PLANT CARE TIPS
light
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Tropical plants generally do not need a lot of light, making them great for indoor plants.
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Direct sun will burn the leaves on most plants, so keep them back from the window.
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If the stems start to become leggy or stretched out, your plant may need more light.
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If the leaves are starting to lose their color and become dull, you probably need more light as well.
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Some plants can be sensitive to tap water as well, so use filtered water if you can.
Water
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Most tropical plants come from rainforest environments, so they like humidity and their soil to stay moist.
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Make sure the soil is not soggy though! If this is tricky for you, i'd recommend a moisture meter.
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Wait to water until the soil is dry an inch or two down.
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The water pH in Lethbridge is usually high for most plants, so for extra bonus points consider adjusting it. I can also provide tips on doing this.
soil
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Alot of tropical plants are not too picky when it comes to soil. A general potting soil will do!
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To add extra drainage to avoid over watering, you can mix in perlite or coarse sand.
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On the other hand, if you want you soil to retain more moisture, you can add peat moss or vermiculite.
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Some potting soils come with added fertilizer, so watch for that if you go to add your own!
fertilizer
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Fertilizer requirements will vary between plants, but using a general balanced plant fertilizer will suffice.
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You will typically only need to fertilize in the spring and summer, when your plant is actively growing,
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I would recommend using an organic fertilizer, as tropicals can be sensitive to chemicals
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A slow release granule fertilizer will work great too, if you're more of a 'hands-off' type or plant parent.