Plant Care– Plantes Montreal

General Plant Care Instructions

Healthy plants don't have to be complicated. A little light, the right amount of water, and some basic know-how go a long way. Here's what our team wants every plant parent to know, whether you're just starting out or filling out a growing collection.

Light

Think bright and indirect, like your plant wants a good seat by the window, not a front row spot in direct sun. Too little light and it'll sulk, slow growth, pale leaves, general moodiness. Too much and it'll get sunburned, literally. Give it a quarter turn every few weeks so it doesn't lean too hard toward the light like it's trying to escape.

Watering

Skip the calendar, check the soil instead. Stick a finger in, if the top inch or two is dry, it's time to water. If it's still damp, walk away. Overwatering kills more houseplants than neglect ever does, so let the excess drain out completely and never let your plant sit in a puddle.

Humidity

A lot of our favorite houseplants are tropical at heart, they grew up somewhere far more humid than your living room, especially in a Montreal winter. Cluster a few plants together, set up a pebble tray, or run a small humidifier nearby. Basically, give them a little taste of home.

Soil & Repotting

Good drainage is non-negotiable. Repot every year or two, or whenever roots start circling the bottom like they're planning an escape. When you size up, go just one pot bigger, not three. A pot that's too roomy holds too much water for too long, and soggy roots are not a good time.

Feeding (Fertilizer)

Feed during the growing season, spring through early fall, with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Come winter, put the fertilizer away. Your plant is resting, not growing, and feeding a dormant plant is like offering someone a snack while they're asleep.

Specific Plant Instructions

Aroids (Monstera, Golden Pothos, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, English Ivy)

This is the family behind most of our best sellers. Aroids are famously forgiving, they tolerate a range of light conditions and don't mind if you occasionally forget to water.

Do: Let the soil dry out between waterings. Give them bright, indirect light, though they'll tolerate lower light without complaint. Wipe dust off big leaves so they can actually breathe.

Don't: Water on a schedule just because it's Sunday. Don't panic over the occasional forgotten week, these plants are built for busy people.

Tropical Plants (Money Tree, Peace Lily, Calathea, Bird of Paradise)

Tropicals like it warm, bright, and a little humid, basically the opposite of a Montreal winter. They're a bit needier than succulents, but nothing dramatic.

Do: Water once the top inch of soil dries out. Mist occasionally or group with other plants if your home runs dry. Keep them somewhere warm and bright.

Don't: Place near a drafty window or heating vent, sudden temperature swings stress them out fast. Don't let them sit in a cold room over winter.

Succulents (Jade Plant, Aloe Vera)

These are the low-maintenance overachievers of the plant world. Their thick leaves store water, so when in doubt, don't water, overwatering is basically the only way to go wrong here.

Do: Give them bright light and well-draining soil. Water deeply, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again, think weeks, not days.

Don't: Water on impulse because the soil looks dry on top. Don't keep them in a low-light corner, they'll stretch out and get leggy reaching for the sun.

Ferns (Boston Fern, Foxtail Fern)

Ferns want consistent moisture and higher humidity than most houseplants. If the tips start browning, it's usually a humidity issue, not a watering one.

Do: Keep the soil consistently moist and give them higher humidity than most of your other plants. Bright, indirect light is ideal.

Don't: Let the soil fully dry out, ferns don't bounce back from that the way succulents do. Don't put them in direct sun, it'll scorch the fronds fast.

Still have questions?

Reach out, we're happy to help - contact us!

Or book a studio visit and we'll walk you through it in person, plant by plant. Booking page.