Cleveland Plant Doctor

02/07/2026

Join me and Raffaele Di Lallo of Ohio Tropics for an in person event in Cleveland Ohio!

We will guide you through the creation of an orchid kokedama!

Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a ball of moss. They’re fun to display and easy to care for 💚

This event will include all the supplies needed including a beautiful flowering orchid!

You can bring beverages if you’d like or order something from Patron Saint Downstairs!

Check the link in the comments for all the details and registration PLUS use code KOKE5 for an early bird discount now till 2/13

Can’t wait to see you there!

02/06/2026

February is the month that makes winter feel like it will never end. Your houseplants feel the same way.

But it’s not the time to back off on caring for them and monitoring them because a lot can go wrong as we get excited for spring!

Watering and pests are going to be the biggest issues - but stay on top of it and once the end of March comes you’ll be set up for a super successful growing season!

It’s almost here. Hang in there!!

02/04/2026

Ummmm. Variegated Banana plant?! Come arm wrestle me for it tomorrow! I’ll be at the shop 12-6p AND it’s my birthday 🥳

Jk you just can buy it 💪

Whhhhaaaat? A variegated banana plant. Not joking. It's already 4" tall. This rarer plant can grow up to 10' tall, but can easily be cut back before winter. (Ask Emily, the Cleveland Plant Doctor when it's time. She makes house calls, so you won't need to lug it all over Cleveland.) These plants MUST be kept moist and require high humidity. Bright indirect light.

02/04/2026

Round 3 of doing everything I can to save this jade plant. I’ve linked the previous reel.

This time I’m trying cinnamon to provide some protection and aid in rooting.

If I’m going to be honest with you, I’d never try spices out of my spice cabinet if I weren’t just desperate to save this plant. But I researched it and took the advice of a few people who know a thing or two and here we are.

Before you go shouting at me in the comments…
Yes, I’m letting every cut callous over.

Cross your fingers.
Say a prayer.
Send your good juju.

02/02/2026

It’s super fun to make a plant arrangement but if you’re not putting plants with the same needs together then you’re not setting them@up for success.

Snake plants, cacti, succulents would all be happy in the same pot because they can take a lot of lights and really don’t need much when it comes to water.

You can put pothos and peperomia and philodendron together because they all want bright indirect light and to dry about 1/2 way between watering.

As long as you’re sure that plants want the same kind of soil, light and water - make a fun arrangement. Otherwise you’re not setting them up to thrive.

01/29/2026

I am telling you with 100% certainty… dirt from your yard should NEVER be used in your plants.

Here’s why….

Pests and eggs
Yard soil can carry fungus gnats, mites, all kinds of larvae, and eggs that you can’t even see yet. Indoors, with no predators and steady indoor temps you could have an infestation of epic proportions real quick.

It just doesn’t drain properly
Yard soil is dense. In a pot, it compacts, holds too much water, and suffocates roots. Houseplants like a fluffy soil so the roots get oxygen!

It’s full of microbes meant for outdoors
Outdoor soil ecosystems rely on weather, insects, and natural cycles. Inside, those microbes can take down your whole collection.

It can introduce disease
Fungal pathogens and bacteria that are harmless outside can be devastating indoors, especially in warm, climate controlled homes.

Bottom line - don’t try to save a buck digging dirt out of your yard to pot up a houseplant.

Purchase some lightweight, well draining potting mix designed by experts, for containers… not whatever came out of the yard with a shovel and a prayer.

01/26/2026

Every choice you make in life says something about who you are as a person - your houseplants are included 🪴

01/23/2026

Some plants just don’t deserve you.
It’s not the other way around.
Protect your energy.
Choose the things that choose you back.
Don’t settle for anything less than thriving.

This post might not be about plants 🫶😉

01/20/2026

Watering your indoor plants should not be controversial. If you want healthy houseplants you need to saturate the soil when you water.

I recommend potting into nursery pots.
I recommend watering at the sink (when possible)
I recommend that your pot gains weight when you water.
I recommend that water flows through the drain holes.
I recommend tap water.
I recommend making sure your plants are in the correct size pot for their roots.
I recommend using the correct soil type for the plant.

My recommendations are the keys to the most healthy houseplants 🪴

01/19/2026

If you’re caring for your plants the same in the winter and the summer you might be missing a few really important things!

Slight changes can make a huge difference in the health of your houseplants!

01/17/2026

Potting up propagations is one of the best parts of plant ownership! So rewarding 🙌💚