The accessibility and affordability of live greenery at large retailers have made bringing nature indoors a simple matter of a quick purchase. These mass-produced plants offer a wide array of attractive, budget-friendly foliage for any home. Ensuring they flourish long-term requires understanding their specific needs immediately post-purchase. Successful growth depends on shifting focus from the retail environment to the specific conditions of your home.
Real Plants Versus Artificial Options
The greenery section is divided into two distinct categories: live plants and the FEJKA artificial line. Live plants offer aesthetic and air-filtering benefits, improving indoor air quality through photosynthesis and transpiration. These live offerings are generally selected for their hardiness and ability to tolerate the lower light conditions common in many homes.
The FEJKA line consists of purely decorative artificial plants, often made from polyethylene plastic. These options require no light or water, making them ideal for spaces with extremely poor light, such as windowless bathrooms. They are a practical, zero-maintenance solution for individuals who travel frequently or want a permanent splash of color.
Essential Care for Common IKEA Varieties
The majority of live plants stocked are known for their resilience and tolerance for diverse indoor conditions. Common varieties include the Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Epipremnum aureum (Pothos), and different types of Dracaena and succulents. Although marketed as easy-care, they require attention to prevent the most common issue: overwatering.
Plants are often sold in simple plastic nursery pots placed inside a decorative outer container. Since these plastic pots may lack sufficient drainage, roots can sit in excess water, leading to root rot. To prevent this, always remove the plant from the decorative pot before watering. Allow all excess moisture to drain completely before returning the plant to the container.
Determine water needs using the “thumb test,” watering only when the top two inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch. Most common foliage plants require bright, indirect light, thriving near a window but avoiding direct, harsh sunlight. Succulents and cacti are exceptions and prefer several hours of direct sun exposure daily.
During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to support new growth. Avoid fertilization entirely during the dormant winter months.
Decoding IKEA Plant Naming and Sizing
IKEA plants are often grouped under generic names that describe a collection of similar species rather than a single botanical name. Terms like “PALMMIX” or “TROPISK” indicate an assortment of tropical foliage plants. This informal naming convention focuses on the plant’s general type, simplifying the choice for the average buyer, though specific care requirements may vary slightly.
The sizing of live plants is consistently tied to the diameter of the plastic nursery pot, measured in centimeters. A plant labeled 12 cm refers to the diameter of the grower’s pot, not the overall height. This measurement is important for selecting a decorative container, which should be slightly larger than the nursery pot to allow for easy removal and drainage.
Troubleshooting and Post-Purchase Acclimation
Acclimation is the period where a plant adjusts from the controlled, high-humidity store environment to the drier conditions of a home. During this time, the plant may exhibit signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or minor leaf drop. Immediately after purchase, keep the plant isolated for two to three weeks to check for common pests like fungus gnats or spider mites, which can be introduced by retail potting soil.
A common issue is the plant being severely root-bound, meaning the roots have completely filled the pot and are circling the interior. If roots are visible through the drainage holes or the plant dries out very quickly, repotting is necessary. Repot into a container only one size larger (5 to 10 centimeters wider) using fresh, well-draining potting mix. This breaks up the dense, peat-heavy soil used during commercial production, facilitating better long-term water and air exchange.