The Best Houseplants Are Hiding at Trader Joe’s

While we’re (of course) big fans of all the frozen and dry treats Trader Joe’s has to offer, one of the best parts about the cult-favorite grocery store is their plant and flower section. Their seasonal flowers are notably at least half the price of st…

While we’re (of course) big fans of all the frozen and dry treats Trader Joe’s has to offer, one of the best parts about the cult-favorite grocery store is their plant and flower section. Their seasonal flowers are notably at least half the price of stems you’d find anywhere else, and with just a little finesse, you can create a totally custom arrangement for any occasion. Beyond the florals though? The. Plants.

You simply can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s varied and affordable plant selection. From houseplants and herbs to seasonal flowers and container gardens, they really do have something for everyone. While their selection may vary depending on the location and season (think: succulents in the summer, mini pine trees in the winter), their prices alone make it worth a trip to your local store to check it out. If you’re looking for something particular, it’s worth following one or two Instagram accounts that report on all the new plant stock (yes, they exist), like this one or this one.

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The Teeny-Tiny Garden Trend We’re Obsessed With

Bottle gardens are pretty much exactly what they sound like: small “gardens” planted inside a sealable bottle or container that are sometimes also referred to as terrariums. The particularly neat thing about bottle gardens is that, if done properly, th…

Bottle gardens are pretty much exactly what they sound like: small “gardens” planted inside a sealable bottle or container that are sometimes also referred to as terrariums. The particularly neat thing about bottle gardens is that, if done properly, they can become self-sustaining ecosystems that require little to no ongoing upkeep.

Choosing the Right Container

The container that you choose for your bottle garden will determine how many plants you can fit inside and the size of the plants that you add. Also keep in mind that the smaller the opening is, the harder it will be for you to get your plants inside the container initially. Ideal bottle garden containers have lids and can be sealed (otherwise you’d be creating an open terrarium which is slightly different!), are made of glass that’s clear versus opaque, and are tall enough that some space is left between the top of the plants and the bottom of the lid.

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All the Signs That It’s Time To Repot Your Plant

There comes a time in every houseplant’s life when an upgrade in living accommodations is required, and it’s time for a repotting. This could be because your plant has outgrown its previous potting container or because it simply needs a soil refresh. E…

There comes a time in every houseplant’s life when an upgrade in living accommodations is required, and it’s time for a repotting. This could be because your plant has outgrown its previous potting container or because it simply needs a soil refresh. Either way, repotting is an important part of keeping your plants happy and healthy long-term. Here’s what you need to know when it comes time to transfer your plant to a new home.


Signs It’s Time to Repot

When it comes to how often houseplants should be repotted, it’s unfortunately not an exact science. It varies depending on the plant, the age of the plant, and the conditions in your home. Generally, young plants will need to be repotted more often than mature, established plants, but timing can ultimately vary.

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Our 6 Favorite Places to Buy Plants Online

Whether you’re new to caring for houseplants, or you’re already living in an indoor jungle, ordering plants online can be a super convenient way to acquire new plant babies. However, as with any online shopping endeavor, it’s important to make sure you…

Whether you’re new to caring for houseplants, or you’re already living in an indoor jungle, ordering plants online can be a super convenient way to acquire new plant babies. However, as with any online shopping endeavor, it’s important to make sure you’re purchasing from reputable sellers, especially when you can’t see the actual plant you’ll be receiving before you buy it.

Reputable retailers will know how to ensure that your new plants will survive the trip (that means good packaging), they won’t ship plants that are infested with bugs or disease, they’ll have a history of happy customers with good reviews, and they’ll be transparent about what you can expect when you purchase from them. Here are six of our favorite places to order plants online—pros and cons included.

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Low on Natural Light? These 6 Indoor Plants Will Thrive Anyway

Looking for a plant that will survive in your dark bathroom or next to a north-facing window in your home? Or maybe in your basement window? Don’t fret—there are lots of different houseplants that thrive in low-light conditions.

But can a plant surviv…

Looking for a plant that will survive in your dark bathroom or next to a north-facing window in your home? Or maybe in your basement window? Don’t fret—there are lots of different houseplants that thrive in low-light conditions.

But can a plant survive in a totally windowless room? The short answer to this question is... no. There is no living plant that will do well in a room that does not have at least a sliver of natural light, and while some of the plants on this list may be able to survive in artificial light for a short period of time, eventually—unless you give them a spin around your home to get some light every so often—they will die from lack of exposure to sunlight. If you have a windowless room in your home that's crying out for a plant, consider adding grow lights which will help provide a plant with the light that it needs to survive.

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