how I'm saving money in the houseplant hobby when everything is expensive af 💵 🪴

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how I'm saving money in the houseplant hobby when everything is expensive af 💵 🪴

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@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Thanks again to Harry’s! Click here harrys.com/wildfern to redeem your Trial Set for just $5! Let me know what color razor handle you got in the comments below

@lizylize9866 Жыл бұрын

@wildfern I can send you some Fluval Statum to experiment with for free. I get it girl. Stuff is expensive 😩🥰

@psycheready6958 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree about simplifying. I'm in my 40s and I've been keeping plants my whole adult life. 20 years ago I used to use store bought soil with no additions, I never fertilized, never did any pest treatments, no growlights. And my plants were fine! Occasionally one would drop dead and I'd have no idea why...but that still happens now ha ha!

@tooo0f Жыл бұрын

I'm a broke college student and I do the same thing with bare bones! I think the only thing I do is I use eggshells in my soil since I use eggs anyways and they're containing potassium, sulfur, and a couple other things!

@katiewilliams9273 Жыл бұрын

I have always let plants share water . I'm not letting it go down the drain, that fertilizer and water is not free. I have been doing it for many years and have never had any problems with it

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yes exactlyyyy!

@MaryGatdula Жыл бұрын

Me too!

@laurahann Жыл бұрын

I've been doing a lot of experimenting with my plants. I tend to get bored with them when there's nothing really to do, and I used to buy new plants to get excited again. I've started experimenting with the plants I have, like trying new growing mediums, propogating in different ways, etc!

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Such a great way to stay interested in the plants we already have :)

@Dieppaloveplants Жыл бұрын

My son always get soda from bk or wendys and he save the cup with lids lol then he bring a bag he like here mom for ur cutting best present ever lol

@irairod5160 Жыл бұрын

I was mighty proud of myself today when I took a very large Calathea orbifolia out of my shopping cart and put it back on the display. I do not have space for it. and had I brought t home, it would've caused me to "need" another shelf, another large pot, another stand...I have to slow down!

@nicj9157 Жыл бұрын

Throwing perlite to your soil mix this way is very dangerous. Perlite is very damaging for your respiratory system and it's acumulating in lungs and can cause asthma or even worse health problems. You definitely have to use mask while you working with it or at least moist perlite to avoid the clouds of dust it has 🙏. Take care of your health and sorry for grammar mistakes (English is not my first language).

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yes a mask should always be worn while making potting mix!

@MaryGatdula Жыл бұрын

There is nothing at all wrong with your grammar! You speak better than a lot of native English speakers! LOL

@JustHarperGray Жыл бұрын

Yes I wear a mask and use water. Very helpful.

@jessicapetrin1655 Жыл бұрын

Just a little tip that I do with perlite…. Before i use it, I add a little bit of water (have to do a tiny bit at a time), mix it in while still in the bag with as little hole in the bag as possible. That way it doesn’t create nearly as much dust when pouring it into my mix ;). I still try to use a mask as well.

@nicj9157 Жыл бұрын

@@MaryGatdula thank you.

@PlantGirlCasey Жыл бұрын

Hey Fern! Horticulture student here! I know you said in some past videos that you don't 100% get the mycorrhizae and in the beginning, I didn't either. Here's my best way to describe it without pulling out writing an essay. Myco is a fungus that bounds to the roots of your plants and allows the fungus and plant to grow in harmony, they basically fuse together in a way; sharing a single water and nutrient source. However, this does not mean the fungus pulls energy from the plant, the plant must give it to the fungi to survive. The main thing is, myco needs to stay slightly moist, if the medium dries out the plant starts to reserve water and refuses to give any to the fungus. This then causes the fungus to die and the plant is in sole control of the root system. So, it's best to reserve it for plants that like to stay moist like begonias and ferns, a cactus or succulent won't really benefit from it.

@ronjakh Жыл бұрын

Yes, definitely re keeping the substrate moist. Myco has been amazing for me. I use Great White because it’s water soluble and you need just a little speck of it to get the benefits. Chronic underwaterers won’t see the benefits because of the substrate drying out too much

@jomassey4207 Жыл бұрын

Many people think this fungus is a disease....I found out that if means your plants are doing well. I think this needs to be taught more.

@PlantDad215 Жыл бұрын

This is really great info. So how do you avoid getting root rot or overwatering and still benefiting from the myco?

@rebeccahenderson7761 Жыл бұрын

Excellent info - thanks!!!

