The One Plant Tip I Wish I Learned Sooner (Thanks to This Downtown New Port Richey Plant Shop)
Every week I like to highlight a local business that helps make Downtown New Port Richey special. Sometimes it’s a restaurant, sometimes a market, sometimes just a place that adds a little personality to the area.
This week felt a little different.
Instead of just stopping in, I actually got the chance to sit and talk with the owner — and I’m glad I did.
And boy did I learn a lot. You’ll have to ask her what a corm is next time you’re in.
I stopped by Growing Together Plant Co., a boutique plant shop run by Sheila, and while we were talking about plants she shared one simple piece of advice that completely changed how I think about watering.
Because honestly, there’s one plant tip I wish someone had told me years ago.
Not when I bought my first plant.
Not when I started filling my house with philodendrons, pothos, and tropicals.
But before I spent years wondering why some plants thrived while others slowly declined… even when I was convinced I was doing everything “right.”
And surprisingly, I didn’t learn it from a gardening book or a viral TikTok.
I learned it from a small plant shop right here in Downtown New Port Richey.
As Sheila explained it to me:
“Watering isn’t the same for every plant. Many people come in saying their plants died or don’t look healthy, and a lot of the time it’s from overwatering — what I call ‘too much love.’ Another thing that’s often overlooked is water quality. Tap water contains chlorine and other elements that can be too harsh for delicate plants. Rainwater or distilled water is usually best.”
And honestly, that one comment completely reframed how I think about watering plants.
For years I focused almost entirely on how often I watered.
But the real question might be what you’re watering with.
If you’re struggling with plants that seem to decline even when you’re following the right watering schedule, the issue might not be your timing at all — it might be the chemicals in regular tap water.
For more sensitive plants, switching to rainwater or distilled water can make a surprising difference.
It’s one of those tips that sounds obvious once you hear it… but can completely change how you care for your plants moving forward.
And honestly, that kind of practical advice perfectly captures what makes Growing Together Plant Co. in Downtown New Port Richey such a great local shop.
It’s not just about buying plants.
It’s about learning how to keep them alive.
Why I Love This Place
I actually discovered Growing Together Plant Co. in a funny way.
Years ago I started a Facebook group called Pasco Plant Swap, where local plant lovers trade cuttings and talk about their collections. Recently I stumbled back into the group and noticed Sheila from Growing Together Plant Company posting about events at the shop — especially something called Plant Bingo.
That immediately caught my eye. A plant shop hosting bingo nights? I had to see what that was about. So naturally I had to stop by the shop in Downtown New Port Richey to check it out for myself.
And within about five minutes of walking in, I knew this was the kind of place plant lovers are going to appreciate.
It’s welcoming, full of interesting plants, and the kind of shop where conversations happen naturally. You can tell Sheila genuinely enjoys helping people figure out what works for their home and their plant collection.
As someone who’s been a plant enthusiast for decades, I especially loved finding varieties I hadn’t tried before.
I ended up leaving with a climbing philodendron—which felt fitting since philodendrons are one of the few plants I’ve managed to keep alive consistently over the years.
What They Offer
Growing Together Plant Company offers a great mix of plants and plant-related finds you don’t always see in larger stores.
Inside the shop you’ll find:
• Tropical houseplants ranging from beginner-friendly varieties to more exotic collector plants
• Plants Sheila has personally propagated, which helps keep many of them more affordable
• Custom soil blends she mixes herself
• Unique wind chimes and bird feeders from craftsmen both local and beyond
One thing I really loved seeing was how the shop also supports other local makers.
For example, Sheila carries local honey from The Honey Couple, cultivated right here in New Port Richey.
Naturally I had to try it.
I picked up a jar called “Fire in the Hive”, a spicy honey that’s already inspiring some ideas in my kitchen.
So yes, I came in for plants… but I left with honey too.
That’s the kind of place this is.
Why Downtown NPR Needs Them
Shops like Growing Together Plant Company are exactly what make Downtown New Port Richey feel special.
They add personality to the area.
They support other small businesses and makers.
And they create spaces where people can learn something new.
The more time I spend exploring Downtown New Port Richey, the more I realize how many passionate small business owners are quietly building amazing things here.
Sheila’s shop is a perfect example of that.
Whether you’re a longtime plant enthusiast or someone just trying to keep their first pothos alive, this is the kind of place where you can ask questions, discover new plants, and leave with a little more confidence in your plant care.
If you love plants—or want to start—this is definitely a stop worth making.
Check out their facebook page!
And if you’re in Downtown New Port Richey, pop in and say hello.
Growing Together Plant Co.
5500 Main St, Suite 107
New Port Richey, FL
If you found this from social media, welcome to Snip Happens. I love highlighting the small businesses that make our community special.