House plants are our favorite way to elevate an indoor space. With so many shapes, sizes, colors and varieties to choose from, growing your collection is fun and rewarding. And many house plants are easy to care for, too!

While different kinds of house plants do require different care, there are some general care tips that apply to all house plants. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics to get you started. So, whether you’re a beginner or simply need a quick refresh, keep on reading!

Benefits of Plants

Having plants in your home is a smart idea. Spending time with plants does more than improve air quality — it reduces anxiety and promotes focus. We know it’s easy to become frustrated when a plant fails, but don’t give up! Take what you’ve learned and move forward, bringing that knowledge with you. Expand your plant knowledge by trying new plants and techniques until you find what works.

Location
Beyond the amount of light your plant receives in a specific location, you have to consider the overall environment. Use the list below to look at the area from a plant’s point of view. Consider the list below before placing your plant. 
  • Locate any vents nearby and see where the air flows and if it will hit your plant. 
  • Are there any hot or cool drafts? Ex. near an outside door or near a fridge or oven. 
  • What is the humidity like in the area? 
  • Is it in reach of curious kids and pets?
  • Have other plants done well in this location? If so, what kind of plants were/are they?
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Location
Beyond the amount of light your plant receives in a specific location, you have to consider the overall environment. Use the list below to look at the area from a plant’s point of view. Consider the list below before placing your plant. 
  • Locate any vents nearby and see where the air flows and if it will hit your plant. 
  • Are there any hot or cool drafts? Ex. near an outside door or near a fridge or oven. 
  • What is the humidity like in the area? 
  • Is it in reach of curious kids and pets?
  • Have other plants done well in this location? If so, what kind of plants were/are they?

Planting and Containers

Upon receiving your plant, it's best to keep it in its original container for at least a week to help it acclimate to your home. When ready to re-plant, choose quality potting soil and a container that has drainage holes. Avoid using any rocks or drainage aids in the bottom of your pot, as they do more harm than good and can lead to issues with your roots. If you need more drainage, then drill extra holes in the bottom. The next container should be around 2 inches larger than the current container it’s in. Avoid the temptation to jump into a large pot. While your plant may eventually grow into that container, it will harm your plant to skip the in-between steps. Think of it like buying a child some shoes. Adult shoes, while they may eventually fit the child, serve no purpose at the moment since they aren’t the proper size.If you’re absolutely in love with a container, but it's not the correct fit for your plant, we suggest hiding the smaller container in the larger one to get the look you’re going for. Remember to wash and reuse pots as your plants grow!

Soil

The most common struggle with house plants is getting the watering process nailed down. Over or underwatering your house plants happens to the best of us. The best thing you can do to fix any issues with over or underwatering before they happen is to choose the correct soil mix. The right soil mix prioritizes root health, creating a more resilient plant in times when too much or too little water is present.

The ideal house plant soil will have the following characteristics:

  • Even texture throughout.
  • Light and fluffy while dry.
  • When squeezed together in your fist and released, it will hold its shape and then crumble when wet.
  • Slightly acidic.