Being a plant parent isn’t always as easy as it seems. Between watering schedules, light levels, and the occasional drama of yellow leaves, keeping your houseplants thriving can sometimes feel like a full-time job. But don’t worry—help is here! Our founder, Jo Lambell, knows a thing or two about caring for plants (okay, she knows it all), and she’s here to share her game-changing plant hacks to make your life easier. These tricks are perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers, so if you’re prone to a bit of plant neglect, pay attention!
The ice cube hack
If you frequently forget to water your indoor plants, Jo has a brilliant solution: the ice cube trick! Instead of flooding your plant all at once or, worse, allowing it to dry out completely, simply place a couple of ice cubes on the soil (but keep them away from the leaves). As they melt, they slowly release moisture, providing your plant with a gradual and controlled drink. This method is ideal for plants that prefer drier soil, such as Succulents, Orchids, and Snake Plants.
Jo says, “I love this trick for plants that don’t require frequent watering. One ice cube a week is sufficient for small pots and is a great way to prevent overwatering. Just be sure not to use it on tropical houseplants that thrive in warm roots, as they might not appreciate the chill!”
So, if you’re always on the go, this is the effortless watering hack you need in your life. No more drowning your plants in guilt—or water!
The chopstick hack
Overwatering and underwatering are the biggest plant problems people face. Luckily, Jo has a foolproof method to check if your houseplant actually needs a drink—and all you need is a chopstick (yes, really!).
Here’s how it works: Insert a clean chopstick into the soil, just like you would when testing if a cake is fully baked. If the chopstick comes out clean, your plant is thirsty and needs a drink. But if it comes out with soil clinging to it, your plant is still hydrated, and watering it could cause root rot.
Jo says: “People often ask me how to tell when to water their plants, and I always say: ‘Use the chopstick trick!’ It’s a super easy way to check without relying on guesswork. Plus, it’s better than just watering on a schedule—plants have different needs depending on their environment.”
This hack works especially well for large indoor plants like the Parlour Palm, Swiss Cheese Plant, and Fiddle Leaf Fig, where the topsoil might dry out faster than the lower layers. If you’re ever unsure, stick a chopstick in it!
The sponge hack
If you’re always overwatering your plants (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), Jo recommends using a kitchen sponge as a secret weapon when repotting. Simply place a clean, dry sponge at the bottom of your plant pot before adding soil. The sponge will absorb excess water while keeping the roots moist but not soggy.
Jo says: “This is a brilliant trick, especially if you tend to be a little too generous with the watering can. The sponge acts like a tiny reservoir, soaking up extra water and releasing it back to the plant’s roots when needed. It’s particularly useful for moisture-loving plants like the Peace Lily and Boston Fern.”
This hack is also a game-changer if your plant pot doesn’t have drainage holes, as it helps prevent root rot by keeping excess water away from the roots. Just another reason why Jo is the ultimate plant expert!
If you’re ready to grow your plant collection, check out our full range of houseplants. We offer plant delivery, so whether you’re after virtually unkillable and artificial plants to rare and unusual varieties. Whether you're looking for easy-to-care-for plants, air-purifying champions, or large and tall statement pieces, we have something for everyone. Shop our collection today!
*All information is correct at the time of posting, and our ranges may change.