by CAROLINE BIGGS
Image Credit: Carina Romano
Image Credit: Natalie Jeffcott
If you have a habit of hanging onto empty glass and plastic containers, Nika Vaughan, founder of Plant Salon, says they can come in handy for way more than storing leftovers. “You can reuse glass jars and bottles to propagate new plants in water,” she explains.
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Not only is composting leaves and food scraps an easy way to reduce household waste, it can also help your plants grow stronger. Garden expert Melinda Myers says, "adding layers of compost material to garden bedding creates a nutrient-rich soil that you can add to your houseplant potting medium."
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If wiping down your windows is a part of your weekly housekeeping routine, Lisa Eldred Steinkopf of The Houseplant Guru says you’re also helping your plants grow. “You would be amazed at how much dirt collects on your windows and screens,” she explains.
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If you like to keep a spare dish outside to provide a water source for stray animals you can also use it to collect growth-boosting rainwater for your plants. Tap water can be hard on interior plants because of the chlorine and salts included.
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While the jury is still out about whether or not talking to or playing music for your plants can actually help them grow, Myers says devoting any type of special attention to them can have a positive impact on their health.
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To ensure your plants thrive when grouped together, Erin Marino of The Sill recommends rotating each one every two or three weeks. “This way the plant will receive natural light on all sides, and won’t start to lean towards the window,” she says.