Raven & Root Co.

🌱 Let's talk Alocasia substrates!

I accidentally root rotted this Alocasia. 😅

At that point I figured, what's the worst that could happen? It was either going to continue declining or make a comeback.

So I experimented.

🌿 First, I moved it into moss and leca to encourage new root growth.

🌿 Once it recovered, I transitioned it into LECA.

🌿 Now it's thriving and even producing babies!

The truth is, there isn't one "best" substrate for Alocasias. What matters most is understanding how each option works and matching it to your care style.

🪴 Soil ✔ More forgiving ✔ Holds nutrients well ✔ Familiar and beginner-friendly. Easy to overwater if drainage is poor. If it's happy in soil, don't fix what isn't broken. I have 14 other alocasias that are perfectly happy in their soil.

🟤 LECA ✔ Excellent airflow around roots ✔ Easy to monitor water levels ✔ Great for people who enjoy semi-hydro growing. Requires learning nutrient management.

⚪ Pon ✔ Consistent moisture without staying soggy ✔ Great root aeration ✔ Less maintenance than LECA for some growers. Can be more expensive to set up.

🌿 Moss ✔ Excellent for rehab and rooting ✔ Helps stressed plants recover. Can stay too wet long-term if not monitored.

At Raven & Root, most of our Alocasias are grown in soil, and that's still what I personally use for the majority of mine. But this little experiment reminded me that sometimes changing the substrate can completely change the outcome.

👇 Poll time! What do you grow your Alocasias in?

🪴 Soil
🟤 LECA
⚪ Pon
🌿 Moss
✨ Something else

Bonus question: Have you ever saved a plant by switching substrates? Tell me your success story below! 🌱💚

Rhaphidophora Dragon Tail 🐉🌿

Not all dragons breathe fire. Some climb your walls and unfurl incredible foliage. The Dragon Tail starts out with sleek, lance-shaped leaves, but as it matures and climbs, it develops dramatic splits and fenestrations that make it a true showstopper.

✨ Easy-going ✨ Loves bright, indirect light ✨ Enjoys drying slightly between waterings ✨ Rewards patience with bigger, more dramatic leaves over time
A great choice for anyone wanting a unique climbing plant
with a wild tropical look.


RareHouseplants PlantCollector

✨ Back in stock: Silver Vase Bromeliads! ✨

These tropical beauties are known for their striking silvery foliage and unique bloom spikes that can last for months.

🌿 Care Tips: • Bright, indirect light • Water the central "vase"
or cup formed by the leaves • Refresh the water weekly to keep it clean • Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings • Enjoy average household humidity, though they appreciate a little extra moisture

🌸 About Flowering: A bromeliad blooms only once in its lifetime, but don't worry—that's not the end! After flowering, the mother plant produces baby plants called "pups." These pups can be separated and grown into mature plants that will eventually bloom themselves.

Easy to care for and full of personality, Silver Vase Bromeliads make a stunning addition to any plant collection.

🌵 5 Plants for Underwaterers

(For the "Oops, I forgot about my plants for two weeks" crowd.)

1. Snake Plant – Nearly thrives on neglect.

2. ZZ Plant – Stores water in its rhizomes and handles dry spells with ease.

3.Pothos – Forgiving, resilient, and easy to grow.

4. Hoya – Thick leaves help it tolerate missed waterings.

5. Ponytail Palm – Stores water in its bulbous trunk and loves drying out.

☀️ These plants prefer their soil to dry between waterings and are perfect for busy plant owners.

Think air plants don't need water? That's the biggest myth about them.

How to keep your air plants happy:

💧 Water weekly Soak your air plant in room-temperature
water for 20–30 minutes once a week or every other week. In dry climates like Southern Utah, they may appreciate an extra misting between soaks.

☀️ Bright, indirect light Place them near a bright window, but avoid harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves.

🌬️ Good airflow is essential Air plants love circulation. Avoid keeping them in closed terrariums or containers without ventilation.

⬇️ Dry upside down After watering, gently shake off excess water and place upside down for a few hours. Water trapped in the center can cause rot.

🌱 Feed occasionally Use a bromeliad or air plant fertilizer once a month during the growing season for extra growth and blooms.

🚩 Signs of trouble
Curled leaves = thirsty
Brown, crispy tips = too dry
Soft or black base = rot from excess moisture

Air plants may not grow in soil, but they still need care. Give them light, water, and airflow, and they'll reward you with unique shapes and even colorful blooms.

Do you have an air plant? Show us a photo in the comments! 🌿✨

🌿 5 Plants for Overwaterers

(For the plant parents who can't resist the watering can.)

1. Ficus Ginseng (Bonsai) – Prefers consistently moist soil and doesn't like drying out completely.

2. Peace Lily – Likes evenly moist soil and will dramatically let you know when it's thirsty.

3. Boston Fern – Loves humidity and regular watering.

4. Parlor Palm – Prefers soil that stays lightly moist.

5. Lucky Bamboo – Can even grow directly in water, making it a great choice for frequent waterers.

Rootbound ≠ Repot Immediately 🌱

This plant is definitely rootbound—and that's not always a bad thing.

Those thick white roots are healthy, firm, and actively growing. In fact, many houseplants can tolerate being rootbound for quite a while before it becomes a problem.

When is it time to repot?
✔️ Water runs straight through the pot
✔️ The plant dries out much faster than usual
✔️ Growth starts slowing down
✔️ Roots are circling so tightly there's very little soil left

A rootbound plant isn't automatically an unhappy plant. What matters most is whether the roots are healthy and the plant is still growing well.

Healthy roots = happy roots.

This one is just letting me know it's ready for a little more elbow room. 🪴

AnthuriumCare

Parlor Palm 🌿

Soft, airy, and one of the easiest ways to make a space feel alive. Tolerates lower light but thrives in bright, indirect light. They doesn’t ask for much—just a little water and a good spot to hang out.

If you want something lush without the stress… this is it. ✨

Hoya Pubicalyx 🌿✨

Fast growing, beginner friendly, and covered in those signature splashy silver flecks. Give it bright light and a trellis or let it trail wild — either way it steals attention.

Bonus: when happy, it rewards you with clusters of star-shaped flowers that smell incredible. 🌸

Begonia Black Magic 🖤🌿

Dark, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. Those deep leaves look almost unreal in the right light.
I only have ONE left in stock… and I have a feeling it won’t stay here long. ✨