Houseplant Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Transport Tips: Keep plants upright and secure to avoid spills or breakage. Handle gently to protect stems and leaves.


Cold Weather Warning: If temperatures are below 10°C (50°F), wrap plants in paper or plastic to shield them from cold exposure. Most houseplants are tropical or subtropical and can suffer damage even from brief chills.


Timing: Bring plants indoors as soon as possible. Avoid exposing them to direct sun through car windows or cold drafts during transit.

Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements: Light needs vary—some houseplants (like pothos or ZZ plant) tolerate low light, while others (like succulents or crotons) prefer bright, indirect light. Check the specific needs of your plant.


Spacing: Allow for airflow between plants to reduce the risk of pests and mildew. Overcrowding can also stunt growth.


Purpose: Choose plants to match the conditions of the space—low light for hallways, humidity-lovers for bathrooms, statement plants for bright living areas.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type: Use high-quality, well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants. Avoid using outdoor garden soil indoors—it compacts and can carry pests.


pH Level: Most houseplants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).


Soil Amendment: Add perlite for drainage, peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention, or compost for nutrients—depending on plant needs.

Potting or Repotting

Pot Size: Select a container just slightly larger than the root ball. Overly large pots can lead to soggy soil and root rot.


Drainage: Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use saucers to catch excess water, but don’t let plants sit in it.


Tip: When repotting, gently loosen the roots and trim away any dead or mushy sections. Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.

Watering

Initial Watering: After bringing your plant home, water thoroughly to help it adjust.


Ongoing Watering: Most houseplants prefer the top inch or two of soil to dry out before rewatering. Use the “finger test” or moisture meter.


Method: Water slowly and deeply at the base. Avoid getting water on leaves unless the plant enjoys misting (e.g., ferns, calatheas). Use room-temperature water.

Feeding & Fertilizing

When to Fertilize: Begin in spring and continue through late summer or early fall. Pause feeding in winter unless the plant is actively growing.


What to Use: Use a balanced (e.g., 20-20-20) water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Organic options like worm castings or compost tea can also be effective.


Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

Staking or Support

When Needed: Vining or tall plants like monstera, philodendron, or indoor hibiscus may benefit from support.


How to Stake: Use moss poles, bamboo stakes, or trellises. Secure with soft plant ties or Velcro strips—avoid tight bindings that damage stems.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Pests: Fungus gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects.


Common Diseases: Root rot (from overwatering), leaf spot, powdery mildew, and bacterial blight.


Prevention Tips: Inspect plants regularly, especially new arrivals. Quarantine new plants before placing them near others. Maintain airflow, avoid overwatering, and wipe leaves clean of dust. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.

Pruning

When to Prune: Year-round as needed; ideal time is spring or after flowering (if applicable).


Why Prune: To remove dead or yellowing leaves, control size, shape the plant, or encourage fuller growth.


How: Use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners. Cut just above a leaf node or where you want new growth to emerge.

Seasonal Care

Spring: Resume fertilizing, repot if needed, prune, and increase watering as growth picks up.


Summer: Monitor for pests, water more frequently, and adjust placement if leaves show signs of sunburn or stress.


Fall: Gradually reduce watering and feeding. Clean up fallen leaves.


Winter: Reduce watering. Increase humidity using trays or humidifiers. Keep plants away from heaters and cold windows.

Winter Protection

Indoor Adjustments: Relocate plants away from cold drafts, exterior doors, and heating vents. Use sheer curtains to filter intense winter sun.


Humidity Help: Many houseplants suffer in dry winter air. Group plants together, mist lightly (if appropriate), or use pebble trays with water to raise local humidity.


Light Levels: Rotate plants for even growth. Supplement with grow lights if daylight is insufficient.

Helpful Extras

Air Quality: Many houseplants help purify indoor air—great choices include pothos, peace lily, and spider plant.


Pet Safety: Some common houseplants are toxic to pets (e.g., philodendron, dieffenbachia, pothos). Check toxicity before bringing a new plant home.


Low Maintenance Picks: Snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, and cast iron plant are tough and forgiving.


Decorative Bonus: Houseplants bring life and beauty to interiors while improving mood and boosting indoor humidity.