@LarsLarsen77 Жыл бұрын

@@jomassey4207 If you didn't put it there it probably is a disease.

@Eileen-xk6wt Жыл бұрын

Yes, this hobby can get expensive! For 2023, one of my goals was to completely finance new plant and supply purchases through sales of plants and props. And it has been easier than I thought. I was already doing sales because I like to propagate so I always have plants that need a new home or there wouldn't even be room for me in the house anymore. I do like to experiment with new nutrients and substrates, so that is where the bulk of my spending goes, but I still have had money left over every month.

@Snowfrost02 Жыл бұрын

How do you sell your plants? I love propping stuff & really want to get into selling plants for the fun of it but I don't really know how to go about starting out. Like, where do you advertise so people can find you? Do you ship your plants or stay local? If you do ship, HOW do you go about shipping, especially with all the laws and shipping expenses?

@beckypackqualls2745 Жыл бұрын

Another minimalist plantuber is Jeff at Everything Plants! You 2 are all a newby plant person need! ❤

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Awe yes, I love Jeff!!

@heatherb1443 Жыл бұрын

Girl yes!!! I agree 100% so many trends & sometimes it's almost like pressure to experiment with the next trending thing! I will say this that you can reuse fluvial for quite a while! & It goes quite a long way I mix mine 1/2 & 1/2 1 part fluvial & 1 part perlite! My understanding is that it is good in fishtanks for plants for years at a time!

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

That's great to know!! Thanks for sharing.

@Dee97 Жыл бұрын

I like to make my own trellises with wire, and then wrap them in jute! I have two colours of beige and a black. I also make my own macrame hangers

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Oooh good idea - that would make it look much nicer :)

@tracyroose750 Жыл бұрын

My go to mix is the same as yours: potting mix (Espoma), orchid bark and perlite...plus worm castings. I gather rain water and air conditioner water. Much better for your plants! I also love clay pots for a few reasons: love the anesthetic and uniformity (keeps things natural looking) and, sadly I tend to overwater. I also use a dish pan in the sink when watering my plants, yes, I too reuse the water. The staghorn fern and orchids benefit from a good soaking.

@kat1984 Жыл бұрын

I use perlite and either pumice or small aquarium gravel to add to my normal potting mix to create a chunky succulent mix that drains quickly. I add coconut husk chunks to my fox farm potting mix. I buy the larger bags of potting soil to save money that way.

@Dfrancisca95 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly the video I needed right now💚 Thank you for always being so open & realistic!!

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!! 🌿

@wishingonthemoon1 Жыл бұрын

Take out containers really are like gold 😂 Omg yes yogurt containers are amazing!! Thanks for being real! ❤️

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yessss lol! I get so excited when something comes in a good container 👀

@christypan2556 Жыл бұрын

Take out containers, yogurt tubs, and any and all glass pasta sauce jars are great planty things (I’m not a hoarder I swear lol)

@devyn16 Жыл бұрын

Yess and I save the lids from yogurt or margarine containers to use underneath when I water them

@stephaniesalcido4284 Жыл бұрын

Boba containers (the stubby round ones) make perfect nursery pots as well!

@kymsalow7676 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for giving influencer permission to be frugal, so unusual! Very much appreciated! I am guilty of initially needing every ammendment, pon, lecca anyone recommended. I quickly moved away from that but truly you are the first influencer to endorse going back to basics. Thank you!❤

@chrysteldespain143 Жыл бұрын

For me at this point in my hobby / passion lifecycle, experimenting with different medium and substrates is half of the fun. I love tending to my plants, trying pon, fluval, leca… meh not my fave but I like tossing it in the bottom of my pots. I have plants in soil, pon, fluval, drainage, no drainage… currently I have ALL my plants in clear orchid pots which means I have tons of extra pots and cache pots which I know I will use again! I have to buy purified water because our tap water is horrific, but I water over containers and reuse the water! My house is small so I need to get ingenious with the layout and have mostly grow lights. As much money as I spend in the hobby I cannot bring myself to spend on Morhers lights. Just cannot justify it. I am “lucky “ to have disposable income and time for the hobby. I cannot bring myself to reuse soil or moss.. 😰… I definitely need to limit my spending on new plants! A goal for this quarter. Thanks for a great episode as per usual!!!

@lilymeowington9395 Жыл бұрын

That’s how I make my soil mix but I also add in vermiculite and charcoal! Seems to work good for my plants. No fancy brands 🤷🏼‍♀️ i propagate in vermiculite/perlite in jars I save from work and I save deli containers from work for saucers!

