How to Care for Houseplants

One of the great things about bringing plants into your home is that they do so much and require so little. Whether you’re adding small houseplants to your bedroom, displaying tall floor plants in your living room, or nurturing a mini jungle, your indoor plants do everything from elevating your decor to lowering your stress. 

And what do they ask for in return? Light, soil, water, a little food, and a comfortable environment. It’s not a lot. 

Understanding Light Requirements - Find the perfect light for your indoor plants 

You already know that plants need light. But how much light do plants need? 

Your houseplant’s light requirement will reflect its native environment, whether that’s a sub-tropical forest where sunlight is filtered through the tree canopy or an arid desert where bright, direct light is constant. 

Bright, direct light 

Cacti and succulents, citrus trees, herbs and vegetables, and some palms are among the sun-loving plants. Make sure you have a spot that gets full sunlight most of the day. South- or west-facing windows with unobstructed light are typically great spots. Keep an eye out for yellow or brown patches on your plant’s leaves, which might mean it’s getting too much direct sun. Rotate your plant regularly to make sure it grows evenly and soaks up the sun from all sides. 

Bright, indirect light 

Monstera, pothos, peace lily, and snake plants prefer just a little less sun. They do best in bright light that is diffused—whether it comes through sheer curtains or blinds, or is reflected off a surface.

Good spots for these plants are near east- or west-facing windows, or slightly away from a south-facing window. If they’re getting too much light, their leaves may scorch or turn pale. And if they aren’t getting enough, the leaves may yellow or growth might slow down. 

Medium, filtered light 

Calathea and prayer plants are moderate-light lovers. Plus, many plants that prefer bright, indirect light can get by in a medium-light environment, which means sunlight that’s softer and may pass through a sheer curtain or the leaves of a tree. East-facing windows are good options for these plants, or placing them farther away from a bright window. Watch for scorched or faded leaves— too much light—or yellow leaves or slowed growth—not enough. 

Low light 

Very few houseplants require low light, but some—like ZZ plants, snake plants, pothos, Chinese evergreen, and asparagus ferns—can tolerate it. Low-light spots include north-facing windows, bathrooms, or rooms with artificial lighting. Be sure to dust off the leaves of these plants regularly. Sitting in areas with less light and, typically, less air circulation, causes them to gather dust, which can block light absorption. 

Choose the right soil mix for your houseplants 

Soil provides the foundation for a healthy houseplant, offering support, nutrients, and water retention. The right indoor soil can make the difference between a thriving plant and a decorative pot of regret. And not all soil is the same. Use an indoor potting mix that will set your plants up for success. For instance, cactus plants like soil that drains quickly, like Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. 

A good potting mix provides: 

Drainage and water retention 

You want soil that’s loose and well-aerated, allowing excess water to flow out through the drainage holes in your pot. This keeps it from pooling around the roots, which can lead to root rot. (Avoid garden soil, which is denser than potting soil.) At the same time, soil should retain enough water to keep the roots hydrated. Choosing an indoor potting mix that contains peat moss or coconut coir will help with water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability. 

Aeration 

Roots need oxygen to breathe and grow. Look for soil with materials like perlite, lava rock, or coarse sand to help with airflow. 

Nutrition 

Healthy soil is full of nutrients that feed your plant, supporting its growth and keeping it strong. Most potting mixes are formulated with a slow-release fertilizer. However, nutrients get depleted over time, so remember to fertilize your plants regularly, based on their individual needs. 

Remember to repot your plant with fresh soil every year or two. Over time, soil loses nutrients, becomes compacted, and may accumulate mineral and salt residues from water or fertilizers. Repotting is also a good way to make sure your plant isn’t root-bound. 

Learn how and when to water your indoor plants with proper watering techniques 

While water is essential for (nearly) all plants—how much they need really varies, so it’s crucial that you find out your plant’s specific water requirements. The plant tag may say how frequently to water or how to know when your plant needs water, which is even more helpful. Often you’ll see instructions like, water when the top one or two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The key is checking the soil, not just watering on a set schedule. Depending on a variety of factors, your plant may need water more or less frequently than the same plant in someone else’s home. Also consider seasonal changes—plants often need less water in the winter. 

There’s no fancy technique to learn, just be sure you’re watering the soil, not the leaves. Watering around the base of the plant will help direct the water straight to the roots, where it’s needed. Plus, water droplets on leaves can cause mold, mildew, fungal growth, sunburn, or discoloration. 

Keep the climate of your home comfortable for your plants 

Like their light needs, a healthy growing environment for your plant is one that’s similar to the conditions where it comes from. When you look at your plant’s tag, you’ll likely see whether it needs low, moderate, or high humidity. Varieties from wetlands, swamps, or tropical rainforests will crave high humidity. If you need to, you can use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your home. These plants may also appreciate a regular misting. Grouping them together will help maintain higher humidity. 

For plants on the other end of the climate spectrum—those that need low humidity or dry air—avoid misting and over-watering, make sure there is good airflow around your plant, and be sure to let the soil dry down between waterings. 

Check your plant’s care instructions for other environmental factors like optimal temperature and airflow requirements. And don’t forget that your plant’s pot is an important factor too—making sure it’s big enough to allow for typical growth and meets your plant’s drainage requirements. 

Caring for houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding their needs for light, soil, water, and the right growing environment, you have the information you need to keep them healthy and happy.