7 More Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started as a Plant Tech [Part Two]

In a previous post, I shared five things that my fellow plant technicians and I thought would have been helpful to know when we were just starting out. Now, I’m back with our second round of insights, straight from the trenches of plant tech life. It’s all about those little things that can make a big difference in our day-to-day as plant technicians.

1. I WISH SOMEONE HAD SHOWN ME…

…how to water properly. It would have been so helpful to learn the specifics—how to determine the correct amount of water for each plant, when to water, when not to water, techniques to accurately measure water, as well as tricks to carry and pour water without making a mess. Even with formal training, it’s surprising how often these practical, hands-on details are left to the plant tech to figure out by themselves.

2. I WISH I HAD BEEN PREPARED FOR…

…the constant, weekly tasks that come with being a plant tech—dusting every plant, turning for even exposure, inspecting for bugs, trimming, and the cleanup of the surrounding area. It’s crucial for plant techs to find ways to stay interested in what they do and to see these recurring duties not as tedious drudgery, but as vital parts of a larger, rewarding project.

3. I WISH SOMEONE HAD STRESSED…

…the importance of taking it step by step, doing a bit each time. Besides the routine tasks that must be done every visit, many other things are also necessary, like fertilizing, soil treatments, dealing with bugs and diseases, pruning, polishing, cleaning the containers, and so on. Trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. On the other hand, doing only what’s necessary and rushing through can eventually result in inadequate care. The best approach is to have a ‘special tasks’ list and do a little from that list at each visit, balancing the workload with the limited time available.

4. I WISH SOMEONE HAD TAUGHT ME HOW TO SPEAK…

…plant language. Plants have their own way of telling you what they need or what’s troubling them. It’s so important to understand this language and be able to pick up on all the signs they give you. Plants can tell you when their soil is too wet or too dry, when there’s something off with their roots, when they’re suffering from unbalanced chemical activity, or when they’re under attack by pests or diseases. Sure, we pick up on these cues as we go, but having this knowledge from the beginning would have made everything so much easier.

5. I WISH I’D HAD AN IDEA OF …

…the sheer amount of learning involved in this field. There are so many complexities and details to grasp about plant care, customer service, efficiency, and a number of other things. Mastering as many details as possible can make a plant tech feel like they’re spinning plates on poles—it’s a tough balancing act. Getting everything to sync up is hard work, but amazingly fun once you figure it out.

6. I WISH I HAD UNDERSTOOD…

…that working with customers is such a large part of the job. For techs, the first rule to learn is to leave the BS at home. Next up, and equally important, is always responding with a smile, whether the comments are positive or negative. You also need to think about what the clients need—beautiful plants, for sure, but also a reliable tech who’s punctual and leaves the place spotless. It’s these little things that make a huge difference in the eyes of our clients.

7. I NEVER IMAGINED…

…how many different kinds of people I’d meet. It amazed me how disrespectful and ignorant some people were, like those who think it’s your job to restock the bathroom supplies. Then you’ve got the short-tempered ones who shoo you away before you can even say hello, but on the flip side, some are really appreciative and toss you a heartfelt thanks that brightens your day. Even a busy Fortune 500 CEO may stop to admire your work, calling it an art form. The real surprise, though, was discovering how much satisfaction interacting with all these different people would bring.

So, there you have it, the second part of my list. I hope these tidbits give you a bit of insight. Here’s to thriving in the plant tech world, one leaf and one smile at a time!