@_JaySho Жыл бұрын

I’m with you 100% on the Myco. But I do however enjoy the look of a fancy soil mix, It’s a part of the plants aesthetic,imo…much like mulch around a flower bed/in the yard.

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Oooh interesting take. I haven't really thought about it that way. I do enjoy the way it looks as well.

@carolinebaines8735 Жыл бұрын

I use a wire rack (cooking) over a bucket to water my plants. That fertilizer water goes to my strawberries!

@rosalind-453 Жыл бұрын

We pay for water so I collect rain water and I use a catch bowl when I fertilise or water and just keep pouring the drainage into the next plant 🥲✅🪴🫶

@kenya420 Жыл бұрын

You are my houseplant Godmother 💜 Thank you for sharing all of your tips with us. I appreciate you. 🕉️🌿

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching 🥺🌿💖

@mymyawm111222 Жыл бұрын

I’m a little late.. but for the water sharing. I do that all the time.. I actually have a big bucket (more wider then deep) and have a small oven grill shelf on top of the bucket and water it that way so that the bucket catches the water.. I got this from another KZfaqr and works great. Don’t have to waste water.. I can bottom water and pour water on plants at the same time

@jorlandia4363 Жыл бұрын

I needed this little financial pep talk 😅 thank you! I've felt the need to try semi hydro and such too because I see so much success with it... but I love growing in soil. I appreciate the validation on that area. Its hard sometimes not to get caught up in everything. Im here for the back to basics approach 💜

@JonVlogs123 Жыл бұрын

Good luck. 😎👍

@penni7155 Жыл бұрын

My daughter buys her kids jello and pudding in single serve little containers and I recently told her to rinse them out and save them for me. I poke holes in the bottom of them and use them as small pots for propagations and small cactus 🌵

@par3433 Жыл бұрын

A note on fluval stratum: I bought a small bag and add a tiny layer on top of in the middle of plant props instead of planting in straight fluval. I’ve also shared it with friends which definitely saves money! It’s not reusable really because it kind of turns to mud. It’s really nice to split or share things with plant friends locally which can help justifying purchases! Same with plants ❤ love this video Fern!

@marta_kedra Жыл бұрын

That's so spot on - that's where I'm at with my plant journey exactly! Back to basics:) thanks for keeping inspiring us

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Glad you can relate! Thank you for watching :)

@marta_kedra Жыл бұрын

@@wildfern absolutely. Also I've been binge watching all your videos lately. Turns out your content is actually quite therapeutic as I can relate in many aspects :] thanks!

@ronjakh Жыл бұрын

You should have mentioned that you obviously get a lot of free plant supplies, so your spending will be lower due to that as well. I’m sure that makes a pretty big difference 🙂 I sift my soil and save all the amendments (bark, pumice, perlite, moss, char), sterilise them and reuse them. Never had issues and it works great.

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

True! That's a very nice perk of my job. I've never thought to save things like bark from my soil, maybe I will have to start 👀

@lisaanglim9588 Жыл бұрын

@@wildfern can you boil and reuse the soil after sifting it?

@ronjakh Жыл бұрын

@@lisaanglim9588 I’m assuming you meant to ask me, since I am the one practicing this. I would not suggest boiling soil. that would create mud and be quite messy. If you want to keep and re-use the soil component, you would bake it in the oven to sterilise it. One would sift the substrate to get rid of the soil but keep all the amendments as listed in my original comment. Soil is not expensive, amendments can be.

@mindfulmadeline Жыл бұрын

Sterilizing soil kills all the beneficial bacteria and microbes and what not, so it’s not reccommwnded

@debbiefox6846 Жыл бұрын

@@lisaanglim9588 you can lay it on a "Covered" cooking/Cookie sheet or pan. Line it with aluminum foil which can be reused many many times. Put it in the oven spread out flat and put oven at 140-160• F for 10-15 minutes. Do keep a close eye on it and set a good timer. Not much of anything can survive over those temps except maybe Tardigrades which are awesome little water pig creatures that do no harm. You can reuse lots of products that way as long as it's marked Asbestos free. I would only boil Sphagnum moss though. Don't sterilize that in the oven.

