The First Steps: How to Care for a New Plant When You Get Home

As a plant mom, there’s nothing more exciting than bringing home a new green addition. But like any new family member, a new plant requires a little extra attention and care, especially in the early days. Here are the steps you can take as a caring plant mom to ensure your new plant settles in quickly and thrives.

1. Welcome Home: The First Inspection

When you get home, it is important to inspect your new plant thoroughly. Check for damage to the leaves or branches and check the health of the plant. Pay particular attention to:

• Leaves: Check that the leaves look fresh and green, with no brown spots or edges.
• Roots: Gently lift the plant out of the pot to inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or light brown, not mushy or black.

Why? This initial examination will help you see if your plant needs extra care. If you notice anything, you can take immediate action to address any issues.

2. The Perfect Place: Light and Location

Now that your plant has been inspected, it is time to choose a suitable spot in your home. Ficus (and most other houseplants) like bright, indirect light, so find a spot near a window where the light is filtered by a curtain.

• Light: Avoid direct sunlight which can burn the leaves, especially in the first few days.
• Temperature: Make sure your plant is in a place where it is not too cold or too hot, away from drafty windows and doors.

Why? A proper location helps your plant acclimatize to its new environment and reduces the chance of stress.

3. Give Space to Breathe: To Repot or Not?

Most plants come in nursery pots that are meant for temporary housing. Depending on the plant and the pot, it may be a good idea to repot your new plant right away.

• When to repot? If the roots grow out of the pot or the pot seems too small, repotting is a good idea. Use a pot that is 2-4 cm larger in diameter than the current pot.
• When to wait? If the plant looks healthy and you are not in a hurry, you can also wait a few weeks. This gives the plant time to get used to its new environment.

Why? Repotting in fresh, nutritious soil helps the plant grow well and establish itself. However, if the plant is still getting used to it, moving it to a new pot can cause stress.

4. Water with Love: The First Watering

After repotting or if the plant is already in a good pot, it is time to water it. But be careful! Most new plants do not need a lot of water right away.

• How much water? Feel the soil. If it is dry, give a moderate amount of water. Make sure the water can drain well and no water remains in the saucer.
• How often? Most plants need less water in the first few days after arrival. Only water again when the top layer of soil feels dry.

Why? Too much water can lead to root rot, especially when the plant is still adjusting. It is better to water a little less at first and observe the plant's behavior.

5. Create a Welcome Ritual: A Place to Rest

Finally, give your new plant some rest. Moving can be stressful for a plant, and it needs time to adjust. Try not to move it for the first week, and avoid excessive handling such as pruning or fertilizing.

• Peace and stability: Let your plant get used to its new location for a week or two before doing other things like pruning or fertilizing.

Why? Stability helps the plant acclimatize and overcome the stress of moving, which contributes to a healthy start in your home.

Conclusion: A Happy Start for your New Green Friend

With these steps, you will lay a strong foundation for a healthy, happy plant that will quickly feel at home. As a plant mother, you know that every plant has its own personality, and by welcoming it with care, you give it the best chance to flourish. After these first days, the real adventure of growing and caring begins – an adventure that you will embark on together with your new green friend. Enjoy your new plant!