Plant School Approved Tools

Tools I Trust for Your Houseplants

If you’ve listened to the Plant School Podcast for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard me suggest certain tools/products for your houseplants but maybe didn’t know where to find them. Well not anymore!

I’ve finally gotten around to making a semi-comprehensive list of tools I personally use and consistently recommend for houseplant owners wanting to provide the best of the best for their plants. I don’t list everything under the sun, just the things that actually make a difference in real homes.

Let’s dive in!

(Some links on this page may be affiliate links. I only recommend tools I genuinely trust and talk about on the podcast.)

Lighting Support

I completely understand the struggle of providing good lighting for your plants. My house isn’t the most well-lit in every room so here’s what I use to provide the best lighting I can;

What I recommend:

LED Standing Grow Light

LED Puck Grow Light

Grow Light Stand

4 Tier Grow Light Shelf

Perfect for your tall statement houseplants.

(Use code “RACHELTENNEY” for 15% off)

Discreet and great for shelving.

Multi-functional for houseplants, seed starts, herbs, etc.

Entire shelf system w/ built in grow lights.

More details here!

Soil & Root Support

Investing in good soil and checking on your houseplants roots can make a WORLD of difference! Here are some soil mixes and other tools I consistently use.

What I recommend:

Rosy Soil Houseplant Mix

MiracleGro Cactus & Succulent Indoor Potting Mix

Clear Houseplant Nursery Pots

Soil ProBiotics

My houseplants have all loved this stuff!

Budget-friendly and I use it for all my houseplants (not just cacti) because the aeration is great!

Great for seeing roots and soil health.

This one isn’t necessary, but it revives your soil and I find it useful every now and then.

(Use code “TENNEYPLANTS for a discount!)

More details here!

Propagation

A little help goes a long ways when propagating houseplants. And these hormone aids can really help with having greater success rates on getting healthy roots going.

What I recommend:

Prop Drops

Bontone Rooting Powder

These drops are a game changer when propagating in water.

(Use code “plantschoolpodcast” for a discount!)

Standard rooting powder that never fails me!

More details here!

Pest Management

Pests are often a symptom of stress, but they still need to be handled carefully. These products below have become staples as I’ve battled through various pests.

What I recommend:

Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew

Organics Neem Oil

Instant Plant Protection

Mosquito Bits

This stuff is great for all houseplant pests.

My usual first line of defense on any pests.

Super user-friendly, prevents pests and disease.

(Use code “TENNEYPLANTS for a discount!)

These work wonders on fungus gnat infestations!

More details here!

Plant Fertilizers

Fertilizing is often overlooked and it really shouldn’t be. For all your healthy and growing houseplants, give them fertilizer!

What I recommend:

Jack’s All-Purpose Fertilizer

Instant Plant Food

Flowering Fertilizer

I’ve used this one for YEARS on my houseplants (super diluted) and my outdoor garden.

I recommend these to anyone scared of fertilizing. They make it fool-proof.

(Use code “TENNEYPLANTS” for a discount!)

This one I use for my flowering houseplants because it’s phosphorus is slightly higher.

More details here!

Humidifiers

Humidity is best improved with a humidifier, misting and pebble trays have minimal impact. So here are some that I’ve tested and loved.

What I recommend:

Pure Enrichment Humidifier

Hunter Tower Humidifier

Homedics Portable Humidifier

Compact and great for medium-sized rooms.

Tower humidifier for larger rooms, and it purifies your air!

Small and portable!

More details here!

Favorite Plant Stores

I’ve shopped a fair amount for plants online and here are my favorite stores that always seem to deliver great plants in great shape!

What I recommend:

etsy.com – For all of you that love a deal, etsy is a bit like the wild west but you can find some amazing steals!
thesill.com– This one is more highly curated and pricey but I love using them when I don’t feel like shopping for a pot.
1800Flowers.com – I know, this is not the website you think of when you think of houseplants, but they’re great about their quality and delivery!

Miscellaneous

Some of the things I’m often mentioning in my podcast but they don’t really have a category…

Mill Food Recycler

The Complete Language of Flowers by S. Theresa Dietz

Plant Mat

This recycler turns all my food scraps into chicken food additive and soil amendment for my garden. I love this thing.

This is the book I’m referencing when looking up the symbolism of plants in my episodes. It’s so fun and I use it constantly to send my loved ones messages!

These mats make repotting messes a breeze! They’re packable and roll right up when you’re done.

More details here!

Plant-y Merch

Alright fine, I’m a little biased on this one and mostly included it for fun! I personally created this merch and it directly helps support the Plant School Podcast. Not every piece of Plant School merch is below, but it includes some of my favorites!

What I recommend:

Plant School Embroidered Hoodie

Carnivorous Plant Club Tee

Botanical Stamp Tee

Plant School Embroidered Hat

Plant School Club Tee

More details here!

A Gentle Reminder

If you’re unsure what your plant actually needs, start with the Sick Houseplant Guide (emailed directly to you to keep forever) or listen to the Plant School Podcast before making big changes.

Not Sure Where to Start Listening?

If you’re new to the podcast, here are some of the most popular episodes:

From me to you

I don’t recommend things lightly. If it’s on this page, it’s because I’ve seen it help plants, and plant owners, over and over again.

Hoping the best for you and your plant babies!

— Rachel Tenney