@Billie-jo_field Жыл бұрын

Always such an inspiration Fern! Great suggestions, such good points on why it’s important not to waste water. I do the same. Appreciate you highlight the Importance of repurpose and reuse. We only have one planet, critical we all do our part 💚🪴✨💫 The Peperomia parallel looks so good in your DIY trellis 😊

@sunnymoondog 6 ай бұрын

The trellis IS the most pretty, fancy thing. It is! I love it

@AndyA2286 Жыл бұрын

I like this video 👍🏻 I keep all nursery pots big or small, up-cycle plastic that fits my needs, mix old soil with new soil and amend if necessary

@Lorenmcdee Жыл бұрын

I am always researching plants, but I'm ALSO looking online for the prices. I'm going to look at 1,000 specimens on sale before I buy. I've gotten insane deals because I look so often and SO far deep past the first page of results. I learned about how much variation there is in quality of specimen (that's why YOUR plant doesn't look like THEIR plant online and never will), and I learned that often buying cuttings is more satisfying and WAY cheaper. Another good part of cuttings is that they need smaller pots. Smaller is cheaper. Thrift stores have loads of things you can use for plants, including some of my best deep plant saucers.

@julievaillancourt4546 Жыл бұрын

I got electrical wire at Home Depot, remove the cover and inside is nice copper wire you can bend to make really nice shapes, I do this for my orchids and hoyas, no kidding it looks so amazing, sometimes I double the wire if the plant needs more support

@jerseypecanpeach5469 Жыл бұрын

Thanks you for sharing this info because I feel the same way. I’m one of those people who don’t have grow lights, humidifiers and Ikea grow cabinets, are my plants dying? No. Are they pushing out a new every month? No, but they’re growing and that’s all that matters because being on a fixed income means I can’t afford all the extra, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy my plant life. And enjoy I truly do!😊

@EmiMae0117 Жыл бұрын

I am queen of the house in saving containers here. My favorites are glass yogurt jars, candle jars, smaller jelly jars and of course the wonderful take out containers. I have two shelves in my garage where I store old plastic pots, cache pots and more. I also do like you and water over other plants (unless they are semi-hydro) to save the fertilizer water and I even have reused soil after baking it in oven and then adding fertilizer to soil. I only like to reuse once, maybe twice though. And same as you with the amendments. I think I started doing it after you mentioned doing it in a video.

@lisaanglim9588 Жыл бұрын

Liked this video very much. Your transparency about what you’re doing to save money is refreshing. I don’t see other people doing the same thing.

@beckypackqualls2745 Жыл бұрын

Yay, Fern! Over the past 3 years, I’ve spent stupid amounts on ‘products’ touted as THE THING. I learned about LiquiDirt right up front. I feel sure I’ll always use it. I’ve also pulled back on adding stuff to my soil. I use empty keto collagen canisters as ‘orchid pots’. Only downside is they are black. I use a soldering iron to add holes in bottom and sides to go in a cover pot.

@darlenegriffith5625 10 ай бұрын

I repurpose my fogers coffee cans and spray paint them. It makes a cute 6 inch pot to put plants in and it has a little handle on the side. lol

@WitchyHocusPocus Жыл бұрын

Fern, I totally get what you are saying. In the plant community fads go around the channels and world and all of it costs hundreds of dollars. If you are one of the fortunate ones that has endless financial funds to do this, that is great! But I think most of us would rather pay rent, or buy food to feed ourselves, or to put gas in our cars rather than spending every penny on trying to match the current trends and or fads. So I agree with you. I also am on a very tight budget. I too need to reel it in on the spending as well. So we both will do this together girlfriend. Thank you for discussing this topic. Brilliant!!

@annielitton4622 8 ай бұрын

I am the same way as you. Thank you so much for touching base with everyone. Love your videos.

@troispendleton1356 Жыл бұрын

You just made me feel so bad bc I spent $150 on plants today out of depression shopping 😭. I did order one of your shirts too though. My guilty pleasure with plants is soil amendments and fertilizer (besides the plants themselves). Thanks for talking to me about reeling it back in. PS, I love fluval stratum.

@shelbyshelby8662 Жыл бұрын

I agree with everything you’re saying except about stratum….. it’s been a game changer for me and so worth the money!!!! you can grow plants in stratum for a long time! it does eventually turn to mud but i’ve had an alocasia in it for probably close to a year and it’s growing so well!!!! love the basic soil mix idea too it can definitely get pricey!

