We Asked Our Resident Plant Expert To Share Her Amazon Plant Picks
Teo Spengler's official title isn't "Plant Editor" — but it might as well be. (Take one look at her author page and you'll see what I mean.) She seems to know everything there is to know about plants: When and how to water them, what weird ingredients help them prosper, and plants for all spaces and occasions.
Which is why, when looking for the best accessories to get on Amazon, we went straight to the guru herself. Here are her picks: Seven plant accessories and tools that all plant parents need.
Lesirit Washable Storage Basket, $12.99
Amazon
These hit all my "like" buttons: They are useful, eco-friendly and reusable, and come in all my favorite earthy colors. Yep, they are made of paper, but paper tough enough to be used over and over again. Each basket stands up well on its own but also folds easily for storage — not that you'll keep them empty long when you see how great houseplants look in them.
XLUX T10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter, $9.99
Amazon
Figuring out how much water your plants need isn't always easy — but now it can be, thanks to this great little moisture sensor. It's small enough for houseplants but big enough for outdoor use too. Just poke the stick end into the soil and get a reading on the large dial. P.S. It's color-coded to make reading easier, and no batteries are required.
Gonicc Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears, $21.95
Amazon
A good pruner is a luxury you will use nearly every day — and this one's near the top of the list. The blades are sharp and strong, smoothly snipping off branches up to 3/4 inch in diameter. The handles are non-slip and ergonomically designed to make pruning a snap.
Scotts Outdoor Power Pruner, $69.99
Amazon
For outdoor pruning, you want a little muscle behind you. This pruner gives is powered by a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in rechargeable battery — so no need to worry about spills from gas or oil. Just hold the soft-grip handle and pull down the safety trigger.
Fiskars Foot ExtendableTree Pruning Stik Pruner, $84.79
Amazon
Ever notice how, when bigger shrubs or fruit trees need to be pruned, it's always the branches you can't reach that need the most help? You could bring out a ladder or ... use this extendable "stik pruner" that can stretch to 12 feet. This model has no ropes to tangle you up, so both hands are free to direct the Woodzig saw blades.
Air Plants – Ionantha Mexican – Set of 5 Air Plants, $13.95
Amazon
I'm crazy about air plants — these resilient and eccentric epiphytes grow so well without any soil at all. My biggest problem is picking just one, which makes this deal even better: A cool selection of five different bromeliads from Central and South America. Worried about taking care of these little jewels? A PDF instruction e-book included.
Wyndham House 3-Piece Plant Watering System, $14.95
Amazon
When I travel I can take my dog, but not my houseplants, so I've fallen for this easy fix: Truly attractive, hand-blown watering globes. Fill them up, poke them into the soil of a needy houseplant and you are good to go.