Even the most resilient houseplants can suffer if not properly cared for. While it’s tempting to assume that placing a plant on a shelf and watering it sufficiently is enough, ensuring a plant’s vitality and protecting your shelves involves a few additional steps. Remember to rotate your plant, occasionally dust it, and provide a drainage dish to maintain both the plant and the shelf in excellent condition.
Light is crucial for plant survival, especially when placed on a shelf. Ensuring your plants receive the correct amount of light, and knowing the difference between direct and indirect light, is essential for choosing the best location for your houseplants. Once you’ve selected the ideal spot, keep these other considerations in mind.
Add a drainage dish
If you’ve ever noticed a ring on a surface after picking up a potted plant sitting in a terra cotta drainage dish, you’re not alone. Terra cotta’s ability to absorb and transfer moisture can inadvertently damage surfaces like wood. Additionally, a drainage dish can quickly overflow during watering. To prevent such issues, consider adding extra drainage protection for your plants.
This is especially crucial for plants on high shelves where overflows or moisture rings can go unnoticed. Using thrifted plates is an affordable and stylish solution to enhance your plant setup, providing effective drainage protection.
Don’t forget to dust
Plants, like other items on your shelves, collect dust. While trinkets may look unsightly when dusty, for plants, it can hinder light absorption and photosynthesis, and clog important leaf pores, affecting growth. Regular dusting or wiping leaves can help maintain plant health. Don’t forget to clean the undersides of leaves and stems. Learn how often to clean your houseplants and discover tips to keep them healthy with minimal effort.
Turn your plants regularly
As you dust and water your plants, remember to rotate them. Plants naturally grow towards light, and the side facing the wall might not get enough, leading to uneven growth. The frequency of rotation depends on the plant species and light exposure. Typically, plants in low-light conditions require more frequent turning, which likely includes those on your shelves. Rotate your plants every few days, or at least during each watering. If your plant receives ample sunlight, turn it in the morning to avoid leaf burn. With these tips, you might find more room for greenery on your shelves. Consider adding some of the trending houseplants for 2025 to bring more life to your space.
