Bringing a new plant home is an exciting thing, and there are a few things you need on hand to get started. In this post, I’ll list all the no-fuss needs for every beginner. I would consider all of these to be essentials and, most importantly, budget friendly. You might be surprised to find that many of these items are already lying around your house!
Spray Bottles
Spray bottles are incredibly useful for plant maintenance. They’re perfect for misting leaves to clean them, increase humidity, or apply homemade sprays for pest control. Glass spray bottles are my favorite, but plastic ones are more budget-friendly and serve the purpose just as well.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn’t just for cleaning wounds; it’s also a fantastic tool for preventing pests in your plants. It can help with root health and even oxygenate the soil. It’s an absolute workhorse and is affordable – with the added plus that you probably have some in a cabinet already.
Isopropyl Alcohol
For direct pest control, isopropyl alcohol is your go-to. You can dab it on leaves or stems where pests are visible, providing an immediate and effective remedy. Again, the price is hard to beat, and more than likely you have some on hand.
Essential Oils
Oils like peppermint, cinnamon, or clove can be mixed into sprays for natural pest prevention. They not only keep bugs at bay but also add a pleasant scent to your home. I keep these in my home regularly so having yet another application for them is a plus for me.
Castile Soap
If you, like me, already have Castile soap, you’re halfway there. It’s excellent for cleaning plant leaves and deterring pests. I particularly enjoy using peppermint-scented Castile soap for its scent, and peppermint is naturally a pest deterrent.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a must-have for any plant lover. It’s effective for making your own pest and plant cleaning sprays. It is touted as a fungicide, insecticide and miticide. Because of its versatility and relatively low cost, I would consider this a must-have.
Systemic Granules
These granules are a scentless, cost-effective way to prevent pests from settling in your plant’s soil. They are an easy way to help ensure your plants stay unaffected by pests.
Fertilizer:
Plants need feeding, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). Liquid fertilizers are convenient and easy to apply. Look for balanced fertilizers with numbers like 4-5-5; these all-purpose options are usually good for a wide variety of plants. While you can get fertilizers for specific plant types, I prefer to use all-purpose products.
Potting Soil
As your plants grow, you’ll need quality potting soil. Whether you choose plant-specific mixes or go for an all-purpose blend, adding perlite can enhance drainage and oxygenation.
Chopsticks
An unconventional but practical use for chopsticks is to check soil moisture. Ensure you use uncoated, plain chopsticks for this application.
By keeping these essentials around, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful plant parent. Healthy houseplants start with the right tools. Stay tuned for Part Two, where I delve into supplies that are nice to have but essential for next-level plant care.
Download my Houseplant Supplies & Care Tips PDF here
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Beth Makes | Coffee Paper Flowers 
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