Houseplants: Getting Started

Wouldn’t it be great if our plants let us know how they are doing? It is frustrating to always be guessing if your plant is thirsty or drowning, getting too much sun or needing more light, or if it even belongs in the new environment (your home) it has been brought to. We want to share with you important tips to help you with keeping your houseplants happy.

Lighting

Picking the right plant that will work in your space is crucial. Before choosing a plant, decide which room of your house you would like the plant to live in and determine which direction the sun is coming in. Read up on a comprehensive list of plants that will do well in that type of light. This will save you in worrying about whether your plants are getting the proper amount of light and the extra research will be appreciated by your plants! Don’t forget about what is outside of your home’s windows. Large trees or neighboring buildings may block your plants from getting the light they need.

Watering

Watering your plants is an important balancing act that cannot be overlooked. Watering too little or too much can lead to the death of your houseplant. Looking at your plant’s leaves can tell you what it needs and how it is doing. Leaves that begin to droop or browning leaves need watered. Leaves that are yellowing could mean your plant is getting too much water. Keep an eye on your plant and study how it is reacting. It may be trying to tell you something!

Drainage

An often overlooked aspect of keeping your houseplant healthy is good drainage. Proper drainage will help prevent root rot and overwatering. The bottoms of many plant containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, however, you may find yourself liking the looks of a container without drainage holes. These containers can be properly set up by adding a layer of gravel or activated charcoal to the bottom. This layer will allow for a place for water to go, keeping your houseplant happy and healthy!