@Jen_Eve_Loves Жыл бұрын

I think a great way to save money on substrate is to keep your soil and rinse it through really well with hydrogen peroxide water & then just use complete nutrients - like general hydroponics flora series for hydroponic growing. It’s a complete nutrient fertiliser so it doesn’t matter that the soil is missing the nutrition density It means you’re next to never throwing potting mix away

@carmenmonteavaro9528 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video Fern. I have resisted jumping the Leca, Pon etc. bandwagon and I’m glad I did. Many peers are going back to basics as you mentioned. I basically do the same soil mixture that you use. Everything has just gotten so expensive so why not.

@renatecormick7399 Жыл бұрын

Hi Fern, I have to say I totally agree with everything you’ve covered in this video. I’m all for re-using, re-cycling etc. my problem is lack of storage space. I must say I like the idea of making up your own spray-on fertiliser. Those ready made sprays are such a waste of money. I’ll definitely be making some up in my spray bottle. Thanks so much for sharing all those tips.

@emilymajeski Жыл бұрын

I’ve felt the urge/ pressure to buy a Milsbo cabinet lately, but I’m putting the brakes on. My plants just made it through another winter indoors in room conditions very well and are basically thriving, plus everything is about to go out to my screened in porch for the summer, so it’s literally so unnecessary to purchase it and the cost of all the accessories can be more than the cabinets. Maybe some day, but right now I know I can do without it just fine.

@jgarcia8776 Жыл бұрын

i just throw all my soil into a bucket, including the soil that came from store bought plants, and keep reusing. havent had a problem

@ofpine Жыл бұрын

something that i do is i save the coco coir and peat thats leftover from potting a plant into a new pot from tts nursery pot, i get clearance plants a lot and theres always TONS of coco coir leftover and i just dump that into my huge soil bin and balance it out with perlite and bark. i just always save old soil from a repot (unless there was a pest issue), and sometimes i throw in scrap leaves from tea, i save old leaves from plants and rip them up and put them in the soil and they become like a compost over time, and i save eggshells etc! my soil is a bit of everything

@dagmarawrona8440 Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, reusing and repurposing is definetly plant community thing! I like to pot my plants into "fresh" soil when repotting but I do not like to throw the old one away so I am baking it for 30-40 min in about 60 Celsius, adding some worm castings after (if I have some) and my plants are growing healthy. Of course I am collecting bigger amount of soil to do it in one go ;) same with the food containers, especially for the veggies seeds that are taking over my space every spring :D

@ericalynn8020 Жыл бұрын

For me, this is your most relatable video. I agree with your new process. Plants grow in soil and use what you have - good for the wallet and good for the environment

@MariaRomero-jt8xm Жыл бұрын

i love the water a plant on top of another plant idea! it totally makes sense! i would also add a container in the sink to catch any extra one!

@fitmom68 Жыл бұрын

LOL I'm am so basic. LECA or PON in glass or wicking pot set ups, Liquidirt for nutrients in the water and 32 watt Mother grow lights. And I have philodendrons, pothos, scindapsus, Hoyas, orchids, antheriums, alocacias, colocasia, calathea, succulents, and various Monstera plants. Most of my plants i got either as babies in 4in pots, freshly cut vines for propigating, and chonks. I'm like you now. Focusing on finding nice pots and making statement plants too.

@jeidina Жыл бұрын

I'm happy you're saying this ! Plants grow in nature in dirt (for the most part) using pon and lecca is so extra , imo.

@DrZombee999 Жыл бұрын

your minimalistic mix is my new sophisticated one haha 🤣 I feel the same, I don't want to become overwhelmed with watering in the summer! fluval is so expensive, no way I'm going to buy it 🤣

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Hahah it’s a solid mix 😊

@jwglass Жыл бұрын

If you have a dollar tree, i use the floral wreath frames as a trellis. In the united states its only 1.25 and you have a perfect trellis in multiple sizes

@the_flora_archives Жыл бұрын

Fern, I love how thoughtful you were putting together this video! I am the same way when watering, I actually water into bowls to continue using (bonus points for bottom and top watering at the same time too lol). I’ve definitely had people comment on my videos saying the same things, but haven’t noticed an issue so far!

@Sadkowka Жыл бұрын

I used to have an aquarium for my old beta before old Phil passed on. I used the left over fluval for my terrarium and mixed it into the soil. It’s honestly my fave and will eventually break down and deteriorate. But that 1 bag is in all 3 of my terrariums for the last year maybe almost 2!

