Start with something easy
If you are keen to get on board with the houseplant trend and this is your first houseplant – or you haven’t had much luck keeping them alive in the past, opt for a plant that’s not too demanding or delicate. There are plenty of easy-care plants out there that will thrive with relatively little maintenance, making them ideal for novice plant owners.
Think about lighting
Every plant has its unique lighting requirements. Plants that need plenty of bright sunlight will not thank you for being dumped in a dark basement flat, for example. Read the care instructions thoroughly and think carefully about the natural light in your home. For instance, your plant might crave plenty of daylight but whither in the face of too much direct sunlight. In that case you would need a light, bright spot but not a South facing window.
Know your availability
While plants, like succulents, cacti and philodendron, can go for as long as two weeks without a drop of water, others are thirsty and will need frequent watering. If you have a hectic schedule or travel a lot, be sure to opt for the former.
Be aware of humidity
Tropical plants, such as dumb cane, philodendron, rubber plants and orchids, need humid conditions to mimic their native climes. These will thrive in rooms that get plenty of moisture like the bathroom or kitchen. Desert plants used to dry, arid conditions, on the other hand, should be kept well away from steamy environments.
Don't overwater!
People often think that more water is better but all plants have different needs when it comes to watering. These vary based on the time of year, amount of light and temperature. The easiest solution is to understand the moisture level of your plant. Some plants like to dry out completely between waterings, others need to be kept moist so the safest bet is to check the care instructions. Stick your finger into the dirt about an inch deep to feel whether it’s dry or moist. An easy-to-care-for plant like Monstera only needs to be watered around once a week, or whenever the very top inch of soil feels dry.
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