If you’re a plant parent, you know how rewarding it is to see your houseplants thrive—and the right houseplant tools can make all the difference. Keeping them happy and healthy takes more than just sunlight and water. The proper tools will make a difference in how you keep your babies strong and beautiful. In my opinion, here are the top three things every plant parent should have to make their house plants happy.
Moisture Meter
The most frequent mistakes made by plant parents involve over- and underwatering. A moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering, showing just how much moisture is in the soil. This tool is super helpful for plants that are particularly finicky with their watering needs-such as succulents or fiddle leaf figs.
How to Use: Insert the probe into the soil near the root zone. The meter will give you a reading from dry to wet. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Make sure you do not leave the meter in your plant for an extended period of time and wipe it off after each use for more consistent readings.
Why It’s Essential: Consistent soil moisture levels prevent root rot or root dehydration and keep your plants thriving.
Humidifier
Many popular houseplants, such as monstera, calathea, and ferns, enjoy high-humidity conditions. Unfortunately, most indoor spaces are too dry, especially during winter months. A humidifier will keep the perfect humidity for your tropical plants.
How to Use: Place the humidifier near your plants and set it to 40-60% humidity. Be careful not to over-saturate the air, which will encourage mold.
Why It’s Important: Proper humidity prevents brown leaf tips and provides healthy, vibrant, full foliage.
Grow Light
Not every home is perfect for growing indoor plants. But with a grow light, your plants will receive the right amount of light for photosynthesis and thrive in darker areas.
How to use: Place the grow light 6-12 inches above your plant and follow the recommended number of hours to use on your plant. Most plants do great with 10-12 hours of light per day.
Why You Need It: Grow lights are very helpful during the winter months or for areas in your house that don’t have much daylight coming in. They contain a complete spectrum of light just like sunlight, helping plants to grow strong and healthy.
Now that you have your key houseplant tools in place, make sure you check out the primary factors that keep your plants happy. For the basics on light, watering, soil, and other essential care information, head over to my post, The Most Important Things You Need to Know About Houseplants. As long as you have the the right tools and knowledge, your plants will be happier and healthier than ever!