This May, we’re delighted to have Soilboy bring a little greenery to MW Creative Neighbourhood. Together with other guests and friends at our Neighbourhood Socials, Soilboy invites us to tend to our living spaces through houseplants, homeware, and routines for more mindful lifestyles.

Beyond selecting beautiful plants and pots as décor, Soilboy is passionate about sharing their knowledge about plants and plant care so your new foliage friends can keep you company for a long time. Ahead of their upcoming workshops, we caught up with Soilboy to learn some basics about plant care in Singapore, and get their recommendations for tricky spaces.

1. Don’t overlook your potting mix

“It’s not just about getting suitable plants. Plans have to be potted in a suitable indoor potting mix.”

2. Get your watering routine right

“It is so important to check the moisture of the soil before watering! Singapore’s weather is always changing — some weeks are rainy, and some days are super sunny. If you get the watering routine right, your plants can stay healthy for many years.

Tip: Check the moisture in the soil using a bare chopstick. If the chopstick comes out of the soil dry or only a little moist, you may need to water your plant.”

3. Look out for pests

“Pest care is one of the basics beginners should focus on. It’s always best to spot pests early and treat them before a plant becomes infested, so keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary during your regular plant care and watering routine!”

4. Busy? Get a plant that needs less water 

“Try Caudex plants and plants from the Sansevieria, Dracaena, and Eurphobia families, which only require watering once a week and are perfect for beginners.”

5. Keep adaptable, low maintenance plants in low light spaces

"If your space receives limited natural light, I recommend the Dracaena reflexa, commonly known as the Song of India. It is a low maintenance plant that can adapt easily to all types of environments. In low-light conditions, you can also stretch out the watering frequency to about every 9 days.”

6. Remember to slow down and find joy with your plants

“We have begun taking care of Bonsai plants. Bonsais are known to be the most difficult plants to care for because they are extremely demanding when it comes to watering frequency. Through experience, we have managed to grow a healthy and thriving bonsai collection. It’s been a satisfying process and we find joy in sharing our knowledge with our customers and fellow plant lovers.

Through caring for plants, we hope you’ll come to better appreciate nature and embrace a slower-paced, more deliberate way of living — one that allows for personal growth and takes us away from the constant hustle and bustle of our busy daily routines.”

Join Soilboy for plant care workshop at our Neighbourhood Socials, where we’re celebrating our shared passions through a programme of workshops, markets, and more.

Beginners will want to start with a Plant Repotting Workshop on 20 or 21 May 2023, 2:30pm to 3:15pm.

If you’re experienced and looking for a new challenge, try the Exclusive Mini Bonsai Wiring Workshop on 17 May 2023 from 12pm to 1:30pm. At both workshops, you’ll get to bring home your very own plant and a pot from Soilboy!

Get your workshop tickets here, and discover the rest of our Neighbourhood Socials programme and exclusive MW Creative Neighbourhood gifts here.