The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Houseplant

If you’re like me, you love plants. Not only do they add a touch of life to any room, but they also help to purify the air. However, not all plants are created equal – some are better suited for indoor use than others. If you’re new to houseplants and don’t know where to start, this guide is for you! We’ll talk about the different factors you need to consider when choosing a houseplant, as well as some of our favorite varieties. Let’s get started!

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Houseplant

When it comes to choosing a houseplant that’s right for your living space, there are a few important things to consider. Firstly, think about the sunlight in your home – certain plants demand bright direct sunlight while other may struggle with living in very sunny areas. Secondly, consider the size of the space you have to work with as this will help determine what type of pot or planter is necessary.

Thirdly, pay attention to the humidity and temperature of the room you’re trying to put your houseplant into. Do some research on how much light, water, and care will be required so that you can keep it healthy. Finally, decide on a style or design for your plant within its container that looks aesthetically pleasing and goes with the style of your room.

There’s nothing worse than having a dying or wilted-looking plant adding an eye sore in your living space. By considering all these factors before choosing a houseplant, you’ll be sure to have one that’s both beautiful and healthy.

Light

When choosing a houseplant, it helps to know what type of light your space provides. Plants that prefer bright, direct sunlight cannot survive in low-level lighting, so if you have a dark home then look for houseplants that don’t need much light.

However, if you are lucky enough to have plenty of natural light streaming through your windows, you can select from a range of sun-loving greens–this includes desert cacti and succulents as well as tropical plants. Whatever type of plant you choose, make sure the lighting needs can be met for them to thrive in their new home.

Watering

Watering plants can be a tricky job, especially if you don’t know how often to do it. Before you begin the process of choosing a houseplant, be sure to study which plant species require frequent watering versus those that need less regular dousing.

In some cases, the choice of plant species for your garden project will depend on how much free time you have available. For example, if your life is hectic and you’ll only have time every few weeks for watering, then it pays to pick plants that are adapted to this schedule. This way each of your plants will have the best chance at thriving year-round.

Size

Whether you’re a budding gardener or a seasoned green thumb, it’s important to pick the size of your new plant carefully. Too big and it may be difficult to find a spot for it, too small and it won’t get the light and nutrients needed to thrive.

Before heading out shopping, take measurements of the area you want to put the plant in so you can make sure whatever you select will fit just right. By being mindful of size when making your purchase, you can have a beautiful plant that won’t overwhelm its habitat.

Care Level

If you want to bring a bit of life into your home with a new plant, then deciding on the right care level is important. You need to think about your lifestyle and how much time and energy you are willing to devote to its care. Succulents are generally ideal if you will not be around regularly enough to tend them constantly, as they need less tending than other plants.

However, if you wish to cultivate a vegetable garden or other varieties of plants that have high maintenance needs, it might be worth considering investing in an automatic watering system or somebody else’s help for more intensive plant care.

Basic Houseplant Care Tips

Caring for houseplants can be a fun and rewarding activity. The key to success is getting the basics right: make sure your houseplant has enough light, provide them with the right amount of water, and fertilize periodically. The type of light your plant needs will depend on the species, so it’s important to research this beforehand.

Most houseplants need regular watering that mimics their natural climate, so try not to overwater them. You’ll also want to fertilize occasionally in order to give your plant an extra boost of nutrients that it may not be receiving from its environment. By following these basic houseplant care tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your plants healthy and happy.

Make sure it has enough light

Ensuring there is enough light for a plant to thrive is an essential factor for successful indoor gardening. It’s important to take measurements of the space you intend the plant to occupy, as this will help inform what types of plants can be happily placed there. There are a plethora of styles of plants that are suitable for different levels of lighting, depending on how much natural or artificial light they receive.

Light exposure is just as important as water and nutrients, so it’s worth taking the time to select a well-suited plant with plenty of sunlight available. Doing your research and being aware beforehand will not only help keep your chosen vegetation healthy but also avoid disappointment when selecting suitable plants for your home.

Water regularly

Watering your houseplants regularly is essential for their well-being, as it provides them with the sustenance they need to survive. It is especially important to check the instructions before you buy any new plant, as different types of plants may have different requirements in terms of the amount and type of water they need.

