We want you to have all the tools and confidence to have all the plants your heart desires! Whether you are a beginner or a practiced plant parent, here is how we’ve learned to speak Plant through our own research and experiments over the years. 

What Your Plant is Trying to Tell You:

1. "I have a watering problem!"  

Cacti and Succulents

• Is the soil still wet? If so, your cacti or succulents were over-watered.
• Does the plant look wrinkled or dry? Make sure your cacti are not being under-watered.
• If the center of your plant looks like it is dark or if leaves rot off it is usually from watering on top of a cactus or succulent. We recommend watering into the sand or soil. 

  Houseplants

• Does it have yellowing leaves? This is a sign of overwatering.
• Is it wilted? This is a sign of under watering.

   All Plants

• If the soil of your plant is still wet it does not need to be watered again.
• Does the soil look like it is growing fungus? This is a sign of overwatering and it can usually be stopped with peroxide 10% to 90% water solution.

 2. "I'm not in the correct type of light!" 

  All Plants

• Is the plant leaning towards light? - You can rotate your plant  each time you water it if it's leaning towards the window or you move them to a sunnier spot.
• Make sure your plant is not in direct sun.
• Not sure what different types of light actually look like? Learn all about them in our blog How to *actually* understand types of indoor light. 

  Houseplants

• Variegated plants will lose they’re variegation if they do not have enough light, pink houseplants will lose their pink, and monstera deliciosas will lose the holes in their leaves. Some plants start to look translucent because they are losing chlorophyll. If your plant is making a large visual change it could be a lack of sun!

 3. "I don't like being next to a vent or window!" 

  All Plants

• Cold or hot air can damage a plant's leaves, cause water to evaporate faster or slower, and can stress your plants. Make sure they are in a spot where they are getting what they need and are comfortable.

 4. "I want to be dusted or cleaned!"

  Houseplants

• Houseplant leaves need to be dusted. Make sure to dust off your plants every once and a while. Personally, we love these dusting gloves. 

  Cacti and Succulents

• Cacti and succulents can turn brown where they have soil caked onto their base. These plants have less need for dusting but can be dusted with an old paintbrush or toothbrush as desired.

 5. "I'm just not looking too hot!"

  Cacti and Succulents

• It is normal for succulents to lose some bottom leaves and make new ones out of the center of the plant. Make sure the center of your plant looks healthy. Dead leaves can be delicately removed by pulling them off with your fingers or cutting them off with clean scissors or plant snips.
• Does your cactus have dark colored damage on top? This is a sign of sunburn. Make sure your cactus is not in direct sun. It is a myth that cacti and succulents need full sun.

  Houseplants

• It is normal for houseplants to lose some leaves and to grow new ones. Dead leaves can be trimmed off with clean scissors or delicately removed with hands.

These are our tips for what your plant is trying to tell you! Add these to your routine and you’ll speak plants in no time! If you have any questions about plant care you can see more information on the plants we specialize in on our blog or ask us a question at care@tierrasolstudio.com 

Xo,

Seana