August Laska, founder of the Old Yew Plant Shop in Manhattan, has discovered that much of his work revolves around educating customers on plant care rather than simply selling plants. Since opening the shop in 2021, he has noted that answering questions and providing guidance has become a core part of his business, as many clients seek advice to ensure their plants thrive.
Laska often encounters customers who come in after buying plants from large retailers that failed to survive, hoping to understand what went wrong and how to succeed with future plants. He interprets these visits as an opportunity to offer expert support and encourage repeat business, emphasizing that many buyers are motivated by the desire for a positive plant-keeping experience.
His customers' questions generally fall into two categories: plant placement and diagnosis of health problems. Common pest inquiries center on mealybugs, which Laska treats with a regimen involving showering the plant to physically remove insects, followed by application of a homemade neem oil spray infused with peppermint oil. This natural approach contrasts with some who prefer harsher chemicals, but Laska maintains that repeated weekly treatments eliminate infestations within a few weeks.
Another frequent issue is fungal gnats, which breed in soils that are kept too moist. Laska advises modifying watering routines by extending intervals to let the soil dry thoroughly and using yellow sticky traps to capture adult insects. Addressing both life stages in tandem is essential for effective control.
When it comes to routine plant care, Laska counsels against unnecessary interventions. For example, he advises owners of healthy plants that have not been repotted or fertilized in years to continue their existing care rather than repotting on a schedule dictated by social media trends. He recommends observing signs such as yellowing leaves, roots growing out of drainage holes, or soil that water passes through too quickly as indicators that repotting may be needed.
Laska also prioritizes matching plants to specific environments, asking detailed questions about lighting, temperature, humidity, and room orientation before making recommendations. For humid spaces like bathrooms, he suggests moisture-tolerant species such as ferns, Calatheas, or moss varieties.
While popular indoor trees like the fiddle-leaf fig remain in demand, Laska notes their sensitivity and frequent leaf drop, often suggesting more resilient alternatives such as Ficus benghalensis Audrey. He also stocks trendy options like the black olive tree (Bucida buceras), but stresses the importance of light levels and consistent moisture for these plants’ success. To aid indoor growers, especially those with low natural light, he endorses LED grow lights that blend aesthetically with home decor.
Laska challenges the notion of recommending exclusively “easy” plants to novices, arguing that some degree of engagement is key to learning. Instead, he promotes species like Pothos, which are robust yet responsive to care and signal their needs visibly through changes in leaf appearance or posture.
Expanding beyond his original location, Laska now operates additional outlets on Manhattan’s West Village and Upper West Side, along with an outdoor landscape design service. He finds ongoing relationships with customers who share progress updates especially rewarding, illustrating a niche in retail that extends well beyond transactions to sustained education and support.