By Hannah Wente | Photography by Shanna Wolf
Stephanie Orkowski has made it her mission to help people become better plant parents through her new Monroe Street shop, MSN Plant Collective. Every day, she connects with customers to share her horticulture knowledge and help them find the best houseplant(s) for their space.
“When people come in, I want to inspire them with an ‘I can … be a plant parent’ attitude,” she says. “I hope I’m giving people confidence and nuggets of information to grow into the next level of plant parenting.” Orkowski offers some of her best tips.
WATERING
The most common questions she gets are about watering houseplants — especially since dry air during our Midwest winters makes it a major concern. When houseplants are growing in perfect light conditions, they’re using and processing all of the water they receive. With less daylight during the winter, houseplants slow down their photosynthesis process and can’t process as much water.
“Trust that the plant needs less water in the winter,” Orkowski says. “Don’t overwater them — that creates root rot and can kill the plant. Always check the soil before watering.”
Stick a wooden chopstick or knitting needle into the soil. If soil sticks to the chopstick or knitting needle, it means the houseplant has enough water, and you can wait a few days.
HUMIDITY
The other houseplant dilemma people struggle with is humidity. Winter can be difficult for indoor plants.
“Not all plants need humidity,” says Orkowski. “Tropical understory plants — monstera, philodendrons, pothos and spider plants — will appreciate extra humidity in air, especially in the winter. Succulent and snake plants don’t need it.”
Misters and spray bottles help, but are temporary fixes that don’t raise the humidity level of a room. Use a fancy humidifier or a pebble tray (a dish with stones on it). Spread natural or aquarium rocks on a tray, pour water halfway up the rocks, then place the houseplant on top — being careful to not allow the bottom of the planter to touch the water. The water evaporates over a large surface area to create moisture.
QUALITY
When it comes to houseplant nutrition, using high-quality products sets them up for success. Think of it like making a recipe — superior ingredients usually make a dish taste better.
Orkowski mixes her own soil in the shop and is in the process of creating a branded soil blend. Certain soils are better suited to specific houseplants and needs. A general, chunky house- plant mix helps with drainage so houseplants don’t sit in too much water. A succulent mix without a lot of organic matter helps with drainage for those types of plants. General potting soil is heavier with organic matter.
POPULAR PLANTS
Snake plant
This is a great houseplant for busy people because it’s hardy and forgiving — and can even be placed in a darker room. Long- term maintenance is easy — just divide it and repot it into one, two or three pots.
Philodendron
This versatile houseplant has varieties that are tall and upright, big and massive, or smaller and more contained. Its lush green foliage and varying sizes make it great for a living room or office. It can also be cut and divided.
1817 Monroe St, Madison, WI | msnplantcollective.com
