Fernhouse Plants

Care guides

Keep every leaf happy

Four short guides written by the people who pot, water and fuss over these plants every day at our Division Street shop.

Soft illustration of potted plants arranged on a wooden shelf
Hands repotting a houseplant into fresh soil

Guide 1

Repotting without the drama

When roots circle the pot, it is time. Here is how to do it gently.

  1. Choose a pot only 1–2 inches wider, with drainage holes.
  2. Water a day ahead so the root ball slides out easily.
  3. Loosen circling roots with your fingers.
  4. Set at the same depth in fresh, chunky potting mix and water well.
Watering can beside a houseplant in morning light

Guide 2

Watering by feel, not by calendar

Most houseplants die from too much love. Learn to read the soil.

  1. Push a finger two inches into the soil before you water.
  2. Water slowly until it runs from the drainage holes.
  3. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
  4. Water less in winter, when growth slows.
Plants on a bright sunny windowsill

Guide 3

Finding the right light

Light is food. Match each plant to the window it will thrive in.

  1. South and west windows give the brightest light; north the dimmest.
  2. If your shadow is crisp, light is bright; if soft, it is medium.
  3. Rotate plants a quarter turn each week.
  4. Move sun-lovers closer in Portland's grey winters.
Gardener inspecting a plant's leaves and soil

Guide 4

Pests and troubleshooting

Gnats, mealybugs and yellow leaves, and what to do about each.

  1. Check leaf undersides weekly for webbing or white fluff.
  2. Wipe pests off with a cloth dipped in diluted insecticidal soap.
  3. Let soil dry between waterings to stop fungus gnats.
  4. Quarantine new plants for two weeks before shelving them.

Still unsure? Browse easy-care plants or stop by the shop and ask.