How I Quarantine New Plants

Bringing home a new plant never gets old. I always want to see how it looks with the rest of my collection, but I’ve learned to slow down. No matter how good a plant looks, it still needs time on its own.

Even healthy plants can carry pests or fungus, and shipping takes a toll. Quarantining gives them space to adjust and keeps everything else safe.

What Quarantine Looks Like for Me

Quarantining just means giving a plant its own spot for a couple of weeks. Nothing fancy. It’s time for the plant to rest and for me to see how it responds to my space.

That time helps it get used to the light, humidity, and watering rhythm here before I mix it in with everyone else.

Why I Do It Every Time

When I first started collecting, I didn’t quarantine anything. I’d bring plants home and immediately add them to my collection because it looked nice. I never had major issues, but after finding mites on one plant, I decided it was worth being more careful. I’m still not sure where they came from, but quarantining new plants feels like the right step to prevent problems later.

Now I don’t skip it. It’s a small habit that helps me catch potential issues early and gives each new plant a chance to adjust before it joins the rest.

My Setup

You don’t need a greenhouse for this. I use what I have:

• A bright windowsill in another part of your home

• A bathroom or laundry room with natural light

• A clear bin with the lid cracked for airflow

While the plant’s in quarantine, I check leaves and stems every few days, let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and keep the leaves clean. Inside the bin, I use a hygrometer to track temperature and humidity. I like to keep both in the mid-70s, which helps the plant recover from shipping and adjust faster.

How Long I Wait

Two weeks works for most plants. A month is better if it came from a greenhouse, a big box store, or an online seller. Some pests take their time to show up, so I’d rather be patient.

During that time, I watch how it reacts. New growth, leaf position, and color all tell me how the plant feels about its new home.

When It’s Ready

Once it’s stable and looks healthy, I move it in with the rest of my collection. All of my plants are watered with fertilizer, so it goes right into that same routine. If I notice anything off, like pests or damage, I treat everything in the bin or wherever I’m quarantining and keep it there for at least a month to make sure the pests are gone before moving it in for good.

Here’s What I Do Now

Every new plant gets the same treatment. Space to rest, time to recover, and a quick daily check-in. It’s not about being extra careful, it’s about being consistent.

That extra bit of care early on keeps my collection healthy and helps each new plant settle in for the long run.