208 How to Make a DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit | Growing Joy with Plants | Podcast
Channel: Growing Joy with Maria
Date: 2023-12-07

Caring for houseplants often means dealing with pests, diseases, or cultural issues at some point. Having a houseplant first aid kit prepared allows you to quickly treat problems and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, our favorite horticulturist Leslie Halleck shares must-have items to include in your DIY houseplant first aid kit so you can effectively treat plant problems as soon as they pop up!

Check out the Amazon storefront list of all items discussed in today's episode!

In this episode, we learn:
[00:17] What is a Houseplant First Aid Kit?
[09:46] What is horticultural oil, when is it used, and how does it differ from neem oil?
[12:57] Neem vs neem oil
[15:03] How to brighten up your home and keep your houseplants happy all year with high-quality grow lights
[17:28] DIY houseplant first aid kit essentials: Fungus Gnats Death Drop and neem oil!
[19:44] Is neem oil safe as a leaf shine for plants, or does it potentially harm them by clogging stomata or pores?
[22:58] Why should you include fungicide/bio-insecticide in your first aid kit for houseplants?
[25:52] Does fungicide reverse leaf damage?
[27:46] Sanitizing vs sterilizing (plus products you should use while pruning)
[28:48] What is insecticidal soap?
[30:18] What are systemics, why do they work, and when should they be used? (heavier chemical)
[32:18] Where can you find the best houseplants with scientific care guides and color-coded collections?
[34:15] Where can you find high-quality organic fertilizers and potting mixes?
[40:50] How do hydrogen peroxide and BT work in dealing with houseplant pests?
[41:43] What is a “drench” in systemic pesticide application?
[44:16] Why should you have rooting hormone in your first aid kit?
[45:19] Best tools/gears for your first aid kid!
[45:20] What are sticky traps? (monitoring tool)
[47:07] Rubber gloves Leslie recommends!
[50:15] Why should you use separate snippers/tweezers/pruners for gardening tasks?
[51:57] Folding potting mat!
[53:58] Hygrometers/glass domes
[57:31] Grow lights
[01:00:19] PAR Meter (for professionals)
[01:03:36] Maria’s favorite—magnifying glass!
[01:16:17] Moisture meter
[01:08:49] Check out Leslie’s books!

Check out the full show notes and blog of ‘DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit With Leslie Halleck’ here: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/firstaid/

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