[Ep-36] How a complete novice can start growing their first plant: A complete guide from selection to healing.

greencapsulehk
1 day ago
8 min read

Have you ever stood in a flower market, looking at all the green plants?

You're thinking, "I really want to grow a plant," but you're also worried that you'll kill it.

Don't worry, every "vegetative state" person starts from having no knowledge or only a superficial understanding.

Today, I'm going to guide you through the first step of plant-based healing in the simplest way possible.

Can you grow plants successfully even if you have absolutely no experience?

Plants are stronger than you think

Many people think that plants are very fragile, but that's not actually the case.

Plants have survived in nature for hundreds of millions of years, and they have a strong ability to adapt.

Harvard University research has found that humans are born with an instinct to be close to plants, a phenomenon known as "biotropism . "

This means that we have a natural connection with plants, and if you pay attention, you can learn to care for them.

Advantages of beginners: No bad habits

As a "plant killer" who once managed to kill even cacti,

I've found that beginners actually have a big advantage: they don't have any bad habits.

Many plants die not because they are not cared for enough, but because they are cared for too much.

Beginners tend to observe the plant's needs more carefully.

Choose your first healing partner

5 beginner-friendly plant recommendations

Choosing your first plant is like choosing a friend; you need to find one that matches your personality.

Here are 5 "good-natured" plants that I recommend for beginners:

1. Golden pothos (Green Ivy) - The most forgiving friend

Why it's suitable for beginners : It doesn't matter if you water a little more or a little less.
Healing quality : The leaves are emerald green, and looking at them can improve your mood.
Difficulty of care : ★☆☆☆☆ (Super easy)
Growth rate : Very fast, it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) - The most independent companion

Why it's suitable for beginners : You can work for a month without watering it without any problems.
Healing qualities : The upright leaves symbolize strong vitality.
Difficulty of care : ★☆☆☆☆ (Almost no care required)
Special ability : Releases oxygen even at night.

3. Spider Plant (Spider Plant) - The most prolific propagator

Why it's suitable for beginners : It will sprout small side shoots on its own.
Healing quality : Watching it reproduce and experiencing the miracle of life.
Difficulty of care : ★★☆☆☆ (Very simple)
Additional benefit : You can share it with friends to spread its green healing power.

4. Ivy - The most elegant purifier

Why it's suitable for beginners : It has high adaptability.
Healing qualities : The graceful vines bring a natural sense of flow.
Difficulty of care : ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)
Special ability : Air purification effect

5. Peppermint - The most practical aromatherapist

Why it's suitable for beginners : It grows quickly and provides a great sense of accomplishment.
Healing properties : Natural aromatherapy
Difficulty of care : ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)
Practical value : Can be used to make tea and cook dishes

How to choose the right plant for you?

Three questions to consider when choosing plants:

How is the lighting in your home (use an objective light metering app to help)?

Very bright | 300 ppfd or higher: Choose snake plant or mint.
Common | 200-299 ppfd : Choose ivy, golden pothos, spider plant, or snake plant.
Darker | Under 199: Choose Snake Plant

How often are you at home?

Frequent business travelers: Choose snake plant
Every day, I choose mint and ivy.
Weekend selection: Spider plant, Golden pothos

What kind of feeling do you want?

Want a sense of accomplishment? Choose golden pothos or spider plant.
Want a sense of security? Choose snake plant.
For a warm feeling: choose mint.

Essential basic equipment for beginners

List of basic tools

Growing plants doesn't require many tools, but these are essential:

1. A suitable flowerpot

Size : Slightly larger than the plant root.
Material : Ceramic pots are best, but plastic pots are also acceptable.
Important : A drainage hole is essential.

2. Good soil medium

Recommendation for beginners : Buy "indoor plant soil" directly.
Do not use soil dug from the garden (it may contain insects).
Bonus point : Add some perlite/volcanic rock to help with drainage.

3. Watering tools

Sprayer : Pour water evenly, not too much at once; you can also spray the leaves.
Long-spouted teapot : allows for precise pouring to the base of the vessel.
Avoid : Pouring directly from a large hand or cup (it's easy to pour too much).

4. Plant-specific lighting (Important!)

I want to emphasize the importance of lighting here.

I've observed that many beginners think that simply placing plants in a corner of the room is enough.

However, indoor natural light is usually insufficient for plants to grow healthily .

Japanese research on plant lighting technology has found that indoor plants require specific light spectra and intensities to carry out effective photosynthesis.

That's why I recommend beginners prepare plant lights from the start.

The Barrel Plant Light ROKI-Octagon-50W is my top recommendation for beginners:

[Automatic Wi-Fi dimming and color temperature adjustment] Barrel Plant Light - ...

