Plant Care + Helpful Tips
Congrats on purchasing a plant from Makoré.
Now what? How do I care for my new plant?
Healthy plants begin with understanding their basic needs. Use these general care guidelines as a starting point, adjusting for your home’s light, temperature, humidity, and seasonal conditions. Because every plant and growing environment is different, always observe your plant and check the soil before watering.
General Plant Care by Genus
These recommendations provide a starting point for caring for each plant group. Individual species and cultivars may have slightly different needs, and conditions within the home—including light, temperature, humidity, pot size, and season—will affect how frequently a plant requires water.
Always check the potting mix before watering rather than following a fixed schedule. Use containers with drainage holes and never allow plants to remain in standing water.
Alocasia
Alocasia are dramatic tropical plants known for their sculptural, often shield-shaped foliage. They appreciate warmth, humidity, and consistent care but are sensitive to overwatering and cold conditions.
Light
Place in bright, indirect light. Gentle morning sun is usually beneficial, but prolonged direct afternoon sunlight may scorch the leaves. Variegated varieties typically require brighter light to maintain their coloration.
Water
Water when the upper 1–2 inches of the potting mix feel dry. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain completely. Keep the soil lightly and consistently moist during active growth, but never saturated.
Alocasia may use less water during winter or periods of dormancy. Some varieties may lose one or more leaves while resting.
Humidity
Moderate to high humidity is preferred. Aim for approximately 50% humidity or higher when possible. Browning leaf edges can indicate dry air, inconsistent watering, mineral buildup, or a combination of these factors.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between approximately 65–85°F. Protect the plant from cold drafts, air-conditioning vents, and temperatures below 60°F.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining tropical plant mix. A blend containing potting soil or coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite or pumice works well.
Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at reduced strength every two to four weeks during spring and summer. Reduce or discontinue feeding when growth slows.
Helpful Notes
Alocasia are susceptible to spider mites. Inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly and keep the foliage clean. Yellowing leaves are frequently associated with excess moisture, insufficient light, natural leaf replacement, or seasonal dormancy.
Pet and Household Caution
Alocasia contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Anthurium
Anthurium includes both flowering varieties and foliage varieties. Most prefer bright filtered light, good airflow, elevated humidity, and a chunky growing medium that allows oxygen to reach the roots.
Light
Provide bright, indirect light. Flowering Anthurium generally produce more blooms in brighter conditions. Foliage species also appreciate bright light but should be protected from intense direct sun.
Water
Water when the upper 1–2 inches of the growing medium feel dry. Water thoroughly and allow the container to drain. Avoid keeping the roots continuously wet.
Thick-leaved and epiphytic varieties may tolerate slightly more drying than thin-leaved tropical varieties.
Humidity
Moderate to high humidity is ideal. Many Anthurium grow well at 50–70% humidity, although sensitive foliage species may perform better toward the upper end of that range.
Temperature
Keep between approximately 65–85°F. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil
Use a coarse, airy mix containing ingredients such as orchid bark, coco chips, perlite, pumice, sphagnum moss, or a small amount of high-quality potting mix.
Fertilizer
Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during active growth. Flush the potting mix occasionally with clean water to reduce fertilizer-salt accumulation.
Helpful Notes
Good airflow helps reduce fungal spotting and moisture-related problems. Avoid leaving water on velvety or delicate foliage for extended periods. Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, while dry brown edges may result from low humidity, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup.
Pet and Household Caution
Anthurium contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should not be ingested by pets or people.
Epipremnum
Epipremnum, commonly represented by pothos and related climbing plants, are adaptable and generally easy to maintain. They can trail from a shelf or climb a support, producing larger leaves when given favorable growing conditions.
Light
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Many varieties tolerate lower light, but growth may become slower, less dense, or less variegated. Protect the foliage from intense afternoon sun.
Water
Allow the upper 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering. Water thoroughly and let excess moisture drain away. Epipremnum tolerate brief periods of dryness better than prolonged saturation.
