Stepping into the world of houseplants can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and tools, anyone can create a thriving indoor jungle. For beginners, the key is to start simple and build confidence over time. Slowly build your plant collection so you have time to get to know each plant. Start with one or two, get to know their needs and keep them thriving for a while, then get one or two more if you’d like. In the excitement of it all, it is easy to accumulate too many plants too quickly. Having too many before your confidence and skill set is developed will likely cause you to miss signs of care needs and cause your plants to decline. In addition, when there’s so many plants, it could start to feel like more of a chore than a fun hobby.
Equipping yourself with a few essential tools will make plant care smoother. A good watering can with a narrow spout allows for precise watering and minimizes spills. I also like to have a bucket to water my plants over, this way I can dump the water outside and avoid soil finding its way down my sink drain, potentially causing a clog. A moisture meter can be a game changer for beginners who aren’t yet confident in knowing when to water. Look for an indoor potting mix that allows good drainage, I’ll usually get a bag of perlite when I get a bag of mix. Pruning shears or sharp scissors come in handy for trimming dead leaves or encouraging new growth. Additionally, consider getting a small spray bottle for misting humidity-loving plants.
Many new plant owners make the same beginner mistakes—so do not beat yourself up when they happen! I know I’ve made plenty. Overwatering is usually the most common. Most houseplants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings, and soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot. Some are so afraid of overwatering that they underwater; this is where a moisture meter will help take the guesswork out of it. Though, you still need to know the basic watering needs of that specific plant. Some plants like to dry out nearly completely between waterings, some like to dry out about 50% before a watering, some like consistent moisture and only want to dry out about 25% between waterings. The most important thing for watering is to please ensure your plant pot has multiple holes for drainage! The vast majority of plants will quickly decline if left in standing water or very soggy soil for prolonged periods of time. Remember most plants have different water needs; this means watering all your plants on the same schedule is not possible.
Whenever I get a new plant, I google it. I make a mental note of how much sun it likes and how much it likes to dry out between waterings. To determine the dryness level, what I recommend is to stick a finger or chopstick at least 1/4 to 1/2 of the way (depending on the plant and preferred dryness level) into the soil and see if the soil is still moist. You will be able to feel the moisture and soil will stick to your finger and/or chopstick. If it is totally dry, you will feel it and the soil won’t stick- indicating the plant could likely use a drink. If you have a moisture meter, you would just use that instead.
Another common mistake is ignoring a plant’s light needs; placing a low-light plant in direct sun or a sun-loving plant in a dark corner can lead to poor growth or leaf burn. Some plants are much more durable and will be okay when they’re not getting the ideal about of sun, but other plants can get droopy and leggy (meaning lots of stem or vine between the leaves, making the leaves very spaced out and not as full). Try to resist the urge to repot immediately after bringing a plant home; give it a few weeks to acclimate if you can. Some plants are very sensitive to changes in their environment so avoiding a repot is ideal for them. I learned this the hard way when I brought home my first fiddle leaf fig!
When it comes to easy-care plants, there are several tried-and-true favorites great for beginners. Snake plants (Sansevieria) are nearly indestructible and can tolerate low light and irregular watering. Pothos and philodendrons are fast-growing, forgiving vining plants that can thrive in a variety of conditions. ZZ plants are another low-maintenance option that are good at putting up with neglect and low light. A Peace lily or a cast iron plant are also popular among beginners. Two other not so common suggestions for beginners that I’d like to recommend are nerve plants and bird’s nest ferns. I think these two are good beginner plants because while yes, they can be dramatic and cause you to momentarily worry,, they clearly communicate more than some other plants. With these two, they will be the first of your plants to start looking droopy when they’re thirsty and you will not need to guess if they need water. Afterwards, it’s a fun sight to see that they’ve perked back up!
With a bit of patience and the right mindset, houseplants can become a rewarding and even therapeutic part of your life. Start small, learn as you go, and before long, you’ll have a collection of happy, healthy plants to be proud of!