Buy Now

Why it's suitable for beginners :

Super easy to use, just plug it in.
It can connect to home Wi-Fi for remote control and timed on/off switching, and even schedule the sun's color temperature changes throughout the day.
It can adjust the light and color temperature for different types of plants.
Spectrum is designed specifically for indoor plants.
With a power consumption of 50W, the electricity bill won't be very expensive.
Octagonal design for wide illumination range

Actual results :

The plant leaves will be greener and shinier
Growth rate significantly accelerated
It will not grow excessively long and thin.
Flowering plants are more likely to bloom

How to use :

30-50 cm away from plants
12-14 hours of light exposure daily
It can be controlled automatically via Wi-Fi.

Cost analysis : The monthly electricity cost is approximately HK$30.

But the health of the plants and your sense of accomplishment are priceless.

Establish a healing relationship with plants

Plants are not just decorations, they are companions in life.

Research from the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK shows that people who develop an emotional connection with plants have 23% lower stress levels than the average person.

This is not superstition; it has a scientific basis.

How to establish a connection with plants?

1. Naming plants

Does it sound childish? Actually, it isn't.

Naming a plant can make you pay more attention to its condition and more likely to notice its changes.

2. Observe for at least 5 minutes each day.

I looked at him when I woke up in the morning.
Pay attention to the color changes of the leaves.
Feel the moisture level of the soil.
Check if there are any new buds.

3. Talk to plants

Research from the University of Bonn in Germany has found that plants can indeed sense sound vibrations.

Although they won't answer, your voice will let them "know" that someone cares.

4. Establish a care routine

Water at fixed times
Rotate the flowerpot regularly (to ensure the plant receives even sunlight).
Occasionally wipe the leaves
Observe and record growth changes

Care focus in the first month

Week 1: Adaptation Period

Key point : Helping plants adapt to their new environment
Watering : Less than usual
Observe : Have the leaves turned yellow? (This is a normal phenomenon)
Avoid : Frequently moving your location

Week 2: Establishing Habits

Key point : Start regular care
Watering : Water only after the soil has dried out.
Light : Ensure 12 hours of light exposure daily.
Observation : The emergence of new buds

Week 3: Deep Links

Key point : Begin to appreciate the "personality" of plants.
Watering : Learn to judge the needs of plants
Interaction : Start talking to the plants
Recording : Taking photos to document the growth process

Week 4: Results Review

Key point : Evaluate the results of the first month.
Observation : Are the plants healthier than when they were first purchased?
Adjustment : Adjust care methods based on observation.
Celebrate : Be proud of your own and your plant's growth.

Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners

Q1: The leaves are turning yellow, does it mean it's going to die?

A : Not necessarily! Old leaves turning yellow is a normal part of metabolism.

As long as the new leaves are green, there's no problem. If a large number of leaves turn yellow, it may be due to overwatering or insufficient light.

Q2: How often should I water it?

A : There is no standard answer. It mainly depends on the humidity and ventilation of the environment. If you want, you can insert your finger into the soil 2 centimeters deep (I personally don't know how to do that). If you observe that the medium is dry, wait two or three more days before watering.

Generally speaking, it takes 3-5 days in summer and 7-10 days in winter.

Q3: Can I use tap water to water it?

A : Yes, but it's best to let it sit for a day before using it to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Q4: My plants are growing very slowly. Is there a problem?

A : Plants naturally grow slowly, especially in winter. As long as the leaves are healthy, just be patient.

Q5: Does it need fertilization?

A : I suggest beginners not to fertilize. Fertilizing out of season may burn the roots.

Q6: What to do about insects?

A : Most plant pests are brought back from the store. You need to make sure it is a trustworthy plant store that has replaced the bad soil.

If you still encounter insects, first check if there are any problems with your environment. Many pests can be controlled by addressing environmental issues. For peace of mind, buy insect repellent made in Japan.

Begin your plant-based healing journey

Growing plants is not just about caring for a living being, but also about caring for your own soul.

As you watch the leaves grow more and more each day, you'll realize that you are growing as well.

Research by the American Horticultural Therapy Association confirms that caring for plants can:

Reduce anxiety and depression
Improve concentration
Enhance a sense of responsibility
It brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness

Remember, every "vegetative state" patient starts as a novice.

Don't be afraid of failure; every attempt is a learning experience.

Your first plant will be the start of your healing journey.

Immediate Action Guide

Today, let's choose a plant : select one from the five recommended options.
Prepare basic equipment : flower pots, soil medium, watering tools
For professional lighting : Barrel Plant Light increases the success rate.
Start building connections : Name plants, observe them daily.

Do you need help?

If you have any questions when choosing plants or equipment, please feel free to contact us:

Free herbal healing consultation : Helping you choose the most suitable first plant.
Professional plant light selection advice : Recommend the most suitable lighting solution based on your space.
Beginner's Plant Therapy Workshop : Learn and share experiences with other beginners.

Remember, herbal healing is not the destination, but a wonderful journey.

Start now and let the healing power of green into your life!

Further reading :

Next week we will share "Which plant varieties are easiest for beginners to successfully grow? In-depth recommendations for 5 healing plants".
To learn more about plant-based healing, please follow our future articles.

Tags : #PlantBeginner #PlantTherapy #IndoorPlants #PlantCare #GreenLiving #TherapeuticLiving