What Should You Do with Unwanted House Plants?

House plants are beautiful additions to our home.

However, with time, you may find that you don’t like your plants anymore or do not have the needed time for care and maintenance.

Regardless of your reasons, there are various things you can do with the plants you no longer want.

So, What Should You Do with Unwanted House Plants?

If you have plants, you care about nature and therefore want a responsible means of terminating the plants. The right way depends on your feelings towards the plant and how much of an eco-conscious person you are. But some of the methods to get rid of unwanted plants include donating, disposing of the shrub, and making compost or crafty pastimes. Learn more about the correct direction and the steps involved.

See Also: What Plants Can Live Near a Radiator?

Five Things to Do with Unwanted House Plants

Plants take a lot of work. They need you to provide them with enough water, sunlight, and soil to grow.

However, sometimes, doing all of these may be impossible, especially if your schedule changes impromptu.

Also, sometimes you can keep a plant for so long (or a short time) that you’re bored with it.

These scenarios will force you to dispose of your plants.

But, what is the right way of doing so? Here are five things you can do with unwanted house plants.

1. Donate Them

Many people and companies desire to have some indoor plants.

But, most times, their budget doesn’t allow it. So, donating your plant can save them a huge deal.

Giving something without expecting anything back often leaves us with satisfaction.

You can make someone happy by giving them your plant for free.

But, if you’d rather make some money from your plant, which is understandable considering the time and money you spent caring for it, then donating may not be best for you.

Consider posting it on sale.

Some of the places you can donate your plant include;

Long Term Facility Care

Senior citizens in nursing homes do not have many possessions as they have to leave most things behind when joining these homes.

Those who loved plants and cared for them don’t have anything to care for in their new home.

Giving them your plant can offer the needed garden therapy, which may also improve their health.

Call a local facility around you and ask whether they accept donations before dropping your plant off.

A Community Center

Some local community centers may need free plants. They use them for learning purposes or to add aesthetics to a place. Call in to confirm whether you can donate yours.

A Local Facebook Page

The internet has simplified things for us. In this social media era, you can find online groups that buy or sell plants.

Therefore, you can easily find someone who wants your plants.

Note that most people don’t have the money to buy store-bought plants. So, they rely on donations to expand their collections.

A Local Business

If there is a local business starting in your town, you can easily find one that wants your plant. So, approach such companies to find out.

Additionally, you can donate your plants to your loved ones, schools, hospitals, or local botanical gardens. You can also use Craigslist or Twitter to give away your plants.

2. Post It for Sale

This is now the vice versa of donating them. If you want to make money from your plants, this is the right way to go.

Donating your plants for free doesn’t assure you that your plant will be cared for properly.

It will be hard to know that the plant you dedicated your time to care for isn’t receiving the same treatment, even if you’re no longer using it.

For this reason, you may consider selling it, as this way, you have some certainty that the buyer will care for them.

If you have a plant that cost you a lot of money, selling it is better than donating it.

You don’t have to sell it for the full price.

But, you can let your buyer know the amount you bought your plant for and the discount you’re giving them.

For instance, your caption can read, “bought this beautiful tree for $300 and discounting it for $50 to a loving gardener. Call me or tell your friends.”

This way, you will make money from your plants and be sure that it’s going to a trustworthy person.

You may not know the gardener personally, but if they are willing to buy, they probably won’t be careless with it.

But since you will get paid, what happens afterward shouldn’t worry you that much.

Some of the places you can post it for sale include Craigslist, Etsy, Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Alternatively, you can swap plants with other people. For instance, if someone has a specific tree you’re looking for, you can exchange it with them.

3. Compost It

Composting your plant is an excellent step if you’re growing your food.

Composting is a wise choice since you won’t throw away “things” that can add nutrients to the soil and make it more productive.

When considering composting, you need to identify the right location and collect biodegradable scraps from your yard and garden.

If you compost correctly, you will grow a successful garden where most plants can thrive.

Your soil will be more fertile, and you’ll also be satisfied that your loved plants won’t end up in the trash.

Here are the steps to compose your plant;

Choose A Location

Make sure you choose an outdoor spot. This way, your compost will get sufficient sunlight, and it won’t grow depending on an indoor environment.

Buy Or Build A Bin To Grow Your Compost In

Approximately 1 yard by 1 yard will be perfect. But you can opt for a bigger size.

Ensure that it is deep but small enough that it doesn’t occupy the entire yard.

Alternatively, you can find a single spot on the earth. But a bin is always encouraged to keep pests and critters away.

Collect Biodegradable Kitchen Scraps

Then put them in your bin. The best scraps are fruit and vegetable peels.

These have many nutrients that are helpful for your garden and future plants.

They break down easily without attracting rodents or insects like animal products.

Add scraps and quality soil to your compost and thoroughly mic it to keep it fresh.

Additionally, remember to keep it moist and give it a few months to get ready.

Once it is ready, you will notice a layer at the compost bin’s bottom that you can use. So, start planting, and by the end of the year, you’ll have several compost batches.

Composting takes a lot of work and commitment. But it’s equally rewarding. If this sounds hard for you, consider doing other things with your plants.

4. Take it Outside

A simple thing like taking your plant outside is all you need to do. If you have no other options, consider planting your house plant outside.

However, bear in mind that some plants may not survive outside due to the harsh elements.

But, it’s not easy to identify which ones will thrive and those that won’t. But it is worth trying.

Find a great location in your yard, dig a hole and plant your plant.

Remember to water it the way you did while it grew inside unless the area is experiencing rain.

5. Toss It

Lastly, you can throw it away. This is a cruel thing but go for it if you don’t have any other option. It’s better to donate your plant instead of throwing it. But, if you have no other choice, this is where the life of your plant ends.

References

6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Plants Remnants

Can You Compost Flowers?

Throwing Away Plants- Is It the Best Way to Get Rid of Them?