Need a guide to your house plants? Yeah, us too. We slid into Art Terrarium’s DMs so much with our own plant questions that we finally just got them to sit down and answer questions over dinner.
Meeting with self-professed plant nerds Molly, Sydney, and Hannah was intimidating for plant noobs like us. Luckily, they see education as the best part of their jobs at Art Terrarium. One of the house plant shop’s core values is that “houseplants are for everyone.” No matter your skill level or space available, they make sure their customers leave feeling knowledgeable and confident in caring for their new plant babes. Frankly, it’s completely true.
Molly and Sydney, Self-Professed Plant Nerds
We sat down and asked them some of our random questions about the new plant babies we’ve acquired and asked them some questions from you all, submitted on Instagram stories! Take a look at their responses below.
What are good houseplants for rooms that have no direct sunlight?
Sansevieria or “snake” plant
Any type of Sansevieria (Snake Plant) or ZZ Plant are perfect!
What are the best houseplants for indirect sunlight?
You have lots of options! Many plants benefit from varying levels of indirect light. Some examples are dracaena, money trees, palms, begonias, peperomia, philodendron, pothos, and ivy.
Hint: you can filter plants on Art Terrarium’s website by low light so you don’t have to remember these names!
Any plants recommended for putting outside for the summer versus always staying indoors?
Yucca canes, hibiscus trees, wandering dudes, spider plants, and polka dot plants to name a few!
What are some signs that things aren’t going right with a plant?
There could be tons of things! If you see any yellowing or crisping of leaves, that could be a sign of things going wrong, but for varying reasons. The experts says to just DM them with any questions that you have so that they can assess the type of plant and it’s position in your home to give the best advice!
What is succulent-specific soil and why is it important?
Soil is meant to mimic the natural environment of the plant. For succulents, that natural environment is more dry, rocky, and sandy than others. For that reason, we sell a specific soil that mimics that desert soil better.
What about plants that are safe for fur babies?
There are many: several types of palms, cast iron plants, and zebra plants. You can filter by “pet-friendly” on Art Terrarium’s website too!
How do you keep a fiddle fig alive?
There are a few steps to take here. Keep a small humidifier next to it and use only distilled water. Do not move it around and place it away from drafts, vents, and doors. In terms of light, fiddle figs like bright, indirect light like in a room with south-facing windows, but not directly in front of a window. Of course, make sure to have the proper drainage as well!
How do I revive a dying birds of paradise palm?
HUMIDITY! Get a cheap humidifier and put it right next to it. Place in front of any window.
We found that people like the feeling of taking care of something, especially when you’re stuck indoors at home. – Molly, Plant Expert at Art Terrarium and Owner of 220 Plants
How do you know when to repot?
There’s a couple signs to look for! First, if you see roots growing out of the bottom of the pot. Second, if you notice the water running straight through the pot when watering. This means there’s not enough soil to retain the water. Lastly, if you’ve had the plant for at least a year and it has suddenly taken a turn for the worse, try repotting!
How should you clean dusty leaves?
Simply use a paper towel or clean cloth and water. You can also use neem oil to prevent pests and spots, and to make them shine!
Art Terrarium is already celebrating its four year anniversary! Before the pandemic hit, Art Terrarium was building a space for community with workshops and events held on-site to align with another core value: where plants meet people. This year, that vision will come to life again as in-person workshops and classes will resume post-pandemic! Start shopping now with Art Terrarium’s easy-to-use online order system. Or, go say hey in person at 106 11th St. Des Moines, IA 50309.
