January 25, 2018
A Beginner’s Guide: Caring for Houseplants
Bringing home a new houseplant is exciting—but it can also feel a little intimidating if you’re just starting out. The good news? With the right basics, even beginners can grow happy, healthy plants that brighten up every corner of a home, dorm, or office.
Think of plant care as a balance of three essentials: light, water, and nutrients. Get those right, and your plants will reward you with lush leaves, fresh growth, and sometimes even blooms. Let’s break it down. You can also check out the care guide for your specific indoor plant here!
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
Some houseplants are fussier than others, so if you’re new to plant care—or just know you’re short on time—start with easy-care varieties. Plants like pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants can tolerate a bit of neglect, handle a wide range of temperatures, and bounce back from the occasional missed watering.
Want to learn more about easing your plants into their new home? Check out our blog on acclimating your houseplant >>.
Understanding Houseplant Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in plant health. Every plant has its own preferences, and picking the right spot in your home is half the battle.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Bright Light: 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Usually found in a south-facing window.
- Bright Indirect Light: The space is well-lit all day, but the sun doesn’t hit the leaves directly. There’s a saying that goes that the plant should ‘be able to see the sun, but the sun should not be able to see it‘.
- Medium Light: 2–3 hours of direct sun or 6–8 hours of bright, indirect light. Think east- or west-facing windows.
- Low Light: Little to no direct sunlight, but some indirect light—or even supplemental light from lamps. Perfect for north-facing rooms or areas away from windows.
💡 Pro Tip: Always match the plant to the light your room naturally gets. For example, a cactus won’t thrive in a dim corner, and a peace lily won’t be happy baking in a south-facing window.
Want a deeper dive? We’ve put together a full guide to understanding indoor lighting>> that pairs perfectly with the lighting diagram below.
Watering: Less is More
Believe it or not, the number one killer of houseplants isn’t neglect—it’s too much love in the form of overwatering. The top of the soil often dries out quickly, but that doesn’t mean the roots are thirsty.
Here’s a foolproof test: stick your finger about two inches into the soil (up to your second knuckle).
- If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- If it feels slightly moist, wait another day or two.
- If it’s wet, hold off—your plant has plenty to drink.
When you water, go slow and thorough. Add water until it starts to drain out the bottom, then empty any excess from the saucer so the roots don’t sit in standing water. For extra protection, you can place pebbles in the saucer to keep the pot elevated.
For more watering tips, check out Houseplants: They’re Not as Thirsty as You Think>>.
Fertilizing for Growth
Think of fertilizer as plant food—it keeps your houseplants strong and vibrant. As a general rule:
- Spring through early fall: Fertilize every two weeks.
- Late fall and winter: Cut back to once a month or less as growth naturally slows.
A balanced liquid fertilizer is usually best, but follow package directions carefully—too much fertilizer can harm more than help. And if you’re caring for a flowering plant, regular feeding is especially important to keep the blooms coming.
If flowers indoors are your goal, explore our guide to indoor flowering plants>>.
When to Repot
If water rushes straight through the pot, or you see roots peeking out the drainage holes, your plant may be rootbound. That’s your signal to repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil. Fall can be a great time to do this—see our repotting guide>> for tips.
Seasonal Care
Your plant’s needs will shift with the seasons. In winter, lower light and drier air can be tough on houseplants. Adjust watering and light placement as needed—our winter tips for houseplants>> will help you get through the cold months.
The Bottom Line
Houseplants don’t need to be complicated, especially with our myriad of indoor plant care guides>>. Start with the right plant for your space, pay attention to light and water, and give a little boost of fertilizer when it’s growing strong. Before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by thriving greenery.
Stop by Mahoney’s to explore our collection of easy-care and specialty houseplants—and let our team help you find the perfect match for your home.