Giving Them a Good Start: January 2026
Giving Them a Good Start
Bringing a new plant home is a bit of a shift for the greenies. Moving house is a big deal, and whether they arrive in a pot or bare-rooted, they just need a moment to find their feet.The ArrivalYou’ll notice I post my plants on the drier side. This is 100% intentional—sending wet plants in a dark box is a one-way ticket to them "turning to slop" by the time they reach you. They might arrive looking a bit thirsty or travel-weary, but dry is always safer than mushy!Potting Up (Bare-Rooted Plants)If your plants have arrived bare-rooted (like most of my cacti and succulents), get them into a pot with a gritty, free-draining mix as soon as you can.
The Seasol SecretWhen you do give them that first drink, a splash of Seasol is a brilliant way to help them settle. It’s a seaweed tonic, not a heavy fertiliser, so it strengthens the roots and helps the plant recover from "transit shock" without burning them.Finding the "Forever Home"Check the care advice for their specific light requirements and pick a spot where they can stay put. While they are settling in, try to avoid direct, mid-day "scorcher" sun for the first week—give them a chance to acclimatise to your local light levels first.Easy on the FertiliserThere’s no rush to feed your new arrivals. A stressed plant shouldn't be forced to grow. Stick to the Seasol for the first month or two until you see active new growth and know they’re happy. |
Grab the Quick Reference Guide
Want to keep these tips on your phone or print them out for the potting shed? [Download the Plant Care Essentials PDF here]
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