Second Chance Plant Box - Mix of 12 Surprise Plants

The Second Chance Plant Box contains plants with varying light requirements, but most prefer soft, indirect natural light, about one meter from a well-exposed window.

In their natural habitat, most of the tropical plants in this mix grow under a canopy that filters direct sunlight. A location near an east- or west-facing window is ideal for getting started, without risking damage to the leaves of the more delicate plants.

In summer, move the plants away from south-facing windows to avoid intense direct sunlight. In autumn and winter, move them closer to natural light sources to compensate for the reduced light intensity.

Important tip 🌿Some plants in the mix can tolerate light shade, while others need more light. Observe each plant individually and rearrange them according to their needs.For low-light rooms, our grow light for houseplants faithfully mimics natural light without harmful UV rays.

The Second Chance Plant Box contains a mix of plants whose composition varies depending on new arrivals, making it impossible to provide an overall guarantee of safety for cats, dogs, and young children.

Some plant families frequently found in mixed plant boxes, such as Araceae, contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mucous membranes if ingested. Other species may exhibit varying degrees of toxicity depending on the genus.

In the absence of certain identification of each plant, the precautionary principle should be applied.

What precautions should be taken on a daily basis?

Place the plants from the box out of reach of pets and young children, ideally at a height or in an inaccessible room, while you identify each species. Once the plants have been identified, you will be able to assess their level of toxicity on a case-by-case basis.

In the event of accidental ingestion by a pet, consult a veterinarian promptly. With a little organization, the Second Chance box can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind on a daily basis.

The leaves of the plants in the Second Chance Box most often turn yellow due to overwatering, a lack of light, or a nutrient deficiency.

• If the leaves turn yellow and become limp, the problem is generally caused by too much water, which leads to the early stages of root rot.
• If the leaves gradually turn yellow while remaining firm and dry, the plant is often lacking light or fertilizer.
• If the yellowing is accompanied by small light-colored spots, a dull appearance, or fine webbing, it may be a spider mite infestation, which is common indoors, especially in dry conditions.

The plants in the Second Chance Box may have sometimes endured difficult growing conditions before arriving at your home: a slight yellowing of the lower leaves in the first few weeks is common and corresponds to a natural adaptation phase, not necessarily a care mistake.

Important tip 🌿One or two old leaves turning yellow from time to time is completely normal.However, you should be concerned if several leaves turn yellow quickly or if the phenomenon spreads to the young leaves.

In the event of a spider mite infestation, opt for our biological spider mite control solutions, which are effective and plant-friendly.

The plants in the Second Chance Box are ideally repotted in spring, between March and May, when growth actively resumes.

Repotting is necessary when:

• roots grow out through the drainage holes,
• growth slows down,
• or the growing medium compacts too quickly after watering.

As a general rule, repotting an adult plant every 2 years is sufficient.

For the Second Chance Box, always wait two to three weeks after delivery before repotting anything: the plants need to acclimate to their new environment, and premature repotting could further weaken their root systems as they recover.

Choose a pot 2 to 3 cm wider than the old one, and make sure it has drainage holes. Our clear pots with holes for observing roots after repotting are ideal: their transparency makes it easy to monitor root recovery without disturbing the plant.

We recommend our premium growing media made in France, designed for drainage, aeration, and healthy growth.

1. Gently remove the plant from its pot, tapping the pot if necessary.
2. Gently loosen the roots if they are very compacted, without breaking them.
3. Add a layer of growing medium, position the plant upright, and fill in around it without burying the crown.

Important tip 🌿After repotting, water to help settle the growing medium. Repotting every two years is sufficient.

The plants in the Second Chance Box should be fertilized every 2 to 3 weeks from March to October, using a liquid fertilizer diluted in the watering water.

From November to February, reduce fertilization significantly or stop it altogether. This is the plants' dormant period.

The right amount of fertilizer promotes:

• denser, more vibrant foliage,
• steady growth,
• and greater plant resilience.

As the plants in the box have often been through periods of stress, fertilization will play a key role in their recovery: use half the recommended dose for the first two weeks to avoid overloading roots that are still regenerating.

👉 For best results, we recommend our liquid fertilizer for all houseplants, which is easy to dose and delivers quickly visible results.

Important tip 🌿Never fertilize dry soil: this could burn the roots. Water first, then apply the fertilizer 2 to 3 days later.

The plants in the Second Chance Box should be watered when the potting mix has dried out thoroughly, which is approximately every 7 to 10 days in summer and every 10 to 15 days in winter. Use room-temperature water.

How do you know when to water?

The finger test remains the most reliable method: insert your index finger 2 to 3 cm into the potting mix. If the mix is dry, it is time to water.

Unlike a uniform collection, this mix of twelve plants includes species with very different watering needs: a succulent and a moisture-loving tropical plant will never require the same watering schedule. Check each one individually rather than watering all the plants at the same time.

Important tip: If in doubt, wait rather than watering. Plants tolerate a lack of water better than too much, which causes root rot.

The plants in the Second Chance Box are propagated using methods specific to each species included in the mix, ideally in spring or early summer when vegetation is active.

General method for stem cuttingsFor the stem species included in the box, take an 8 to 12 cm cutting with at least one node, making a clean cut just below this node. Use our stainless steel straight-tip pruning shears for a clean cut that reduces the risk of infection.

1. Take the cutting with the stainless steel pruning shears, remove the lower leaves, and leave only 1 to 2 leaves at the top of the stem.
2. Place the cutting in our clear pots to monitor root development filled with clear water or slightly moist growing medium.
3. Place it in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight, at a minimum temperature of 20°C.

For suitable species, such as certain tropical or climbing plants, rooting in live sphagnum moss is particularly effective at encouraging the growth of initial roots. For transplanting, choose the all-purpose growing medium enriched with essential nutrients, suitable for the vast majority of plant families included in the box.

Important tip 🌿Rooting generally takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the species and season. The most reliable sign of success is the appearance of new leaves, confirming that the cutting has taken root.