My Favorite plant accessories

1. Mini Self 2" self watering planters

These little 2-inch self-watering planters are hands-down one of my most-recommended items — and for good reason. They’re the perfect size for tissue cultures, starter plants, cuttings, baby alocasias, and anything that loves consistent moisture without sitting in soggy soil.

The clear design lets you see root growth, the water reservoir keeps humidity stable, and the wicking system delivers just the right amount of moisture to prevent overwatering (or forgetting to water 😅). They’re lightweight, clean-looking, and fit beautifully in prop boxes, grow cabinets, and mini greenhouses.

If you’re growing rare plants or working with TC acclimation, these planters make life so much easier. It’s no surprise they’ve become one of my top referral items — once you try them, you’ll want a whole tray of them. They also come in 2.5"!

2. Sansi Clip-On Grow Lights

   These SANSI clip-on grow lights are one of my favorite beginner-to-advanced plant upgrades. They’re bright, lightweight, and incredibly easy to position exactly where you need them — perfect for shelves, cabinets, desktops, and smaller plant corners that need a boost without installing full panels.

   The flexible gooseneck arms let you aim light directly at your plants, the clip is strong enough to stay put, and the LED spectrum keeps foliage compact, vibrant, and healthy. They run cool, have multiple dimming levels, built-in timers, and don’t give off that harsh purple glow a lot of cheap grow lights do.

   If you’re growing tropicals indoors, propagating cuttings, or keeping rare plants happy during winter, these are such a reliable, affordable option. They’re consistently one of my top recommendations because they just work — and they make a huge difference in growth.

3. Fluval Stratum (My Favorite Substrate for Rare Plants & TCs)

   Fluval Stratum is one of my absolute must-have substrates for rare plants, tissue cultures, and delicate root systems. Even though it’s marketed for aquariums, plant collectors love it because it’s incredibly lightweight, airy, and naturally packed with minerals that support strong root development.

   The soft volcanic granules create the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage — ideal for alocasias, monsteras, philodendrons, and anything that hates compact, soggy soil. It lowers pH slightly (which many aroids love), encourages faster rooting, and helps prevent rot in baby plants and fresh TCs.

   Whether you’re acclimating tissue cultures, transitioning props, or potting sensitive roots, Fluval Stratum keeps the substrate breathable and structured. It mixes beautifully with perlite, moss, zeolite, or tree fern to create a custom blend your plants will thrive in. This has been one of my top recommended products for collectors who want healthy, chunky, resilient root systems.

   
   

4. 

   PON Dupe Mineral Mix — Lava Rock + Maifanite + Zeolite Blend (My Favorite Budget Substrate)

   This PON-style mineral mix is one of the best soil-free substrates for rare plants — and it’s packed with four powerhouse ingredients: red lava rock, maifanite stone, green zeolite, and black lava rock. Together, they create an ultra-airy, fast-draining, mineral-rich medium that supports strong roots, prevents rot, and keeps moisture perfectly balanced.

   What’s Inside & Why It Works:

   • Red Lava Rock: Lightweight, porous, and perfect for oxygenating roots. Helps prevent overwatering and creates a stable structure for plants transitioning from moss or LECA.

   • Maifanite Stones: A naturally mineral-rich stone that slowly releases beneficial nutrients, improves water quality, and supports healthier root development.

   • Green Zeolite: A major game changer — it absorbs excess salts, balances moisture, and helps regulate nutrients. Amazing for alocasias and other salt-sensitive aroids.

   • Black Lava Rock: Adds texture, airflow, and long-term stability. It never breaks down and keeps the substrate breathable, even with heavy watering.

   This mix is incredible for alocasias, philodendrons, monsteras, anthuriums, any plant that hates compact, soggy soil. It works beautifully in self-watering planters, semi-hydro setups, nursery pots, and prop boxes.

   If you love the feel and performance of Lechuza PON but want a more affordable option, this blend is honestly one of the best dupes on Amazon. It’s clean, mineral-heavy, drains fast, and creates the perfect environment for explosive root growth.

   

5. New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber (My Go-To Add-In for Rare Aroids & TCs)

   Tree fern fiber is one of those secret-weapon ingredients that makes a huge difference in root health, especially for rare plants, aroids, and tissue cultures. This New Zealand–harvested tree fern is lightweight, airy, and naturally resistant to compaction, which gives roots the oxygen flow they need to grow thick, strong, and fast.

   It holds moisture without getting soggy, distributes water evenly through the pot, and adds a beautiful texture to any custom mix. I love using it with Fluval Stratum, PON-style mineral blends, and perlite to create the perfect substrate for alocasias, anthuriums, philodendrons, orchids, and fresh TC acclimation.

