Okay, so I recently got into this whole “Nanouk” plant thing. I saw these pictures online, and the pink and green leaves were just so vibrant! I had to have one. So, I went down to my local nursery and picked out a small one – it wasn’t super expensive, which was a bonus.
First thing I did was repot it. It came in one of those flimsy plastic containers, and I wanted something a bit nicer. I found a cute ceramic pot with a drainage hole (super important, I learned!). I used a regular potting mix, nothing fancy, and gently moved the Nanouk to its new home. I made sure not to pack the soil too tight, because I read that they like good airflow around the roots.
Next up: watering. This is where I was a little nervous, because I tend to overwater my plants. I found out that Nanouks like to dry out a bit between waterings. So, I started with a good soak, letting the water drain out the bottom, and then I waited. And waited. I’d stick my finger in the soil, and if it felt dry about an inch down, then I’d water it again.
- Water deeply until it drains from the bottom.
- Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
Light was another big thing. I don’t have a ton of direct sunlight in my apartment, but I do have a bright spot near a window that gets indirect light. I put the Nanouk there, and it seems pretty happy. I rotate the pot every few days, just to make sure all the sides get some light exposure. I noticed that when it gets enough light, the colors are way more intense.
Dealing with Pests (Ugh!)
After a few weeks, I noticed some tiny little webs on the leaves. Spider mites! I freaked out a little, but then I grabbed a spray bottle, filled it with water and a tiny bit of dish soap, and sprayed the whole plant down, making sure to get under the leaves. I did this every few days, and eventually, the spider mites were gone. I also started wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth regularly, just to keep them clean and pest-free.
Finally, feeding. I didn’t want to overdo it with fertilizer, so I waited a month or so after repotting. Then, I started using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). I just followed the instructions on the bottle, and the Nanouk seemed to respond well, putting out new growth.
So, that’s my Nanouk journey so far! It’s been a learning experience, but it’s definitely rewarding to see this plant thriving. I’m still figuring things out, but it’s been a fun process!
