You've just brought home a new houseplant from House of Kojo? Welcome to the plant parent club! Whether it's your first ever plant or your fiftieth, it’s always exciting to unwrap something green and gorgeous. But before you rush to repot or drown it in love (and water), here are a few friendly DOs and DON'Ts to help your plant settle in smoothly.
DO: Research Its Care Before It Arrives
Knowing what your plant likes whether that’s bright indirect light, weekly watering, or high humidity, makes a huge difference from day one. A bit of preparation goes a long way. If you’re not sure about something, our product pages and blog posts are great resources, or feel free to reach out to us directly.
Tip: Try to set up the right spot for your plant before it arrives so it can settle in straight away. Good lighting, room temperature, and airflow are the basic ingredients for a healthy start.
DO: Carefully Unwrap It from Its Packaging
Our packaging is designed to keep your plant safe during transit, but it's still important to take care when unwrapping. Avoid tugging on stems or leaves these can be delicate, especially after a journey. Gently remove any paper, tape, or cushioning materials. If the plant has a stake or support, leave it in place for now to help stabilise the plant while it adjusts.
Tip: If soil has shifted or spilt during delivery, simply scoop it back into the pot. You can lightly pat it down but avoid compacting it too firmly, which can impact airflow and drainage.
DO: Check If It Needs Water
After unpacking, check the moisture level of the soil by pressing a finger a couple of centimetres into the potting mix. If it feels dry at that depth, a light watering may be helpful. However, if it still feels damp, hold off. It’s better to wait a few days than to risk overwatering a plant that may already be slightly stressed from travel.
Tip: Plants can lose moisture differently during transit depending on the time of year and courier conditions. Always go by how the soil feels not just by routine.
DO: Inspect for Any Pests or Issues
While it’s very rare for plants from us to have pests, no living thing is completely immune. It’s good practice to inspect the leaves (especially the undersides), stems, and top layer of soil for any signs of bugs or damage. Catching any issue early is key and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.
Tip: Even if everything looks perfect, you can isolate your new plant for a week or two before adding it to your main collection. This isn’t essential, but it’s a helpful habit, particularly if you keep a large number of plants.
DON'T: Repot Straight Away
This is one of the most common mistakes new plant parents make. As tempting as it is to pop your plant into a decorative pot or give it “fresh” soil, repotting too soon can do more harm than good. Your plant needs time to adjust to its new environment and shouldn’t be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.
Tip: Wait at least 2–3 weeks before repotting. During this time, monitor your plant’s behaviour and allow its roots to recover from any transit-related stress. The only exception is if the plastic nursery pot is damaged or if the roots are clearly rotting, which is very rare.
DON'T: Fertilise or Feed Too Soon
Fertiliser is a great long-term support, but not right after arrival. Most houseplants won’t be actively growing when they first arrive, and feeding them during this adjustment period can actually burn their roots or cause more stress.
Tip: Wait at least one week before applying any fertiliser. When you do start, choose a balanced, diluted liquid feed for the first few applications.
DON'T: Expect It to Look Perfect Instantly
Your plant might look a little tired when it arrives. Slight drooping, a yellowing leaf, or minor cosmetic damage is perfectly normal after transit. This doesn't mean anything is wrong. Plants are resilient, and with a bit of time, they will bounce back.
Tip: Resist the urge to “fix” your plant too quickly. Instead, place it in a spot with stable light and temperature, keep it away from draughts, and allow it to find its rhythm in your home.
DON'T: Place It in Direct Sun or Cold Spots
Even sun-loving plants need a gentle start. Placing your new plant in harsh, direct sunlight can cause sunburn on leaves that aren’t yet used to that level of exposure. Similarly, setting it near a cold window or heater can shock the plant and slow its adjustment.
Tip: Bright but indirect light is best for most plants during the first few weeks. Once it’s acclimatised, you can gradually adjust its position if needed.
The first few weeks with a new plant are all about observation, not action. Let it get to know your space, and resist the temptation to do too much too soon. Plants, like people, need time to adjust to change. A little patience now will help your new green companion thrive for months and years to come.
If you ever have questions or something doesn’t look quite right, we’re always here to help. You can DM us on socials or email us at info@houseofkojo.com.
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