   Because it doesn’t break down quickly, it keeps your mix breathable long-term — reducing the risk of rot and helping roots anchor securely. If you struggle with fussy plants or want explosive root growth, tree fern fiber is one of the best additives you can add to your setup. It’s especially good in self-watering pots, grow cabinets, greenhouse bins, and chunky tropical mixes.

   

6. Purived Houseplant Food (4-5-5) — My Favorite Gentle, All-Purpose Fertilizer

   Purived Houseplant Food is one of the easiest and most reliable fertilizers you can add to your plant routine — especially if you're growing rare aroids, tissue cultures, or sensitive tropicals. The balanced 4-5-5 NPK formula gives plants a gentle but steady dose of nutrients, helping them grow stronger roots, thicker leaves, and richer color without the risk of burning.

   This fertilizer is water-soluble, odorless, and fast-absorbing, which makes it perfect for self-watering setups, semi-hydro, LECA/PON, moss poles, and traditional soil mixes. I love using it at a diluted strength during active growth because it feeds instantly and keeps plants happy without overwhelming them.

   The added micro-nutrients help support overall plant health, boost chlorophyll production, and encourage consistent new growth — especially in light-hungry plants like alocasias, philodendrons, monsteras, and other rare houseplants.

   If you want a simple, no-fuss liquid fertilizer that works for everything from tiny TCs to mature tropicals, this one is honestly one of the best and most beginner-friendly options on Amazon.

   

   
   

   8. Sustee Aquameter- Essential for Healthy Houseplants

   If you’ve ever doubted whether your plant needs watering, especially rare houseplants or sensitive aroids, this soil moisture meter is a game changer. Designed to slide easily into the soil, it reads moisture levels directly at the root zone so you can avoid both overwatering and underwatering.

   Why It’s Useful

   • Provides accurate moisture readings at the root level

   • Helps prevent root rot and overwatering

   • Works without batteries

   • Ideal for plants that are sensitive to moisture changes, including alocasias, philodendrons, monsteras, rare aroids, and tissue cultures

   • Suitable for small pots, large planters, self-watering containers, and semi-hydro setups

   If you want healthier roots, fewer watering mistakes, and a more predictable care routine, this tool makes the process simple and reliable.

   Tip: Use it after watering to see how deeply moisture traveled, then check again before the next watering to learn each plant’s preferred drying cycle.

   

   
   

   9. Clear Pots with Drainage – Perfect for Root Health and Monitoring Growth

   These clear orchid pots are one of my favorite container styles for houseplants that need airflow, visibility, and fast drainage. The transparent sides make it easy to monitor root growth, moisture levels, and overall plant health without disturbing the plant. They are especially helpful for orchids, alocasias, anthuriums, and any plant that benefits from seeing exactly when the roots are becoming crowded or when it is time to repot.

   Each pot comes with a matching drip tray, which helps keep your shelves and grow spaces clean by catching excess water during bottom watering or flushing. The trays fit securely and make the entire setup more convenient, especially for indoor collections or cabinet growing.

   The pots have excellent drainage and aeration, allowing oxygen to reach the root zone and helping prevent overwatering and rot. They are lightweight, durable, and work beautifully with semi-hydro setups, bark mixes, and chunky aroid blends. The shape also makes it easy to slide the pot in and out for watering or root checks without damaging delicate new growth.

   If you are propagating, acclimating tissue cultures, or caring for plants with sensitive root systems, these clear containers are an incredibly practical choice. They help you understand what is going on below the soil line and support healthier, more controlled growth.

   

   10. Clear Suction-Cup Window Shelves – Perfect for Sun-Loving Houseplants

These clear suction-cup window shelves are one of the easiest ways to give your plants more light without taking up extra space. They attach securely to any smooth glass surface and instantly create a bright spot for small pots, succulents, herbs, seedlings, and cuttings that need direct sunlight or a boost in natural brightness.

The transparent design makes them almost invisible, allowing your plants to look like they are floating in the window. They are sturdy enough to hold multiple small pots, and the strong suction cups keep them in place without drilling holes or mounting hardware. This is especially helpful for renters or anyone who wants more light without committing to permanent fixtures.

These shelves are perfect for apartments, grow windows, kitchen herb gardens, and plant rooms. They work well for sun-loving plants that prefer bright, warm exposure and are a great way to turn unused window space into a functional mini greenhouse. If you need more natural light for your plants but are running out of room, these shelves are a simple and stylish solution.

Creating a thriving plant collection is so much easier when you have the right tools, substrates, and setups. Every product I shared here is something I personally use and absolutely love because it makes caring for rare plants, tissue cultures, and tropicals simpler and more successful. Whether you’re optimizing light, improving your soil mix, or upgrading your pots and watering routine, these little changes can make a huge difference in the health and growth of your plants.

If you try any of these items, let me know how they work for you. And if you want more recommendations, care guides, or behind-the-scenes looks at my growing setup, stay tuned — I’m always testing new things and sharing what truly works. Happy growing.