How to Care for Houseplants
Houseplants bring color, texture and life into your home and many even help purify the air and create a calmer atmosphere. No matter the room or light level, there’s a plant that can thrive in your space.
So what’s the secret to success? Let’s break it down.
The Right Spot for Success
One of the most important factors in plant health is matching the right plant to the right location. Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, with a little direct morning sun.
- Flowering plants & colorful foliage often need 3–4 hours of direct sun daily.
- Ferns and soft-leaf plants should be protected from harsh afternoon sun.
Always check the plant tag or ask one of our greenhouse experts for guidance. Grow lights are also a great way to boost plant health when natural light is limited.
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Selecting a Container
Choose a pot about one inch larger than the current container. Proper drainage is essential as standing water can quickly lead to root rot.
If your decorative pot doesn’t have drainage holes, place the plant in its nursery pot inside the container. This makes it easy to remove excess water if needed.
Watering
Did you know more houseplants die from overwatering than underwatering?
When you bring a new plant home, check the soil daily at first to learn how quickly it dries out. Most plants prefer to dry slightly between deep waterings.
When in doubt, a soil moisture meter can take the guesswork out.
Temperature
Most houseplants are happiest at 70–75°F during the day and 60–65°F at night. Some plants, like ferns, may enter dormancy in cooler temperatures, so reduce watering during these rest periods.
Humidity
Indoor humidity varies widely, especially during winter. Plants with thick or waxy leaves tolerate dry air better than delicate plants.
If your home is dry:
- Choose low-humidity plants like Ponytail Palm, Chinese Evergreen, cacti, or succulents
- Or try the pebble tray method to gently raise humidity around sensitive plants
Potting Soil
A good potting mix should hold moisture, drain well, and support healthy roots. Many houseplants do well in a peat-based mix with added perlite for drainage. Specialty plants like orchids and cacti need specific blends.
Fertilizers
Foliage plants thrive with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20. Blooming plants benefit from formulas with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium.
Fertilize regularly during active growth and cut back when plants are resting. Most foliage plants don’t need feeding from late fall through winter.
Pests & Diseases
Common indoor pests include spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, scale and mealybugs.
- Spider mites thrive in dry conditions so raise humidity to prevent them
- Fungus gnats usually indicate overly wet soil
Neem oil works well for many pests, while tougher infestations may require houseplant-specific insecticides. Always check the undersides of leaves so problems are caught early.
Healthy houseplants start with simple basics: light, water, drainage and a little attention. When you understand what your plants need, caring for them becomes easy and incredibly rewarding. If you ever have questions, our team is always happy to help you grow with confidence!