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Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Care & Selecting the Best Plants for Your Home

various houseplants next to a window with the sunlight shining on them

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Studies have shown that millennials love houseplants, thanks to the stress-reducing factors and peace that caring for plants can bring. Urban life has made us crave nature, and plants help fill that gap. Plants can also help us show off our unique style. Being eco-friendly is a plus, and there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that make plant care easy. There has also been research to show that plants can uplift your mood, give you a sense of purpose and improve the atmosphere in your home. Also, if you're anything like me, wandering around the garden centre makes the perfect weekend activity!

In a world of urban living, houseplants have become more than just decorations; they're companions that enrich our lives in a variety of ways. This comprehensive guide explores the art of houseplant care, from selecting the right plants to understanding their benefits for mental health, air quality, and home aesthetics.


Houseplant Care Essentials


Choosing the Right Plants: Matching plant types with your environment and lifestyle

woman watering windowbox indoor plants with large clay indoor watering can

When it comes to choosing the right plants for your home, it's important to consider both the environment and your lifestyle.


Take note of the amount of sunlight and humidity in the space where you plan to place your plants, as different plant species have varying requirements.


You should also consider how much time and effort you're willing to devote to plant care. By choosing the right plants for your space and lifestyle, you can create a thriving indoor garden and avoid the sadness of having to throw away forgotten plants that become brown and withered.


Quick-Fire Examples:

  • Low-Maintenance Plants: Most succulents, snake plants, peace lilies, string of hearts (ceropegia woodii), ZZ plants, spider plants, devil's ivy (pothos)

  • High-Maintenance Plants: Bonsai trees, orchids, fiddle-leaf fig trees, maidenhair ferns, elephant's ear (Xanthosoma)

Lighting Requirements: Understanding your plants' sunlight needs and providing adequate light

Understanding the sunlight needs of your plants is crucial to their overall health and growth.


While some plants thrive in low-light conditions, others require direct sunlight for several hours each day. It's important to place your plants in an area that receives the appropriate amount of light for their specific needs.


If your space doesn't receive enough natural light, you could consider supplementing with artificial light sources such as grow lights. Additionally, be mindful of the intensity of light your plants are receiving, as too much direct sunlight can burn their leaves. By providing adequate light, you can help your plants flourish and thrive.

Quick-Fire Examples:

  • Low-Light Loving Plants for Darker Rooms: Ivy, snake plants, pothos, maidenhair fern, philodendrons, calatheas, lucky bamboo, peace lily

  • Happy Medium - Plants That Need Medium/Indirect Sunlight: Spider plants, watermelon peperomia, Boston fern, monstera, Christmas cactus, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), Chinese evergreen

  • Sunshine Suckers - Plants That Need Plenty of Sunlight to Thrive: Aloe vera, Jade plants, African milk tree, snake plants, orchids, string of pearls, ponytail palm, yucca plants


Watering Wisely: Mastering watering frequency and techniques for different plants

Watering your plants is just as important as providing them with the right amount of light.


Different plants have different watering needs, so it's important to research the specific requirements of each type of plant you own.


In general, most plants prefer to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. When watering, make sure to water deeply and slowly, allowing the water to soak into the soil instead of running off.


Quick-Fire Examples:

The recommendations below are based on warmer months, as most plants usually need more water when the temperature is higher.


  • Thirsty Plants - Plants That Need Consistently Moist Soil: Most ferns (Boston, maidenhair, rabbit's foot), peace lilies, calatheas, spider plants, prayer plants, Chinese evergreen

  • Leave to Breath - Plants That Don't Like to Be Overwatered: Orchids, aloe vera, succulents, snake plants, jade plants, pothos, rubber plants, cacti


To Mist or Not to Mist

Misting plants can be a beneficial practice, especially for those that require higher humidity levels to thrive; but not all plants require misting. Research your specific plant species to determine if misting is suitable and beneficial. General guidance when misting:


  • Use Clean Water: Always use clean, room-temperature water for misting. Avoid using water that's too cold or too hot, as extreme temperatures can shock the plants.

  • Choose the Right Time: Misting is most effective when done in the morning. This allows the plants to absorb moisture during the day and reduces the risk of fungal growth due to extended periods of dampness at night.

  • Avoid Over-Misting: Over-misting can lead to excess moisture on the foliage and in the soil, which may encourage fungal diseases. Misting 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient for most plants.

  • Use a Fine Mist: Use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting to ensure even coverage without causing water droplets t