Humidity
Average household humidity is usually adequate. Higher humidity can encourage more vigorous growth but is not essential for most varieties.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between approximately 60–85°F. Protect the plant from cold drafts and prolonged temperatures below 55–60°F.
Soil
Use a well-draining indoor plant mix amended with perlite, pumice, or orchid bark.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly at reduced strength during spring and summer. Fertilize less frequently during fall and winter.
Helpful Notes
Prune long vines to maintain a fuller appearance. Climbing plants can be attached to a plank, trellis, or moss pole. Loss of variegation often indicates insufficient light, while yellowing leaves commonly indicate excess moisture or poor drainage.
Pet and Household Caution
Epipremnum contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Goeppertia (Formerly Calathea spp.)
*Goeppertia is the correct botanical spelling. Many plants in this genus are still sold under their former name, Calathea.
Goeppertia are prized for their patterned foliage and leaf movement. They prefer stable conditions and are more sensitive to dry air, hard water, temperature changes, and irregular watering than many common houseplants. Many popular plants formerly classified as Calathea are now placed within Goeppertia.
Light
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can fade patterns and scorch the leaves. These plants naturally grow beneath a tropical canopy and are adapted to filtered light.
Water
Keep the potting mix lightly and consistently moist, but never saturated. Water when the surface begins to feel slightly dry.
Goeppertia can be sensitive to salts and minerals in tap water. Filtered, distilled, or collected rainwater may help prevent browning leaf tips where water quality is poor.
Humidity
Moderate to high humidity is strongly preferred. Aim for at least 50% humidity, with 60% or more benefiting sensitive varieties.
Temperature
Keep between approximately 65–80°F. Protect from cold drafts, heating vents, air-conditioning, and sudden environmental changes.
Soil
Use a moisture-retentive but well-draining mix. A combination of coco coir or peat-based potting mix with perlite, fine orchid bark, and compost or worm castings works well.
Fertilizer
Feed lightly every four to six weeks during active growth. Use a diluted fertilizer, as these plants can be sensitive to excess fertilizer salts.
Helpful Notes
Brown tips can result from dry air, inconsistent watering, mineral-heavy water, or excess fertilizer. Curling leaves may indicate thirst, low humidity, intense light, cold exposure, or root stress.
Pet Safety
Goeppertia are generally considered pet-friendly, although chewing any plant material may still cause digestive discomfort.
Homalomena
Homalomena are lush tropical foliage plants valued for their compact growth, attractive leaves, and ability to adapt to indoor environments. Their care is similar to that of many Philodendron, although they prefer slightly more consistent moisture.
Light
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Many varieties tolerate lower light, but growth may become slower and less compact. Avoid harsh direct sun.
Water
Water when the upper 1–2 inches of the potting mix feel dry. Homalomena prefer even moisture but are vulnerable to root problems when kept saturated.
Humidity
Average to moderately high household humidity is suitable. Humidity above 50% can help keep the foliage attractive.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between approximately 65–85°F. Keep away from cold windows, drafts, and air-conditioning vents.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining tropical plant mix containing potting soil or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark.
Fertilizer
Apply a diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Reduce feeding when growth slows.
Helpful Notes
Homalomena may droop noticeably when thirsty but should not be allowed to remain completely dry for long periods. Yellow leaves often indicate excessive moisture, poor drainage, or natural replacement of older foliage.
Pet and Household Caution
Homalomena contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Hoya
Hoya are tropical and subtropical vines known for their waxy foliage and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Many are epiphytic in nature and prefer an airy growing medium and a slight drying period between waterings.
Light
Provide bright indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or late-afternoon sun can encourage stronger growth and flowering. Variegated Hoya generally require brighter conditions than solid-green varieties.
Water
Allow the growing medium to dry partially before watering again. Thick-leaved varieties generally tolerate more drying, while thin-leaved varieties may prefer slightly more consistent moisture.
