🪴 Expert’s Indoor Plant Checklist

Weekly Care & Routine Inspection

• Watering & Moisture
  Soil Check: I’ve inserted my finger about two inches into the soil. The soil feels dry, indicating it’s time to water. (Expert Tip: Always feel the soil; don’t just rely on a schedule.)
  Thorough Watering: I’ve watered the plant slowly and evenly until water began to drain from the pot’s bottom holes. This ensures the entire root system gets moisture.
  Empty Saucer: I’ve emptied the saucer after watering to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
• Light & Placement
  Light Assessment: I’ve confirmed my plant is in the correct light environment. (e.g., A snake plant in low light, a fiddle-leaf fig in bright, indirect light.)
  Rotation: I’ve rotated the pot a quarter turn. This promotes balanced, symmetrical growth and prevents the plant from leaning excessively toward the light source.
• Humidity & Airflow
  Humidity Level: I’ve checked the humidity around my plants. For moisture-loving species, I’ve misted the leaves with filtered water or topped up the humidifier.
  Air Circulation: I’ve ensured there is gentle air movement. Stagnant air can create an ideal environment for pests and fungal issues.
• Cleanliness & Pruning
  Leaf Dusting: I’ve gently wiped down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Clean leaves are crucial for efficient photosynthesis.
  Pruning Dead Leaves: I’ve removed any yellow, brown, or crispy leaves. This redirects the plant’s energy to new, healthy growth.

🐛 Problem Detection & Health Check

• Plant Vitals
  Leaf Health: I’ve inspected the top and underside of every leaf for discolorations (spots, blotches), unusual textures (sticky, mushy), or browning edges. (Crispy edges often mean low humidity or inconsistent watering.)
  Stem & Base: I’ve checked the stems for firmness. A soft, mushy stem, especially near the soil line, is a primary indicator of root rot from overwatering.
• Pest Inspection
  Visible Pests: I’ve looked for common pests like spider mites (fine webbing), mealybugs (fuzzy white spots), and scale (small brown bumps).
  Unusual Residue: I’ve checked for any sticky residue (honeydew) on the leaves or surrounding surfaces, which is often a sign of sucking pests like aphids or scale.
• Pot & Root System
  Drainage Holes: I’ve looked for roots growing out of the bottom drainage holes, a clear sign the plant may be root-bound and needs a larger pot.
  Mineral Buildup: I’ve checked the pot for a white, crusty residue. This is a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water, and it can harm roots. Leaching the soil with distilled water is recommended.

Monthly & Seasonal Maintenance

• Fertilizing: I’ve applied the appropriate fertilizer as per the product’s instructions. (Reminder: Most plants don’t need fertilizer in their dormant period during winter.)
• Repotting: I’ve assessed the plant’s growth. If it’s noticeably slowed or the roots are tightly packed, I’ve prepared a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.