07/18/2023
Have you ever heard of the term “plug of death”? Among the houseplant community this is a common term that refers to a material that is used in greenhouses across the world that grow plants from seedlings. Most commonly seen in plants sold at “big box” stores, these plugs have many benefits to plants, mostly in the short term. Made out of materials that retain water, plugs allow for watering your plants less often. While most claim plugs to not hinder a plant in anyway whatsoever, i personally disagree based on experiences I have had. I have noticed that I may be able to keep a plant alive with a plug, but it grows at a much more slower, and unhealthy, rate.
The problem that I find is that you don’t know you have a plug on your plants root system until it’s almost too late. To the beginning plant enthusiasts, you may refer to google or even social media to find how to care for your plant. (I know I sure did!) While this information is typically accurate, it doesn’t account for the fact that the plug is retaining water. For an example, if you have a plant that typically requires watering every week, you may only need to water your plant every 2-3 weeks if it has a plug. But, again, if you don’t know you have the plug you will water the plant how your information has told you to. This will cause root rot from overwatering.
You may not even know that it wasn’t your fault you killed that plant! Most people think they “just don’t have a greenthumb” when it comes to caring for plants, but in all reality it was a simple “plug of death” that ruined it all for you! If you ever fill this way, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask me questions. I’d love to guide you on your journey to being a successful plant parent!