Water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain completely.
Humidity
Average household humidity is tolerated by many varieties, although moderate humidity between approximately 40–60% can improve growth. Thin-leaved or specialty species may prefer higher humidity.
Temperature
Most common Hoya grow well between approximately 60–85°F. Avoid cold drafts and prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
Soil
Use a coarse, fast-draining mix containing orchid bark, perlite or pumice, coco chips, and a modest amount of potting mix.
Fertilizer
Feed lightly every two to four weeks during active growth. A balanced fertilizer is suitable for general growth. Avoid excessive feeding.
Helpful Notes
Do not routinely remove old flower spurs, also called peduncles, because many Hoya rebloom from the same structures. Avoid frequently moving or rotating a plant while buds are developing, as environmental changes can cause buds to drop.
Hoya generally flower best when mature, adequately rooted, and grown in bright light.
Pet Safety
Hoya are generally considered pet-friendly, although ingesting plant material can still cause digestive upset.
Philodendron
Philodendron are a diverse group that includes climbing, trailing, and self-heading plants. Most are adaptable indoors and grow best with bright filtered light, moderate moisture, and an airy potting medium.
Light
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Many green-leaved varieties tolerate lower light, but growth may become slower or stretched. Variegated cultivars require brighter light to maintain strong coloration.
Avoid prolonged intense sunlight unless the plant has been gradually acclimated.
Water
Water when the upper 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Avoid keeping the soil continuously wet.
Humidity
Average household humidity is acceptable for many Philodendron. Moderate humidity of 40–60% or higher can promote larger, healthier foliage.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures between approximately 65–85°F. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below approximately 55–60°F.
Soil
Use a loose aroid mix containing potting soil or coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite or pumice.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer at reduced strength every two to four weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding during periods of slow growth.
Helpful Notes
Climbing varieties produce larger and more mature foliage when allowed to grow upward on a plank, trellis, or moss pole. Rotate self-heading plants periodically to encourage balanced growth.
Small droplets forming along the edges of leaves may be guttation, a natural process in which the plant releases excess moisture. Frequent guttation can also suggest that the soil is remaining wetter than necessary.
Pet and Household Caution
Philodendron contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Syngonium
Syngonium are adaptable tropical plants known for their arrow-shaped juvenile leaves. They may be kept compact through pruning, allowed to trail, or trained to climb, where mature plants can develop larger and more divided foliage.
Light
Provide medium to bright indirect light. Green varieties tolerate lower light, while pink, white, yellow, and heavily variegated varieties usually require brighter conditions.
Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sunlight.
Water
Water when the upper 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Keep the soil moderately and evenly moist during active growth, but never saturated. Allow slightly more drying during winter.
Humidity
Average household humidity is generally acceptable. Moderate humidity above 40–50% supports healthier growth and reduces dry leaf edges.
Temperature
Keep between approximately 60–85°F. Protect the plant from cold drafts and temperatures below 55–60°F.
Soil
Use a well-draining tropical plant or aroid mix containing potting soil or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertilizer during spring and summer. Reduce feeding when growth slows.
Helpful Notes
Prune growing tips to encourage a fuller, more compact plant. Alternatively, provide a trellis or moss pole and allow the plant to climb. Pale growth, reduced variegation, or long spaces between leaves can indicate insufficient light.
Pet and Household Caution
Syngonium contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
General Watering Reminder
The phrase “water once a week” is rarely reliable. Watering frequency changes according to:
- Light levels
- Temperature and humidity
- Plant and pot size
- Potting-medium composition
- Container material
- Root development
- Seasonal growth
Check the potting mix with your finger or a wooden stake before watering. When water is needed, thoroughly saturate the growing medium and allow the excess to drain. Empty water from saucers and decorative cachepots after watering.
These guidelines apply broadly to each genus, but the care information provided with a specific plant should take priority when its requirements differ.
