Get Growing
Get Growing
A houseplant is a joyful way to bring life and a little bit of the outdoors inside. Most indoor plants' native environment is tropical, so they're used to warm, humid climates with plenty of light. Your goal in keeping your plants healthy is to imitate these conditions for which the plant is best suited. Three such conditions most contribute to the overall health of most houseplants: water, light and air.
Water
Once or twice a week is generally enough. "Water on Wednesdays" is a reminder that works for many indoor gardeners. Most plants would prefer to be a little dry rather than having their roots sitting in a puddle. Water them slowly and stop when water can be seen escaping from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Many plants require less water in the cooler months when they are growing more slowly.
Light
Think about where the plants grow in nature. Do they grow up high and tall, soaking in 6+ hours of direct light a day, or do they get filtered light for half that long? Situate the plants accordingly, where they can get either direct sunlight (a south-facing window is usually good) or indirect light (away from windows in an otherwise bright room). Rotate plants a quarter turn every week so that all sides get enough light.
Air
Good airflow around a plant is very important. Again, consider those warming tropical breezes. Warmth is key, too. Most houseplants do not like temperatures less than 55°. They should be protected from cold drafts, whether from the outdoors or a chilly air conditioning vent.
Popular Choices
Consider these tips for keeping some of the most popular houseplants healthy and happy:
- Peace Lily – These perform and bloom best in medium light. They prefer to be drier, so water them only when the top of the soil is dry or the leaves start to sag slightly.
- Pothos – This is a great houseplant for beginners, as it is hard to kill. It can survive in bright fluorescent light, so it's also a nice option for interior rooms and offices. It's susceptible to root rot, so take care to water it only when it starts to dry out.
- Spider Plant – These are a good choice for brightly lit bathrooms with a window. They're great at soaking in water from the air, so steamy showers may provide all the water they need.
- Rubber Plant – Good for plant newbies, they're quite hardy and don't mind being ignored for days on end. They like lots of bright but indirect light and evenly moist soil. Misting the leaves occasionally will also keep them vigorous.
- Aloe – This pretty and useful houseplant loves a bright, warm spot by the window. It should be watered sparingly but thoroughly and only after it has completely dried out.
- Moth Orchid – These beauties enjoy a little less light than most houseplants, and indirect at that. They need very little water, too. Water them once a week at most.
- Succulents – Succulents like to be evenly watered after drying out somewhat and prefer lots of indirect sunlight. As they are normally found in nature in dry climates, it makes sense that these plants do not enjoy having their leaves misted and prefer homes with less humidity.
Good to Know:
Fertilize houseplants every few months to help supplement the plant's natural photosynthesis and ensure that they get the food they need to grow and thrive.
Note that many houseplants are toxic if ingested, so care should be taken in households with young children and some pets. Selection and availability of houseplants vary by market. Find them in the Floral Department.
