Know what type of plant you have, and the amount of water it needs.

Fight the urge to water plants everyday, because they simply don’t need that much water.

– Tiela

Healthy soil equals healthy roots equals healthy plants.

Choose the right soil for the type of plant you have, and well-draining soil is a must. Potted plants must have drain holes, so they aren’t stuck with wet feet.

– Lana

Groom and prune.

Give those leaves a wipe down with a soft damp cloth to remove dust to help improve photosynthesis; and remove any old, dead, yellow, or crispy leaves so your plants look their best and don’t expend energy trying to save them. 

– Lana 

The best type of plants for indoors are ones that need moderate temperature.

Succulents are in a league of their own so this rule doesn’t apply for them.

– Tiela

When it is time to water, water deeply.

…until it comes out the drain holes, around the entire surface area of the soil, so the entire root ball gets wet, not just on one side.

– Lana

Get to know your plants.

Feel their soil often to get a sense of how fast it dries out and look at their leaves to notice any changes.

– Lana

Inside or outside, plants need light! 

Don’t forget to give them some sun or place in a bright area. There are even lamps that you can get that give your plant babies the sun-food they need to thrive. 

– Tiela

Don’t be afraid to try new locations in the house if your plants aren’t doing well.

Some plants that do well in the living room, may hate your bedroom. And that’s totally ok. If your plants are happy, you’ll be happy. 

– Tiela

Don’t forget to repot your growing plant babies. 

You don’t want to stunt the growth of your plants by leaving them in a pot they have outgrown. If the roots of your plant are coming out the bottom of the pot, it’s time to upgrade. If your plant is too far out of the soil (succulent specific) it’s time to upgrade. 

– Tiela

An artist and plant enthusiast, Lana Williams first used the name, The Tender Gardener, for one of her painting exhibitions in San Francisco. The paintings were inspired by working in her garden and tending to her indoor jungle. Her passion for plants and flowers runs deep. Her grandmother owned a flower shop and always had a house full of plants. Now Lana is carrying on her family tradition and passion for plants and flowers and wants to share that with you.

The Tender Gardener is queer-owned and offers contactless delivery in the Bay Area.

Tiela is a single mom who loves to create fun and inviting spaces for other people. She started Blooming With Tee with the hope that people from all walks of life could come together and create unique garden pieces. The goal isn’t to make the perfect arrangement, the goal is to have a great time, build new friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Blooming with Tee is Black-owned and offers virtual bloom parties.