There is a version of this problem in every New York apartment: a plant is dying, the internet has forty contradictory answers, and none of them account for a north-facing window and radiator heat. NYBG's plant information service answers actual questions from actual people — orchid repotting, indoor seed starting, pests, soil, light — for free, by email or through the Ask a Plant Expert page. It is the single most useful free thing the Garden offers, and almost nobody knows it exists.
What to expect
You submit a question through NYBG's Ask a Plant Expert page or email plantinfo@nybg.org, ideally with clear photos and details about light, watering and how long the problem has been developing. A response comes back with guidance drawn from the Garden's horticultural expertise. The service runs year-round.
Good to know
- Entirely online — no trip to the Bronx required
- Free to use; send questions through Ask a Plant Expert or plantinfo@nybg.org
- Include photos of the whole plant and the affected leaves for a better answer
- Mention light, watering schedule and how long the problem has been going
- Useful for houseplants, gardens, street trees and seed starting alike
- Response time varies — this is not a same-day service
Common questions
How do I ask a question?
Through the Ask a Plant Expert section of NYBG's website or by emailing plantinfo@nybg.org.
Does it cost anything?
No — the plant information service is free.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
General horticulture — houseplant care, repotting, seed starting, pests and garden problems.