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Amazing 🙌

@angeliquerenteria7908 Жыл бұрын

It’s interesting because I started doing a lot of these things myself once I identified the impulser in me. I think consumerism can ruin a hobby which is something I definitely notice in the plant community so I had to start tuning it out a little.

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yes, exactly. Mindfulness helps with this in multiple ways.

@lisaanglim9588 Жыл бұрын

I have a $50/month budget for plants. I used to have it include all my plant supplies too. But I’m starting from scratch. I need all the soil amendments, pesticides, shears, etc. I’m getting some pots. I have no pots to up pot up p my plants.

@shirleywilhelm1495 Жыл бұрын

I also use ebsom salts when I water super thrive,medina hast grow, always use warm water so plant is not shocked. That's what miracle grow is with food coloring and vitamins but it's cheaper.

@videosrfunfunfun Жыл бұрын

Love your videos. If you don't like the metal wire, I think you could cover it with floral tape. Floral tape comes in several green and brown colors and some others.

@suedub5156 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this vid! You know that you have likely influenced many viewers to seeking a variety of plants you’ve showcased as well as substrate, amendments, etc during your KZfaq journey so as much as you’ve been influenced by others, your viewers have been influenced by you. Personally, I’ve always stuck with what I like and rarely experiment when things are going well as they are. But I know others who are very into trying what plant influencers do, use, buy, even purchase expensive lighting they’re slingin’, etc.

@sharniborella Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Fern ❤️ a lot of people are probably struggling with money in the world at the moment including myself so it’s so nice to see this video and know I’m not alone and you giving ideas and advice is so much help ❤️ love you and your videos ❤️

@janice4512 Жыл бұрын

Fluval is basically pelletized soil so it does break down into a mud like texture eventually. It's pelletized so when it's used in tanks the water doesn't get dirty right away compared to putting in loose soil for aquatic plants. 🤷‍♀️

@amylokers4942 11 ай бұрын

Also The company modern aqua has flugel stratum for like half the price if you ever want to try it

@kay-pu7hr Жыл бұрын

I save all my clear iced coffee cups with the lid from Dunkins. I use them for water.propogating plants. I cut a bigger hole in the lid so my plants I'm rooting won't fall down into the bottom of the cup and rot.i can see the roots develope too.

@heidifritz1033 Жыл бұрын

I am the worst. I want all the things to try and I just got the scared elements because of your love. Here is hoping🤞🏾

@amysuewest3826 Жыл бұрын

I think everything you said was appropriate. A person needs to step back and focus on what they want to do with their plant collection. How they'll grow it, then how many plants they'll be able to keep up with. It's easy to get carried away.

@emmyb05 Жыл бұрын

I’m the same way with my soil now! Last fall I found Fox Farm Happy Frog potting soil at a local nursery and LOVE it. I also add a bunch of perlite and orchid bark. - I actually just scored two full large bags of perlite for $2 each(!!!) at Lowe’s, because they had been sliced open by accident. - I only buy pots at garage and estate sales, or find them for free! I prefer terracotta and MCM/California pottery cache pots. - I’m also very satisfied with my collection right now, which means I don’t feel the need to acquire more. It’s manageable, pest free (for now!) and everything seems happy. Which makes me happy. 😊

@wanglabtydc1803 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely agreed with every words you said. After many years of trails and errors. And one big round of rollercoaster 😅... At the end it always come back to the basic

@joanloraine3881 Жыл бұрын

Hi Fern I think it’s great how thrifty you are I like your ideas I make moss poles by using a role of cake collars and also you can get cling film on a role like sellotape the cake collars are probably a bit thinner but when you make them with the cling film or Serrano wrap the moss doesn’t fall out at all it’s just an idea which works for me and it’s way more cheaper xxx

@finnster6582 Жыл бұрын

Can you share the Orchid Spray recipe?

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yes I am going to make a video or a short on it!

@natashaoreilly7072 Жыл бұрын

Any way to save money in the plant world is great! Awesome video Fern 🥰 Your influence is quite inspiring 💚👏👏

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Thank you Natasha. You're always so uplifting 🥺🌿💖

@natashaoreilly7072 Жыл бұрын

@@wildfern aww thanks Fern 🫶 I feel the same about you 💓

@carolynchambers7203 Жыл бұрын

I must say I have them all. Leca ,Moss,Pon,Gritty Dirt , and all soil the amendments. I received a plant I bought that was in Fluval Stratum. Now I gravitate towards only using Fluval Stratum. I went to a nursery suggested by a huge plant influencer, eleven out of the thirteen Hoyas that I purchased I had to rescue! At the time I had only had Hoyas for about four months so I did not feel comfortable until I had to root all the Hoyas in Fluval Stratum and even propagated leaves in Fluvial Stratum. I will say now that I feel the most comfortable using it all I do is just add distilled water. Within weeks roots , new leaves emerge and growth. IT IS AMAZING!! A must try! A word of advice handle when dry or it is so messy!! PS - I also save my garlic cup containers for pots after eating pizza.

