If you’ve already checked out our guide to the easiest indoor plants and picked up a few leafy friends from your local plant nursery, you might be wondering what the next step is.
Houseplants are an easy way to add a burst of life to any room. While most are simple to care for, it’s important to know how to keep your indoor greenery healthy and thriving. Get the most out of your houseplants with these helpful tips and tricks.
Provide plenty of light
Sunlight and water are the two biggest factors impacting a houseplant’s growth and wellbeing. The majority of indoor plants prefer filtered sunlight (like through sheer curtains or blinds) for 5-8 hours a day. Unless your plant is a low-light variety, we recommend keeping your plants in well-lit areas near windows, like in kitchens or living rooms. If the inner leaves start to turn yellow, it may be because your plant isn’t getting enough light.
Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater
When it comes to watering your houseplants, remember: less is more. Most indoor plants are easy to care for because they require infrequent watering – perhaps once every 6-10 days. By overwatering, you risk waterlogging the roots and killing your plant. A good rule of thumb is to insert your finger 2 inches into the soil and feeling the moisture level. If it’s dry, then it’s time to water; if it’s damp, wait another day or two.
Don’t move your plant around too often
Much like humans, plants become comfortable in their everyday routines. Relocating the plant to different places around your home could affect its health – and it may very well retaliate with wilted stems or browning leaves. Once your houseplant begins to flourish in a specific part of your home, it’s a good idea to leave it there to thrive.
Use a well-draining pot
Similar to overwatering, a pot with poor drainage could result in trapped moisture and waterlogged roots – leading to poor growing conditions for your plant. Choose a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom to ensure that excess water can be filtered out. If you’re planting in a container that doesn’t have a hole, place 3 inches of rock gravel into the container to act as a drainage area, then replant your houseplant as normal.
Take these tips to heart and you’ll have a flourishing indoor jungle in no time.