3 Ways To Make Your Plant Collection More Sustainable
We’ve all been there. You’re at the store, simply shopping for groceries and a random scented candle (because why not?).
There’s zero intention of buying any more houseplants—after all, there’s already a forest forming from last week’s haul.
But then it happens: you turn the corner and spot a display of half-price pothos or a rare fiddle leaf fig. Before you know it, there’s a new green friend (or two, or three, or thirty) in the cart.
Problem is, it’s all too easy to keep adding to the collection without thinking about the long-term care, space, or impact.
Let me help you out here.
Here are three ways to make a plant collection more sustainable, without sacrificing the joy of growing.
1. Make Every Purchase a Thoughtful One
There’s a common saying: “You can’t have too many plants.” But honestly, you can. The right number might be zero, five, or five hundred, depending on factors like space, budget, and lifestyle. Before bringing home a new leafy companion, ask:
Do I have enough light, time, and know-how to care for it properly? Will it still fit my life a year from now, or five years from now?
Too often, houseplants are treated like decorations instead of living beings that can thrive for decades with proper care. A little reflection goes a long way toward keeping a plant collection healthy and manageable.
2. Reuse (Don’t Buy) Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are everywhere, and many end up in landfill because recycling options can be limited. Instead of buying new, why not reuse what’s already out there? Post a quick message in a local plant group, and watch as people practically throw piles of unused pots your way.
- If clear pots are more your style, repurpose milkshake cups or similar containers, just by adding drainage holes. They’re perfect for monitoring root growth, and you won’t be tossing more plastic into the trash.
- Use each pot until it’s truly done for. Give it a rinse, maybe a quick wipe, and it’s good to go for another round.
Or if you don’t want to reuse pots, you can actually buy sustainable ones. Like these, for example, which are pots made from recyclable abandoned ghost nets!
3. Go Peat-Free
Peat content in potting mixes wasn’t on many people’s radar until recently, but it’s becoming clearer how important it is for the environment to cut back on peat use.
When it comes time to repot:
- Look for peat-free potting mixes hitting the market. They’re getting more common and easier to find.
- Customize if needed. Add grit, leca, or any other amendments that suit your plant’s needs.
Peat-free mixes often do the job just as well as (if not better than) traditional potting soils, and choosing them helps protect vulnerable ecosystems.
I’m not a sustainability pro (something to work on this year), so if you’ve got any sustainability tips of your own, hit reply and share. Everyone benefits when good ideas get passed around!
