plant is different. Some need more sun than others. Others need more watering than others. Some need feeding more frequently or a different type soil when doing the annual top up. Ask the vendor all your concerns to avoid premium tears.
5. Empathize
Talk to your plants 😁
Sing to them.
Treat them with love.
Regularly check on them, to know when they are thirsty for water and/or need an occasional feeding.
Prune them once in a while to trigger healthy growth.
Check for pests.
Treat them like your sweetheart.
Give them loads of sun.
In a few months, your babies shall do you proud.
6. Full Circle back to steps 1 – 5.
Simple.