From my perspective, your home is an entirely new world. I have just left the perfect, stable conditions of a nursery greenhouse—consistent warmth, high humidity, and bright, diffused light. The journey to your living room was likely dark, jarring, and a drastic shift in temperature. This is a massive shock to my system, a process you call "transplant shock." My first priority is not growth, but survival. I will need time and stability to adjust my cellular processes to this new environment. Please be patient; I may drop a few leaves as I redirect my energy to establishing my roots in this new space.
Light is my lifeblood. I crave bright, indirect sunlight. Please find a spot for me near a large window, preferably facing east or north, where I can bask in plentiful light without the scorching intensity of direct southern or western sun, which can burn my delicate leaves. Once you have chosen this spot, try your best not to move me. I am constantly calibrating my internal processes to the exact angle and intensity of light I receive. Rotating my pot a quarter turn every time you water is fine, but shifting me from room to room causes immense stress, forcing me to expend precious energy reacclimating repeatedly.
My roots are especially vulnerable right now. The most common mistake is overwatering out of love. My soil must be allowed to dry out significantly between drinks. Please check the soil moisture by sticking your finger two inches deep. If it feels dry, it is time for a thorough, deep watering until it runs freely from the drainage holes. If it is still damp, please wait. Soggy, waterlogged soil will suffocate my roots, leading to root rot, which I may not survive. Consistency is key, but water based on my soil's needs, not a fixed calendar schedule.
The air in your home is likely much drier than what I am accustomed to. Low humidity stresses me out, making me susceptible to spider mites and causing my leaf edges to turn crispy and brown. You can help me by regularly misting my leaves with a fine spray of lukewarm water, grouping me with other plants to create a more humid microclimate, or using a humidifier. Please keep me away from hot or cold drafts from heating vents, air conditioners, or frequently opened doors, as these sudden temperature fluctuations are very disruptive.
I am not ready for extra nutrients or a new home yet. Fertilizing me now would be like offering a large meal to someone with a very upset stomach—it will only cause more harm than good. The salts in fertilizer can burn my tender, stressed roots. Similarly, my roots need to fill and become comfortable in my current pot before being disturbed again. Please wait at least 3-6 months, until you see signs of new growth, before even considering repotting me into a slightly larger container. For now, I just need to focus on settling in.
