Plant Lending Library

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find an answer to your question about your plant, like with anything Ask A Librarian! Librarian and plant lady, Laura Surtees, will be happy to answer your question or help to troubleshoot the problem.  

Question:  Who is eligible to borrow a plant?

Answer: Currently in the pilot phase of the program, only students are eligible for the Plant Lending Library.

Question: How do I care for my plant?

Answer: Complete care instructions can be found on the Plant Lending Library Guide for your specific plants along with other information. We have chosen plants that are hardy but they do need some love and attention from time to time. In general, check the water levels every week to make sure there is water in the base of pot.

When watering, avoid pouring the water into the plant from the top. Instead try bottom feeding which is better for the plant and reduces chances of gnats. Lift the inner pot out and add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pot. The strings should touch the water and will slowly water the plant. Check the water levels on a weekly basis.

Question:  What do I do if my plant is struggling or starts to wilt?

Answer: Most of the time when plants are struggling, it is because they are not getting what they need – either water or light. Make sure you are being consistent and don’t move the plant too much. Find a home for it and let it settle in.

And as always, Ask A Librarian. Laura Surtees, the librarian in Carpenter Library, is available for plant advise and troubleshooting. You can always stop by her office behind the circulation desk in Carpenter or email her at lsurtees@brynmawr.edu.

Question:  What if the plant dies?

Answer: No problem! It happens and you may be still learning how to care for plants. All we ask is that you do your best to care for the plant following the guidelines below. If the plant dies, return the pot and soil to the library so it can be replaced.

Question: How long do I get to borrow the plant?

Answer: Plants are loaned for the whole semester. They will be due at the end of the semester in Carpenter Library. Please return them to the circulation desk in Carpenter Library before you leave for winter or summer break.

Question:  Will the plant be okay when I go away for the weekend or over fall/spring break?

Answer: Yes! Check the water levels before leaving your plant for any extended time to make sure the plant is fed while you are away.

Question:  Will I be fined if the plant dies?

Answer: No! The only fines that will accrued is if you do not return the plant at the end of the semester. Even if the plant is dead, just return the pot with the soil to avoid fines. If you do not return the pot, you will be fined $25.

Question: Gross my plant is full of bugs! What do I do?

Answer: Gnats are the most common pest associated with these plants. Don’t worry and reach out to Laura Surtees (lsurtees@brynmawr.edu) for troubleshooting and care products.

Question: How can I learn more about caring and propagating plants?