How to Care for Houseplants in 5 Easy to Follow Steps

Caring for houseplants may feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and routine, you’ll have a thriving home garden in no time. In the video above, landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada and Massachusetts-certified horticulturist Jennifer Rollo share their expertise on houseplant care for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Read on to learn how to get the healthiest plants.

Tip 1: Choose a Plant That’s Right for Your Life

Houseplant happiness is all about managing expectations, which means choosing the right plant for your life. Consider your schedule, your home environment, and how much time you’re willing to devote to caring for your plants.

Low-Maintenance Plants

Low-maintenance options are ideal for busy individuals or those new to plant care. These plants require less frequent watering and care, making them suitable for anyone with a hectic schedule:

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Adaptable to various light conditions and easy to propagate, pothos plants are ideal for novice gardeners.
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): This hardy plant tolerates neglect and helps purify air, making it a practical and attractive addition to any home.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Renowned for its resilience, the ZZ plant requires minimal watering and thrives in low-light conditions. It’s a great air purifier and an excellent choice for beginners.

High-Maintenance Plants

Plant enthusiasts looking for a challenge may look for more demanding varieties. These plants require specific care routines and are best suited for those with more time and experience:

Calathea: Known for its vibrant foliage, Calathea requires high humidity and specific watering needs. It’s perfect for a more controlled indoor environment.
Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata): Sensitive to changes in environment and watering routine, this plant adds a bold statement to any room but demands careful attention.
Orchids (Orchidaceae): These elegant plants need specialized care, including precise watering and humidity control, making them better for dedicated gardeners.

Tip 2: Master Proper Plant Watering Techniques

Watering is perhaps the most important part of houseplant care. Underwatering and overwatering can both harm plants, so finding the right balance is crucial.

How to Check Soil Moisture

To determine if your plant needs water, insert your finger about halfway into the soil. If the soil feels dry at your fingertip, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a few days before checking again. If you see water on the soil’s surface, no need to check—just don’t water.

Watering Best Practices

When watering your houseplants, consider these best practices for healthy growth:

Adjust watering frequency based on the season, as plants typically need less water in winter.
Empty any water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot.
Follow recommendations for your type of plant — succulents and cacti have different needs than tropical flowers.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Water thoroughly until you see it draining from the bottom of the pot.

Ensuring Proper Drainage

Proper drainage prevents root rot and other moisture-related issues. This starts with choosing the right pot:

Make sure the plant’s main pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Rollo recommends using a “catch pot” or decorative outer pot without holes for aesthetic purposes.
Select a pot that’s one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one when repotting.

In addition to standard pots, consider using containers with built-in drainage systems. These prevent water from sitting at the bottom, protecting root health. Many modern planters have innovative designs to simplify drainage.

Tip 3: Choose the Right Soil for Your Plants

The right soil provides essential nutrients and proper drainage for your houseplants. Rollo says that most foliage plants thrive in a standard all-purpose potting mix, which is widely available at garden centers. Some plants require specific soil types to meet their unique needs:

Cacti and succulents: Get a fast-draining cactus mix. This soil prevents water retention that could lead to root rot.
Orchids: Use orchid bark, a mix of sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite. This allows for proper airflow and moisture levels.

When repotting, always use fresh potting soil to ensure your plant has access to the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Regularly check the soil condition and replace it when it becomes compacted or depleted of nutrients.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget Plant Fertilizer

Fertilizing provides essential nutrients that may be depleted from the soil over time. Most houseplants benefit from regular fertilization during their growing season:

Fertilize monthly from April through September (the typical growing season).
Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when plant growth slows.

Most plants do well with an all-purpose liquid indoor fertilizer, but be sure to check your specific plants’ needs. Rollo talks about different options that have different benefits:

Liquid fertilizers: Mix with water and apply monthly during the growing season. They provide immediate nutrients, which can be beneficial for flowering plants.
Slow-release pellets: Apply to the soil surface twice a year for a low-maintenance option. These pellets gradually release nutrients over time.
Organic fertilizers: Provide natural nutrients but may require more frequent application. They are an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.

Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilizing can damage your plants. Striking the right balance avoids nutrient burn while nourishing your plants.

Tip 5: Know When To Repot Your Plant

Repotting gives your houseplants room to grow and refreshes their soil. Knowing when to repot is crucial for maintaining plant health.

Signs It’s Time to Repot

Look for these signs that indicate it’s time to repot:

Roots growing through drainage holes or circling the pot’s surface, indicating they need more space.
Soil drying out quickly after watering, showing that it might be compacted and not retaining moisture evenly.
The plant becoming top-heavy or unstable, suggesting it’s outgrowing its current pot.
Yellowing or dropping leaves, which can signal root-bound plants or depleted soil.

Repotting Process

When repotting your houseplant, follow these steps:

Choose a pot one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Gently remove the plant from its old pot.
Loosen the root ball and trim any damaged roots. This encourages new root growth.
Place fresh potting soil in the new pot.
Position the plant and fill in with more soil.
Water thoroughly and allow to drain.

Avoid using too large a pot, as excess soil can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot. A well-fitted pot leads to balanced growth and healthier roots.

Additional Plant Care Tips

To help your houseplants thrive, consider these additional care tips:

Dust leaves regularly to improve photosynthesis and appearance.
Group plants with similar care requirements together for easier maintenance.
Monitor for pests and treat them promptly.
Prune dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth. Removing unhealthy parts allows the plant to focus energy on new growth.
Rotate plants periodically for even growth and light exposure. This prevents plants from leaning.

Tools and products designed to enhance plant care—such as humidity trays, grow lights, and plant-specific fertilizers—can help you create an environment where your plants can flourish.