Question
We have just purchased several indoor plants for our office, and of course they are stressed to be in their new environment.  What is the best way to care for them now, to help them make the transition and hopefully survive?  We have gotten a Yucca, Shefflera, Indoor Palm, large potted Hibiscus, and a Boogavilia(?)  THANKS!

Answer
Hi Rob,

You have 5 different plants with different care requirements. I cannot describe the specific requirements for each one in this space. However, I can give you some general guidelines.

Do NOT make the common mistake of repotting your new plants. Repotting will only add to the stress and is not necessary anyway.

Match your plants to the light that they require. The Yucca, Hibiscus and Bougainvilleas all require some direct sunlight and should be right on a sunny windowsill. The Schefflera does well in very bright, but indirect light - right in front of a north window, for example. There are dozens of "indoor palms" and they have varying light and watering requirements, so without knowing what palm species you have, I cannot recommend a location for it.

Keep the Schefflera and Yucca on the dry side. Keep the others (except for the unknown palm) more evenly moist.

Find the proper location for your plants and then leave them there. Constantly moving them about will add to their stress.

Do not fertilize any of your plants at this time.

Space does not permit me to be more specific with the care requirements of these individual plants. If you are unable to ID your palm, email a photo to me address below.


Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]