@christinakara278 Жыл бұрын

I m always into recycling.. And as you mentioned there's cover pots u have to improvise a Plant pot out of something (see through tomato containers e. G.) I do use organic vegetable fertilizer (very affordable) to start my cacti in spring and now I ve started drinking koffee again, I keep the boiled powder in a shallow bowl to dry it and sprinkle it over the soil sometimes when watering. Especially anthuriums love it and that's what I would recommend 🍀

@Thefortnitekids123 Жыл бұрын

Very relatable with the soil additions and trying leca etc went through the phases and back to indoor mix. I dislike how the added chunky stuff end up coming to the top and the water running through too much

@kateliddlebroberg239 Жыл бұрын

Whenever I buy candles I only get ones that come in cute jars or pots that I can reuse in my home for storage or plant pots! It’s a fun way to stop myself from impulse buying and to repurpose things I might otherwise throw away.

@slem8431 Жыл бұрын

I love this video! I feel like you bring the honest side of the plant hobby to light! I have a $60 plant budget per month which to some may seem insanely low. But I have to be smart, and budget my money. I’ve been using potting mix, orchid bark and perlite and it’s been really good and honestly all your plants really need! Thanks for the awesome video, I always look forward to them!

@latishasuarez1366 Жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm with the basics. And when it comes to plant buying, I try to get cuttings. Cause I'm on a budget. Things are pricey nowadays. I'm so careful about everything I purchase.

@noeltimberlake165 Жыл бұрын

I spray paint pots and whatever I'm not using I turn into a plant stand or trellis. I buy cheap plant supplies and fertilize with food scraps. Thanks Fern for letting us know you can boil moss.

@chiara-planet8754 Жыл бұрын

I have been yousing my sphagnum Moos for over two years now so I think it‘s very sustainable. Love your content🪴💚

@plantgoals3016 Жыл бұрын

That’s my exact potting mix for years and my plants are happy 😍 I use it for all different types of plants!

@janebrewer9326 Жыл бұрын

This video was so kindly and thoughtfully presented. I wish I had gotten into local trade/purge groups sooner. I was kind of against face book but I just made a little “plants only” account and I have saved so much. I did get root mealies really bad so I try not to re use my fertilizer water anymore but I do collect rainwater from my roof gutter and my big tub of miracle grow has lasted me for years and it’s only half gone. I did have an ultra chunky fancy mix but I have simplified it too, I love the pre mixed orchid mixes (already has bark charcoal etc) or even just potting mix and perlite. I make my own tall clear orchid pots using food storage containers from the dollar store, I just melt holes in them (or not!) I make “lazy moss poles” from cut up Powerade bottles. Can’t wait to read thru the comments here! 🦋

@Plant_mom657 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this video. Good job fern ! 💚

@MountainMomma11 Жыл бұрын

I completely agree!! Thats how ive been through out my plant journey UNTIL i stumbled across your channel. Literally seeing how beautiful aevery single one of your plants are sent me into a fenzy!! I just bought pumice, & charcoal to add into my soil like 5 hours ago. I figure it cant hurt to add it. At this point im desperate to improve the quality of my insanely expensive babies. By fall i will have a ikea cabinet. Ive held out for over a year but i really think my plants will benefit so much from having it ❤

@yippydippyhippy6549 Жыл бұрын

So funny! My partner and I were just planning/budgeting and listing our future goals. We are cutting spending a lot. We will get 5% play money out of our 100% paycheck each for plants, video games, pottery stuff, etc. We have percentages for travel and then our future goals. With soil, I've bought bark and perlite in bulk bags. Bark usually 4$/giant bag and vigro giant perlite bag with a 2 cu. Ft compacted soil and mix to get a super airy bulky mix. I've done this for 2 years now and my plants love it! I've fertilized with superthrive but mainly the seaweed fertilizer and the floras. Anyways, I'm rambling! Love you Fern, your videos are always so fun! 💚☺️✨️

@FredTheFicusAndFriends Жыл бұрын

Funny how the yogurt container fit what you needed. That happened for me with a pop bottle, which fits perfectly into these white cache pots I have. I cut the bottom off a 2L bottle w/an exacto to the level of the pot I'm putting it in. Next I burn holes in bottom & up the sides for drainage/airflow, and to finish melt w/a lighter around the top to soften. They look very bespoke, and have better airflow than some expensive clear pots, AND, they look really cool.

