Your First 30 Days: A Beginner's First-Aid Guide

🪴 In This Guide 🪴

💚Start Here 🩺What's Normal vs. What's a Problem? 🚨Your Plant Emergency Rooms ✅You've Got This!

A Note From Our Plant Expert

Hello again! It’s Marina. You did it! You chose a plant, brought it home, and have it settled in. Then it happens… a leaf turns yellow. Or it looks a little droopy. The immediate thought is, “Oh no, I’m already failing!”

Take a deep breath. I promise, you’re not. Almost every plant experiences something called transplant shock. It’s just stress from moving to a new home. A little bit of drama is completely normal.

The key is learning to tell the difference between “settling in” and a real cry for help. This guide will help you do just that.

🩺 What's Normal vs. What's a Problem?

In the first few weeks, your plant is getting used to your home’s unique light, water, and humidity. Here’s how to tell if what you’re seeing is normal.

It's Probably NORMAL If...

One or two of the oldest, lowest leaves turn yellow and drop off. The plant is simply shedding old parts to conserve energy for new growth.
It wilts a little but perks right back up after watering. It’s just telling you it was thirsty.
Growth is slow for the first month. It’s focusing its energy on developing its root system in the new environment.

Losing an old, bottom leaf is usually just part of the natural process.

It MIGHT Be a Problem If...

Multiple leaves are turning yellow all over the plant, not just at the bottom.
The leaves have brown, crispy edges or large brown/black spots.
The plant is wilting even though the soil is damp.
You see any signs of bugs, webs, or sticky residue.
The stems near the soil feel soft or mushy.

If you’re seeing these signs, don’t worry! We have the tools to help you fix it.

🚨 Your Plant Emergency Rooms

If your plant’s symptoms match the “problem” list, it’s time to become a plant detective. We have two powerful hubs to help you diagnose and treat the issue.

For Symptoms: Discolored Leaves, Drooping, or Stunted Growth

Is your plant’s issue visual? A weird spot, a crispy edge, or a general lack of vigor? Our Problem-Solver hub is a complete visual library to help you match the symptom to the cause and find the solution.

Go to the Plant Problem-Solver

For Signs of Life: Bugs, Webs, or Sticky Stuff

Did you find an uninvited guest? Finding pests is stressful, but every pest is beatable. Our Pest Library will help you identify exactly what you’re dealing with and give you a step-by-step plan to eliminate them for good.

Go to the Pest Library

✅ You've Got This!

Navigating the first month is the biggest hurdle for any new plant parent. By paying attention and knowing where to look for answers, you’ve built a foundation for a long and happy relationship with your new plant. Congratulations!

👉 Return to the Beginner’s Journey Hub