LifeSpring Church · Norman, OK
Happy Mother's Day
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Care guide for your new plant friend
Tap any plant below to see care instructions and important toxicity information for people, pets, and children.
California Ivy
Hedera canariensis
⚠ Toxic
⚠️ Toxic to people, dogs & cats All parts of ivy are toxic if ingested - leaves, berries, and sap. Sap contact can also cause skin irritation. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands after handling.
☀️ Light
Bright indirect to medium light. Avoid harsh direct sun.
? Water
Water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
?️ Temperature
55-80°F. Dislikes hot, dry air.
? Humidity
Moderate. Mist occasionally or use a pebble tray.
? Soil
Well-draining potting mix.
? Feeding
Monthly in spring/summer with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Ivies love to trail or climb. Give it a small trellis or let it cascade from a shelf for a beautiful effect.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia spp. · "Dumb Cane"
⚠ Toxic
⚠️ Toxic to people, dogs & cats Contains calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed, causes intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat, which can temporarily impair speech (hence "dumb cane"). Keep away from children and pets. Wear gloves when pruning.
☀️ Light
Low to bright indirect light. Very tolerant of low light.
? Water
Water when top 1-2" of soil are dry. Reduce in winter.
?️ Temperature
65-80°F. No cold drafts or below 60°F.
? Humidity
Prefers humidity. Mist or place near a humidifier.
? Soil
Rich, well-draining potting mix.
? Feeding
Every 4-6 weeks in spring/summer.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth monthly to remove dust - it helps the plant photosynthesize more efficiently.
Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola · "Umbrella Plant"
⚠ Toxic
⚠️ Toxic to dogs & cats; mildly to people Contains calcium oxalates. Ingestion causes oral irritation, vomiting, and drooling in pets. Keep out of reach of animals and small children. Sap may cause mild skin irritation.
☀️ Light
Bright indirect light is ideal. Tolerates medium light.
? Water
Water thoroughly, then let soil dry out partially.
?️ Temperature
60-80°F. Avoid temps below 55°F.
? Humidity
Average humidity is fine. No special requirements.
? Soil
Well-draining potting mix with perlite.
? Feeding
Monthly in growing season.
Schefflera can grow into a beautiful indoor tree over time. Rotate it quarterly for even, balanced growth.
Syngonium
Syngonium podophyllum · "Arrowhead Plant"
⚠ Toxic
⚠️ Toxic to dogs & cats; mildly to people Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if ingested by pets or children. Keep out of reach. Wear gloves when pruning as sap may irritate skin.
☀️ Light
Low to bright indirect light. Very adaptable.
? Water
Water when top inch is dry. Doesn't like soggy soil.
?️ Temperature
60-80°F. Keep away from cold windows in winter.
? Humidity
Loves humidity - bathroom or kitchen works great.
? Soil
Loose, well-draining potting mix.
? Feeding
Every 4-6 weeks spring through fall.
Leaf shape changes as the plant matures - young leaves are arrow-shaped, older ones develop lobes. Both stages are beautiful!
Dracaena
Dracaena spp. · "Dragon Plant"
⚠ Caution
⚠️ Toxic to dogs & cats; low risk for people Saponins in the plant cause vomiting (sometimes with blood), depression, and loss of appetite in cats and dogs. Generally not dangerous to adult humans, but keep away from pets and small children to be safe.
☀️ Light
Low to bright indirect light. Very forgiving.
? Water
Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Less is more.
?️ Temperature
65-80°F. Sensitive to cold drafts.
? Humidity
Average indoor humidity is fine.
? Soil
Well-draining potting mix. Avoid heavy clay soils.
? Feeding
Lightly, every 6-8 weeks in spring/summer only.
Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride in tap water - brown leaf tips are a sign. Try filtered or distilled water if you notice this.
Tradescantia
Tradescantia spp. · "Spiderwort"
⚠ Caution
⚠️ Mildly toxic to pets; skin irritant for people The sap can cause contact dermatitis (itchy skin rash) in sensitive people and some pets. If ingested by cats or dogs, may cause mild GI upset. Wear gloves when pruning if you have sensitive skin.
☀️ Light
Bright indirect light keeps color vibrant. Tolerates lower light but may fade.
? Water
Keep soil lightly moist. Don't let it dry out completely.
?️ Temperature
55-80°F. Very adaptable.
? Humidity
Average humidity is fine. Not picky.
? Soil
Any well-draining potting mix works well.
? Feeding
Monthly during spring and summer.
One of the easiest plants to propagate - snip a stem, pop it in water, and roots appear in 1-2 weeks. A great way to share with a friend!