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Houseplants for Beginners

By Esther Shaindy Leshkowitz | May 13, 2025

Keeping houseplants is not a talent but a skill that can be learned

When it comes to houseplants, people seem to divide into two strict camps — those with green thumbs, and those with green guns. The truth is that keeping houseplants is not a talent but a skill that can be learned. Here are a few tips that can help you muster up the courage to raise a few plants of your own without killing them in the process.

Light

Before you buy your plant, take note of your home. How much light do you have? All plants need sunlight. Too much or too little will disrupt a plant’s ability to thrive.

In the northern hemisphere, plants that need full sun do well at a southern-facing window.

West-facing windows have good sun in the afternoon and evening, but in summer months, that light may be too strong for your plants. To prevent leaves from scorching, consider moving them back a few feet or shift them to a southern window.

East and north windows get more filtered light and are best for low-light plants.

Obstructed windows don’t get full light. Before choosing a plant, observe how much light comes in to each of your windows, and the duration of that sunlight.

Also important are the temperature and climate of your home. Some plants prefer humid conditions, others prefer drier air. Plants don’t like temperature fluctuations. If you have drafty windows, move your plants during the winter.

If you don’t get enough light in your home but still would love to nurture a plant, consider artificial lights. Look for a fluorescent or LED bulb with a CRI rating of 95 or higher. This grow bulb can be used in a variety of fixtures.

Grow Lights Bulbs for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum, LED Grow Light Bulb 18W, Amazon, $19

When You Buy a Plant

While most plants come with a little insert that provides some advice, it is often inaccurate and lacking detail. But the people who work in garden centers and nurseries are knowledgeable and glad to share tips. Ask for advice on how to care for the plant you plan to purchase.

Before you buy a plant, inspect it for bugs. Check the soil, look under the leaves, and scan for tiny spider webs — those can indicate spider mites. Also, check to see if there are any small, slow flying insects around your prospective plant, an indication of fungus gnats.

After you bring your new plant home, quarantine it for a week. Keep it separate from your other plants, so if it has any bugs you missed, it won’t infest the others.

If you discover pests after bringing your plant home, don’t fret. Repotting can eliminate fungus gnats. A drop or two of soap in a bowl of water or a spray bottle can eliminate most other problems. You can spray or wipe each leaf with the soap solution and go over the leaves and stem with a soft cloth.

Repotting

Houseplants are often sold in temporary containers and will need to be repotted. You’ll need a pot two inches wider than the plant’s root system. Use potting soil.

If your plant needs a lot of water, plastic is a good choice for a pot, because it doesn’t absorb water. A plant that needs less water will do well in a terracotta pot. Regardless of what you decide, make sure your planter has a drainage hole at the bottom.

If you find a planter you really like that doesn’t have a drainage hole, you can use it to hold a smaller planter with a drainage hole.

Water

Each plant will need a different amount of water. The best way to determine if a plant needs to be watered is to stick your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it needs water.

No one likes a cold shower — that includes your plants. Use room temperature or warm water.

Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this makes a plant susceptible to fungus.

This watering can will look pretty no matter where you leave it.

Modern Sprout Glass Watering Can, Amazon, $45