Plant Care Guides
Everything You Need to Know for Your Indoor Greenery
The Ultimate Guide
Plants don’t just decorate a space—they transform it. They purify the air, create a calming atmosphere, and make any room feel more alive. But every plant has different needs, and finding the right one for your home is key. Whether you're new to plants or a seasoned collector, the guides below will help you keep them thriving.
Understanding Light
Getting light right is the biggest factor in plant care. Here’s what each term means:
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Direct Sunlight – A south- or west-facing window where the sun beams directly onto the plant for hours each day.
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Bright, Indirect Light – A well-lit space near a window where the plant receives less than an hour of direct sun exposure. Can the leaves physically “see” the sky? That’s indirect light. Most houseplants require this.
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Low Light – NOT “no light”! These are areas farther from windows or rooms with only a little natural light—but not a room with no windows.
Watering Basics
Your watering schedule should depend on the plant and the amount of light it receives. A plant in bright light will dry out faster than the same plant in low light.
For example, a snake plant in direct sunlight will need water every 2–3 weeks, but the same plant in a low-light environment will need water only every 6–8 weeks.
General Watering Guidelines:
✔ Let the soil dry out between waterings. Keeping the soil consistently wet invites root rot and pests.
✔ Succulents (e.g., snake plants, jade, and cacti) are drought-hardy. Always err on the side of underwatering, as overwatering is far more dangerous.
✔ Use distilled or rainwater when possible—especially for Alocasia, Orchids, and Calatheas, as fluoride and salts in tap water can damage their leaves over time.
Soil Basics
Most indoor houseplants (except succulents) naturally grow on the jungle floor, where they receive indirect light and grow in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Choosing the Right Soil:
✔ Houseplants – Use a mix of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir for proper drainage.
✔ Succulents & Cacti – Require a rocky, gritty mix to prevent root rot.
❌ Avoid regular garden soil or Miracle-Gro made for outdoor plants, as it retains too much moisture and can suffocate roots.
Fertilizing Basics
In nature, plants receive nutrients from decomposing organic matter, fungi, and animal droppings. But in pots, they rely entirely on you for nutrients—so fertilization is essential.
Fertilizing Guidelines:
✔ Leafy plants – Use a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer every other watering in fall, winter, and spring, and every watering in summer.
✔ Succulents & flowering plants – Use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage blooming and root development.
✔ All-purpose fertilizer – Works for most houseplants if you’re unsure what to use.
