How to be a Plant Daddy on a Budget
There is a phenomenon that is sweeping the culture like no other: it’s popping up on Pinterest, pervading the Instagram discover page, and taking up WAY too much space on college dorm windowsills across the nation. I’m talking about houseplants people. They are making a huge comeback y’all!
Like anything that is cute and collectible and fun to obsess over, it can be super easy to fall into the trap of spending lots of money on plants. Believe me, I recognize that I’m not even very good at taking care of plants, and yet they call to me. They’re just so prettttyyy and I like the idea of being this well-versed lady with an epic green-thumb, just sitting amongst her flourishing menagerie of plants. So every time I see a new cute plant, I want to throw down some cash!
Then I take a step back and remember I don’t have the money for that and convince myself I need to calm down and put the succulent back.
What I’ve come to discover, though, is that it doesn’t have to be a huge financial burden to have a well rounded collection of houseplants! Here is my roster of tips for how to maintain a plant obsession without breaking the bank!
Purchase low maintenance plants.
I know that bonsai is gorgeously eclectic, and those Venus Flytraps are super fly (pun intended) but plants like these (and many others) have a lot of extra needs that inevitably lead to additional costs.
For example, Venus Flytraps don’t do well in straight soil. It’s typically recommended that you mix soil, peat moss, and sand to create a healthy environment for them to grow in. That means you can’t just go grab a hunk of dirt from your back yard for free and expect your Venus to thrive. They also sometimes need to be fed small insects to keep them healthy, and these often need to be purchased specifically (in other words, you can’t just empty your bug zapper on them).
See what I mean? Extra work equals extra money.
There are TONS of plants out there that require very little care and don’t need special treatment. Succulents and cacti in particular are totally adorable and basically thrive on neglect! Not only a huge relief in terms of care commitment, but also way easier on the paycheck.
Buy discounted plants.
Most places that sell plants (greenhouses, nurseries, Home Depot, Lowes, the grocery store!) have a clearance section for plants that are dying, going out of season, or just look strange. These oddballs are your friends!
If you’re an experienced Plant Daddy, then go for those sickly plants that need some tender loving care to bring them back from the near dead! If you’re more of a beginner, try picking up a plant that just looks goofy. The weirdest plants have often been some of my favorites.
Propagate your existing plants.
Did you know you can take cuttings from your existing plants and make new plants?? It’s basically Botany 101, and you can do it fairly easily right in your dorm or bedroom. It does require a little bit of attentiveness and regimented care, but if you’re up for the task, it’s a great way to bring new plants into your collection without spending a single dime.
There’s a myriad of great videos on YouTube explaining how to propagate, and showing you what the progression looks like. You can check one out here to get you started.
Take care of the plants you do have.
It might seem like it’s not a huge deal if your plants die–you can always buy new ones right? It’s almost easier just to buy new ones than to be intentional about routinely checking and taking care of the plants you already have. I’ve definitely thought like that before, because I stink at keeping routines (ie, regularly watering plants). But if you want to save money, sometimes you’ve got to get your hands dirty. And if you’re dealing with succulents, then the care and keeping is extremely minimal anyway.
Get creative with potting.
If you’ve been to one of those gorgeous nurseries with rows and rows of lovely plants and plant paraphernalia and gardening supplies, then you are probably well aware that there is a myriad of adorable (and overpriced) flowerpots out there.
Spending an arm and a leg for a #aesthetic flowerpot is actually completely unnecessary in my opinion.
For one thing, any thrift store this side of Nantucket has a section overflowing with random vases and pots and bowls and other various receptacles that can easily be up-cycled into boujee looking planters.
For another thing, your basic el cheapo clay pots can be easily transformed into expensive looking pots with nothing but dollar store acrylic paints and a smidge of artistic vision. Plus, if you craft your own flowerpots, then they’re even COOLER than expensive ones because they’re one of a kind.
Buy multipurpose plants.
Plants like lavender, aloe, mint, and various herbs or peppers make great additions to your collection because they can be used for other things besides just looking pretty. You can use some plants to flavor your food, and others to make skin care products. For example, having aloe on hand means you never have to pay for sunburn soothing gel again–definitely a great (and totally natural) way to save some moola.
Plants with multiple purposes can be a smart investment, and help kick-start other hobbies as well.
Sell your babies.
Remember that propagation tip from earlier? Well, not only can you use your newly sprouted plants to beef up your existing collection, but you could also start your own mini business! It’s obvious that people LOVE houseplants these days, and the cheaper the better. If you want to have a simple side hustle, try getting the hang of propagating your plant cuttings, and sell them for a reasonable price at your local farmers market, or at a yard sale.
Not only is a succulent side hustle a great way to make some pocket cash, but it could also be a great way to meet fellow plant lovers and learn even more tips and tricks than those you can find here!
Dakota Vaughn 