Urban jungle
Care tips
Everything you need to know to help it thrive from the moment it arrives. Bringing a new plant home means welcoming a living resident: its first days are crucial. Follow this guide to provide a good foundation and a smooth adaptation — indoors or on a balcony.
1. 🕵️ Observe before acting
Take 2–3 minutes to "read" your plant upon its arrival:
- Leaves: firm, well colored, without spots or black edges? Stems upright?
- Soil: moist, soggy, or very dry? Normal smell (earth) or fermentation?
- Roots: visible through the holes of the pot? Tangled on the surface?
Photograph the plant on day J (foliage, substrate, underside of leaves). This is your “zero state” to compare changes and detect problems early.
Quick visual cue
| Sign | Possible interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dry/brown edges | Dry air or recent heat/direct sun | Move away from the sun, increase humidity |
| Soft leaves | Soggy substrate or heat | Check drainage; aerate, space out watering |
| Diffuse yellow spots | Chronic excess water | Let dry + lighten the mix |
2. 🌿 Acclimation period
Transport, change of light and humidity = stress. Give it 7–10 days of calm:
- Place it in a bright area without direct sun.
- Avoid drafts and thermal shocks (open windows, AC, heaters).
- Simple daily observation (leaf turgor, soil moisture).
Don’t repot immediately: combining transport + repotting doubles the stress. Wait until the end of acclimation, except in emergencies (asphyxiated roots, broken pot).
3. 💧 Starting watering
The rhythm depends on the species, light, and temperature. During the acclimation phase:
- Finger test at 2–3 cm: if it’s fresh → wait; if it’s dry → water.
- Water thoroughly but less often (water flowing out the bottom), then empty the saucer.
- Avoid misting late at night (fungal risk); prefer the morning.
At first, better a slight lack of water than an excess. Roots get oxygen, the plant recovers more healthily.
4. 🌞 Find the right exposure
A good location = growth, color, and flowering. Simple guidelines:
- Indoor tropicals (Monstera, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum): soft and constant light (east/north), sheer curtain if needed.
- Outside (aromatics, mini-shrubs): sun/partial sun, wind shelter; beware of heatwaves.
- Shade plants (Calathea, Maranta, Aspidistra): bright corners, never direct sun.
Test 2–3 spots the first weeks. Move in steps (30–60 cm) and observe 7–10 days: if the plant straightens up and grows, you have found the right place.
5. 🪴 Substrate, pot & drainage
A healthy root environment = half the success:
- Perforated pot + drainage layer (clay balls) = prevents stagnant water.
- Aerated substrate: universal soil + perlite/pouzzolane depending on the species.
- Pot size: +2 cm is enough; too large = residual moisture and suffocated roots.
Repotting “large size” to space out watering: common mistake. Prefer gradual steps.
6. 🌱 Repotting: choose the right timing
When to repot?
- Roots coming out of the bottom, substrate drying very quickly, water beading without penetrating.
- Damaged pot, compact/odoriferous mixture.
Ideal period: spring (active growth). In autumn/winter, repotting only as emergency.
When repotting, gently loosen the root ball, remove 10–20% of old soil, and water lightly to settle without drowning.
7. 🛡️ Quarantine & hygiene
Protect the existing plant “family”:
- Quarantine 10–14 days (1–2 m from others) to observe possible parasites.
- Inspection top/bottom of leaves 2–3 times/week (scale insects, thrips, mites).
- Clean leaves with microfiber; avoid greasy products that clog stomata.
Mild lukewarm shower + diluted black soap (pre-test on 1 leaf). Repeat after 5–7 days if needed.
8. 🌸 Nutrition & stimulants
At the very beginning, go easy on the fertilizer. The goal = stability before performance :
- Wait until the end of acclimation (7–10 days), then light dose 1×/3–4 waterings.
- Mild root stimulators (algae, humics) useful after repotting.
- Stop fertilizer in low light/winter: risk of “soft shoots.”
9. ⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Repot immediately “just to look nice.”
- Water reflexively upon arrival (without substrate test).
- Expose to full direct sunlight on the first day.
- Keep water permanently in the decorative pot.
- Place the plant near the radiator or under the air conditioning.
10. 🧭 Checklists D0 → W4
✅ Day 0–3: gentle landing
- Photo “zero state” (leaves, underside, substrate).
- Bright placement without direct sun; away from drafts.
- Test the substrate before any watering.
- Quarantine away from other plants.
✅ Week 1–2: active observation
- Fine adjustment of watering (weight of the pot, finger test).
- Small movements (30–60 cm) if needed, in stages.
- Gentle cleaning of leaves (microfiber).
✅ Week 3–4: consolidation
- Repotting decision if criteria met (tight roots, poor drainage).
- Start of light nutrition if light is sufficient.
- Integration among other plants (end of quarantine).
11. ❓ Mini-FAQ
Should I always water upon arrival?
No. First check the substrate. Watering already moist soil = risk of root suffocation.
I see roots at the bottom, should I repot immediately?
Not necessarily. If the plant is stable, wait until the end of acclimation; prioritize repotting in spring.
Does misting always help?
Useful for tropicals and dry air, but prefer the morning. Avoid soaking the foliage in the evening.
Is turning the pot important?
Yes, a quarter turn every 1–2 weeks for even growth.
12. 🌼 In summary
Successfully welcoming a plant means: observing, letting it acclimate, measured watering, correct exposure, and well-drained roots. Small regular actions are better than a big intervention.
13. 🌱 To go further
Explore on Verdeia.eu our selections to start well: easy plants, suitable soils, clay balls, fine watering cans…
Because a calm acclimation starts with healthy and simple basics.