@wildfern Жыл бұрын

Yesss hahah so satisfying 🙌

@katiecora7727 Жыл бұрын

I prefer to grow in soil but i moved the majority of my collection to leca a year ago because i have so many its hard to keep up with watering and i wanted insurance for when we go on vacations. I dont know anyone I would trust caring for them in my absence. Plus it helped tremendously with fungus knats. I have had a big collection for approx 3 years and I have never had a single pest (mealy bugs, aphids, thrips, spider mites). I have only had fungus knats. Im convinced its due to semihydro.

@marieschwarm2513 Жыл бұрын

I love that you touch on this topic! Trying the latest thing can be so tempting! I’ve settled into my houseplant groove and have found such satisfaction in not accumulating various products that generally yield the same results. Less money spent, less waste, etc. No shade to those who try multiple mediums, fertilizers, amendments, etc. though (while still being waste conscious)! I just can’t bankroll that lifestyle! 😂 This is definitely not talked about often (if at all) and I’m so appreciative that you touched on this! Especially with the latest fluval craze! This video is everything for a basic plant mama like me 🫶

@violentarts6380 Жыл бұрын

Noting that fluval stratum wouldn’t really be reusable, at least not 3+ times. The “balls” would turn into a mush which can be used for other reasons, but probably not for propping. Mushed up stratum can be used for kokedama and other projects that require a clay like material - like sculpted backgrounds in terrariums. I would say propping is one of the most boring things you could do with stratum! You can use off brand aquatic soils for this stuff as well. Fluval is a notably expensive brand in aquatics.

@jefftucker9225 Жыл бұрын

only way to tell is to plant several plants of the same kind and have them in the same location, then you can see which plants are doing the best, this goes for soil amendments, fertilizer, and type of pots used

@lindseyjohnson7070 Жыл бұрын

To water all my plants I got a 5 gallon bucket and drilled holes in the top. I water all my plants over it so I can reuse the water! I also got a small water pump so it can cycle the water for me instead of having to empty it into a watering can and repeat. Total cost was ~$5 for the bucket and $15 for the pump, and it’s been totally worth it in my opinion!

@digitalwindowz Жыл бұрын

90% of my nice pots come from yard sales and thrift stores. Imho yard sales are the best! A few years ago I kept finding popcorn bowls everywhere, so now in my kitchen, I have popcorn cover pots on all my kitchen plants. I love my popcorn & plant kitchen, lol!

@lil.dizzee4220 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video 🥰💞

@MaddieMettler Жыл бұрын

I start basics and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I was typing this literally as you said that 🤯 It would be interesting to know how much money you saved by having things sent to you, especially when thinking about grow lights. Since obviously that is not a perk most people have.

@jennielgreene3870 Жыл бұрын

Amen! I keep it simple.

@FullyRooted_PlantBoutique Жыл бұрын

@wildfern You are so wise beyond your years sis! I love watching your videos! It always inspires me to care for my plants better and in new ways!🤗❤ Not saying plant hauls and other videos are bad, but yours continue to push me to be happy with my collection and enjoy what I have instead of buying more. 🥰🪷🪴 xoxoxo

@lindapatrell-kim4208 Жыл бұрын

I’m the same. Use a basic houseplant mix with bark and perlite, just in different proportions depending on the plant.

@marinadejong2189 Жыл бұрын

Yes! Love this video! And thanks for the reminder, because maybe we all need to hear this every once in a while. I find it easy to forget that I can just play around with my plants without spending any money: propagating, reporting, experimenting. I kinda lost that vibe as the hobby continued. Buying plants is instantly rewarding, but maybe not equally. And I tend to throw myself into new projects quite easily because I am very curious and enthusiastic 😅 Like into terraria for plants right now, or mosspoles and leca substrate a while back. Bought all the supplies and now I am kinda over it... Gonna set myself a goal this year to make more use of what I have and be more creative. Also, I really love reusing things as well, the yoghurt containers in The Netherlands are 1liter and made out of clear plastic with a clear plastic lid 😍