To get started with houseplants you really only need pots, soil, fertilizer, water, and of course plants. But if this is something you’re committing to, a few tools can make it easier to fill your home with gorgeous houseplants.
disclosure: Sweet Shoppe Mom uses affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab
Best tools & Supplies for taking care of houseplants
• Moisture Meter – Using a moisture meter was one of the best things I did for my plants. I was an over waterer and lost many plants to root rot. The top of the soil layer dries out quickly but the soil surrounding the roots may still be moist.
• Pruning Shears – Pruning shears are useful for trimming off dead leaves or for cutting off sections for propagation.
• Watering Can – Watering can – makes it easier to water your plants without dripping water all over the place. Useful for adding mixing in fertilizer when its time to feed your plants.
• Plant mister – Mister bottles are an easy way to add moisture to plants to that require it
• Spray bottles – It’s always good to have some spray bottles on hand in case you need to apply pest control solutions.
• Humidifier – A humidifier helps tropical plants thrive in a drier environment. Always best to fill with deionized water.
• Pest control products. No matter how careful you are, at some point, you will need to deal with pests on your plants. Neem oil is used to spray on plants when you see pests on your plants.
Fungus gnats are the most common pest infestation and can be a challenge to eliminate. Not overwatering is the best prevention. A few of the best treatments
- Mosquito Bits
- Systemic Houseplant Control
- Sticky traps
- hydrogen peroxide solution
• Drip trays – plastic drip trays or saucers to place under pots to protect floors and furniture from drips.
• Storage containers – Sealed storage containers for soil and mixins.
• Repotting mat – My repotting mat is one of my favorite new houseplant tools. I do most of my replanting in the house and this mat helps me to not make a huge mess. You can also use old newspaper or a plastic garbage bag but I prefer the mat to reduce waste.
• Fertilizer – feed your plants especially during growing season. There are a variety of ways to apply the fertilizer and types depending on your plants needs and your preference
- plant food spikes
- fish fertilizer
- liquid plant food
Once you start collecting more plants besides pots, you will start looking for plant stands or ceiling and wall hooks for hanging plants as you need more places to display your growing collection.
Must read these houseplant posts
- 6 Easy Starter Houseplants
- 7 Houseplant Tips For Success
- The Best plant stands for your houseplants
- The Best pots for your houseplants
