Whether you’re taming your monstera, shaping a trailing pothos, or finally giving your calathea the cutback it deserves — one tool can make or break your plant’s health:

🔪 The pruner.

But not all pruners are created equal.

Some are built for precision.

Some are made for comfort.

And some… well, they’re just drop-dead gorgeous.

At Roots & Roasts, we field-test every tool we feature — from corporate plant installs to home jungle makeovers. These are the four pruners we actually use, trust, and recommend.

Discover the best grow lights for indoor palms with this in-depth guide. Learn how light spectrum, PAR levels, LEDs, and placement impact palm health—and get expert tips to fix yellowing, browning, and slow growth. Give your indoor palms the perfect lighting setup for year-round vibrancy.

Learn how to prune your Ficus and turn cuttings into new plants. Step-by-step Ficus propagation, pruning tips, and creative uses for leftover cuttings.

Maybe you saw it on Instagram those creamy-white, marbled leaves curling over a moss pole in someone’s perfectly lit Brooklyn loft.

Maybe you found a cutting in a Facebook group for $150 and started calculating whether you could make it work this month.

Before you click “buy now,” read this first. Not to scare you off but to prepare you.

Stop guessing. Start growing.

Most plant problems start with one overlooked element: light.

Too much? Leaves scorch.

Too little? Growth stalls or the plant dies slowly.

Reading light like a pro doesn’t require a degree in horticulture — just the right tools and a few clear principles. Here’s how to get it right.

How to Place Plants with Light, Rhythm, and Intention

By Roots & Roasts | A Focus New York Original

Most plant problems don’t start in the soil.

They start with light  or more often, how we misunderstand it.

We hear it everywhere:

“Put your plant in bright, indirect light.”

But what does that mean? And how does it translate into real rooms, real windows, and the changing rhythm of the seasons?

This guide is here to help you stop guessing  and start placing your plants with clarity, purpose, and style.

Most plant parents are flying blind—guessing if the brown tip is a light issue, a watering mistake, or just “vibes.” But what if AI could scan a leaf, check your window orientation, cross-reference weather data, and tell you exactly what to do?

Welcome to the green renaissance. At Focus New York and Roots & Roasts, we don’t just care for plants—we train systems to think like them. Below are 12 surprisingly effective AI-powered methods we use with clients and Concierge members to revive, optimize, and grow like a pro—even if you’ve never kept a pothos alive.

Having the right tools in your closet helps streamline upkeep, whether your plant is having a pest problem or calling out for fertilizer. Here are 8 essentials every plant parent needs to tend to their leafy companions.

Dive into the plant and floral industry with our expert guide. Discover how to identify market needs, stay ahead of trends, and grow your green business with actionable insights and strategies.

Elevate your entrepreneurial spirit with innovative tropical plant business ideas. Discover unique ventures that blend your love for greenery with profitable opportunities.

Dive into Gerard's expert insights on mastering the green business game. Uncover key challenges and smart solutions to elevate your plant business from startup to success.

Transform your tight office space with our top plant arrangement tips. Discover how to leverage greenery to enhance aesthetics and vibe in small office environments.

Embark on a journey with Focus New York to discover the city's top plant stores for extraordinary indoor greenery, perfect for elevating any home or office space.

Uncover the financial perks of turning your plant business green. From tax breaks to brand vibes, learn how sustainability isn't just good for the earth – it's great for your wallet.

Dive into the tropical plant industry with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to start, grow, and thrive in your tropical plant business with insider tips and strategies.

Discover how these leading plant companies are blending sustainability with innovation, reshaping the industry, and setting new standards for green business success.

Discover the essence of green business and why it's the future of entrepreneurship. Dive into our guide to understand its impact and how you can thrive in this eco-conscious market.

Unlock the secrets to monetizing your love for plants with our exclusive series. From grassroots startups to becoming a plantpreneur, dive deep into the world of plant selling. Perfect for the modern #plantmom, #plantdad, and everyone in between looking to grow their green thumb into a green empire.

Elevate your space with our ultimate guide to Feng Shui with plants. Discover how to harness positive energy, promote growth, and bring prosperity into your life and workspace. Perfect for the modern professional seeking harmony and success.

Get the lowdown on tackling mealybugs with eco-friendly strategies that keep your indoor jungle thriving. Perfect for plant enthusiasts and office green thumbs looking to protect their leafy investments.