Healthy, vibrant plants add a lot to a home, whether jasmine vines, lilac bushes or other outdoor plants or air plants (really!), succulents or spider plants indoors. Just because you weren't born with a green thumb doesn't mean that your plants need to suffer or detract from your home.
And let's face it. Even those with the greenest thumbs find work, kids, volunteering and other commitments leave little time for plant care. Whether you have all indoor plants or a top-notch outdoor garden, there are an array of aids to keep your blooms and greens bright.
11 Plants Products You Won't Be Able to Live Without
In these modern times, even the most hopeless would-be horticulturist can grow and maintain plants that are the envy of friends, family and neighbors thanks to some innovative products. We found 11 of the best and listed them below. Give them a try, and you'll see your plants bloom and brighten with the best of them. As always, the prices listed may fluctuate over time.
1. Vivosun 3-in-1 Soil Tester
My mom had a green thumb, something I absolutely didn't inherit. If I don't drown my plants, I leave them gasping for a drink. That's why the Vivosun 3-in-1 Soil Tester is vital, even if you have a better sense of plant care than I do. This soil tester measures pH range, moisture or relative light. All you do is put the probes on the 12.3-inch by 3.8-inch by 1.5-inch tester into the soil, toggle the switch to moisture/pH/light, make sure the pointer on the dial swings, wait 10 minutes to read the level and remove the probe from the soil. Then wipe it clean. Presto––get ready for top-notch blooms.
2. Winston Porter Self Watering Window Box Planter
Winston Porter Self Watering Window Box Planter is a must-have for your outdoor plants, whether you're an over-or-under-waterer like me. First, it's made out of plastic polyethylene, which is durable, sturdy and looks great whether you choose black, espresso, graphite gray or white. The big win is the sub-irrigation, which basically means it takes care of itself. It comes in three sizes, too, so choose the one that works for you.
3. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food
We can't make a list of items that will make your plants the envy of your friends without mentioning Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food. It's seemingly been around forever. Although there are different formulas for various flowers, shrubbery and beyond, this indoor plant food is a must-have for every plant lover. Just follow the directions to determine if your once-a-week application should be mixed in water or applied to the soil. Then use it and watch them thrive.
4. Gronomics Succulent Chalkboard Front Planter
Plant lovers know that succulents are easy to grow but can look a tad, well, boring. Jazz them up by planting them in the Gronomics Succulent Chalkboard Front Planter. It's made of 100 percent western red cedar, has three holes for plants, keyholes for hanging and "blackboards" on each side. Grab some chalk and have fun drawing, writing messages, or whatever works for you on this 4-inch by 4-inch by 16-inch planter.
5. Sarah Burrows and Nick Behr Mason Jar
Retro looks aren't just popular for furniture and paint colors, you know. Sarah Burrows and Nick Behr Mason Jar Herb Garden combine the exterior charm of yesteryear with a passive hydroponic system that is very modern. That system brings nutrients to the plant's roots while regulating moisture. Grab this mason jar garden, read the instructions and start that fresh herb garden you always wanted.
Buy at Uncommon Goods for $22.
6. La Jolíe Muse Store Animal Planter Pot
The La Jolie Muse Store Animal Planter Pot set is that rare combination of quirky and practical. Both the llama and the goat are made of a blend of ceramic and sand to form a rough pottery design that creates air circulation for the plant. The llama measures 6.1 inches by 9.1 inches, and the goat is 4.5 inches by 6.3 inches. Both have drainage holes to prevent root rot. And they look darned cute, too.
7. Sol 72 Outdoor Elevated Planter with Trellis
If you want others to envy your plants, consider breaking free of standard planters. The Sol 72 Outdoor Elevated Planter with Trellis measures 55.9 inches by 39.4 inches by 16.9 inches, so it's plenty large enough to handle jasmine, sweet potato and other vines. Not only does this trellis look great, but it's also eco-friendly.
8. Palram Canopia Hybrid Walk-In Greenhouse
Put your extra outdoor space to good use with the Palram Canopia Hybrid Walk-In Greenhouse. It has translucent polycarbonate roof panels that retain twice the heat of single-layer panels and ensure light filters to all plants in the greenhouse. Other features of this 6-foot by 4-foot greenhouse include an integrated gutter system for drainage, a roof vent, a hinged door for improved airflow and adjustments for heat, humidity and ventilation. Larger sizes are available.
9. Dakota Fields 5-Piece Hanger Set
Boho doesn't mean impractical. Consider the Dakota Fields 5-Piece Plant Hanger Set. The woven, 100 percent pure cotton plant hangers hold either 4- or 6-inch pots. The cotton is pastoral and has beige tones that are sure to complement any room motif. The set comes with ten durable hooks that you can anchor to your ceiling, balcony or another surface. Attach the hanger, pull out the side ropes, set your plant in the hanger, and your plants are looking good.
10. Cameo Konfrst Nourishing Air Plant Spray
OK, even someone like me can usually keep an air plant alive. Of course, you can't completely ignore air plants. When air plants are in nature, they absorb nutrients from air and rain. Inside environments don't offer that. The Cameo Konfrst Nourishing Air Plant Spray is a low-nitrogen formula that provides the nourishment air plants need. Because, let's face it, dead air plants just aren't cool.
Buy at Uncommon Goods for $15.
11. Buteny LED Grow Light
Cloudy days can wreak havoc on your plants. How can they thrive without light? The answer is Buteny LED Grow Light. Clip it on a surface. Then use the preset timer to set it to turn it on and off at your preferred times. This grow light has 60 LED beads (39 red, which aid germination and 21 blue, which aid synthesis of chlorophyll), three 360-degree rotatable goosenecks, six dimmable levels and three lighting modes. The corded electric light measures 13.54 inches by 5.55 inches by 3.23 inches. It's available at a budget price, too.
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