Adding an attractive houseplant to your living space can change the look of any room while making you feel good mentally and physically. Studies have shown that owning and taking care of indoor plants can boost mood and productivity, reduce stress and fatigue and be therapeutic. If you’re interested in learning how to be the best plant parent around, we’ve got you covered.
We’re sharing some unbe-leaf-able tips on how to make sure your plants feel at home.
Find the Light
Location, location, location! Finding the right spot in your home is imperative for your plant’s continued survival. Depending on the plant’s light needs, you can base placement on what windows get sun throughout the day.
- East-facing windows for medium and low-light plants
- Never harsh and best for plants that don’t need too much sun
- South-facing windows for high-light plants
- All day sun for plants who need that extra dose of sunlight
- West-facing windows for foolproof “impossible to kill” plants
- Hot afternoon sun is harsh on most plants, so you should keep plants that are hardy in this spot. If you’re looking for one of these plants, check out Better Homes & Gardens Houseplants You Can’t Kill list for inspiration!
- North-facing windows for low-light plants
- Little to no bright light is best for plants that love shade.
Watering
Just like every plant has different light requirements, every plant has different water needs. Most houseplants need to be watered every 1-2 weeks. Be sure to monitor your houseplants and water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, rather than on a schedule. Frequency of watering will depend on the size and type of plant, size and type of pot, temperature, humidity and rate of growth. Cute desert succulents won’t require near as much watering as a tropical plant that’s used to a rain forest climate.
The Right Time to Repot
Sooner or later every healthy houseplant is going to outgrow its pot. The plant becomes pot bound: too large for its pot and roots circle inside the pot keeping the plant from growing. That means it’s time to find a new, roomier home for your healthy plant! Re-pot the plant in a container a size or two larger, any bigger and you run the risk of water collection and root rot. Want to make sure you’re repotting correctly? This guide can help.
Defeat Pesky Pests
Keeping your plants pest-free is ideal for the health of your plants and your home. The most common pests are mosquito-like gnats. You’ve most likely seen some buzzing around if you’ve over-watered a plant before. Moist soil encourages gnats to lay eggs and thrive. Of course, the list of houseplant pests goes beyond just gnats – if you’re having trouble with a specific pest this guide is sure to help.
Now you’re ready to be the best plant parent around and help your houseplants thrive at home!