For example, some might require frequent dousing, while others might only require weekly watering. By ensuring you provide your plants with exactly what they need, you can keep them happy and healthy and make sure that they bring beauty into your home for years to come.

Keep an eye on the humidity

Keeping an eye on humidity is essential for keeping plants healthy and flourishing. Depending on the variety, some plants prefer higher humidity which may be difficult to achieve in a typical home. If you live in a particularly dry climate, investing in a humidifier can help create the right environment for these moisture-loving species of plants.

Monitoring and managing humidity levels can even increase the chance of successful propagation when starting new seedlings or rooting cuttings. Make sure to check the instructions on how much humidity each type of plant needs, so you can easily adjust the settings when needed.

Feed the soil

Feeding the soil is the key to keeping your plants vibrant and colorful. A healthy diet for your soil includes compost or fertilizer along with organic mulch – both work wonders to create a nutrient-rich environment for your plants.

To ensure you’re not overdoing it, reevaluate every other week to make sure you aren’t providing too many nutrients. With careful attention, you can keep your soil nourished and full of life so that your plants thrive for years to come.

Check for pests

Regularly checking for pests is a vital part of maintaining healthy plants. Take the time to observe your plants for any changes to their growth or appearance that could indicate an infestation. Many insects cause noticeable damage to plant leaves or stem, but others are so small and elusive that you may need to carefully examine the root system or other areas.

If there are signs of unwelcome visitors, treating your plants with an appropriate pesticide is the most effective way to rid them of the infestation before it spreads further throughout your garden. Proactively inspecting your plants can save you from dealing with more severe pest problems in the future.

Prune as necessary

If you’ve been keeping up with your plants, you may have noticed that there are certain areas no longer thriving. In moments like these, it’s important to prune as necessary and give your houseplants another chance! Pruning not only removes the leggy and dead stems, but encourages new growth which will help your plant look it’s very best.

For best results, it’s recommended to use sharp clippers or scissors when cutting so that the ends of the stems are clean-cut and are most conducive to healthy growth. Whether it’s a succulent or an indoor garden, no home is complete without some greenery – get out there and trim away any non-essential stems to keep them looking wow.

Our Favorite House Plants

House plants are a popular way to add vibrancy, life, and even air-filtering all in one! While there are many different types of house plants to choose from (each with its own unique appearance and requirements), some of our favorite types include the ZZ plant (with its intricate-looking leaves and hearty disposition!), the snake plant (which may look intimidating but is actually quite low maintenance!), and pothos plants (a resilient-looking hanging vine with elegant green leaves).

No matter which type you select when choosing a houseplant, you can enjoy watching your house plant grow bigger or propagate itself with patience and care. There’s no doubt that they instantly brighten up any space they inhabit.

For low-light locations

If you’re looking for stylish additions to low-light areas of your home, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) are excellent choices. Not only do both of these plants look great and require minimal maintenance; but they also thrive in lower light conditions, which means they don’t need to be placed near direct sunlight. If you’re seeking an especially low-maintenance addition, consider the ZZ Plant (Ravenea rivularis). This unique houseplant has very few care requirements– its variegated leaves are beautiful and it can tolerate long periods without water or sunlight. No matter what type of low-light spot you have in mind when choosing a houseplant, one of these plants is sure to make a handsome addition!

For bright spots

Planting these three popular and easy-to-find plants together can create a beautiful display and undoubtedly brighten any space due to their colorful leaves and vibrancy. Aloe vera is known for its wriggly green succulent nature, the soothing gel found inside the leaves, and its ability to reduce symptoms of skin irritations.

Philodendron are tropical plants with vibrant foliage in various shades of green, pink, and yellow, adding texture and color to any room in your home. On the other hand, Begonia will provide some bold splashes of reds and pinks that helps attract attention. Each of these plants has unique qualities that team up to combat low light levels while also nurturing your well-being.

For filtered sunrooms

If you have a sunroom and need to add some lush greenery, consider Monstera deliciosa, Peace Lily, or Calatheas. Monstera deliciosa is a large leafy climbing plant with lacy holes in the leaves that will look great trailing from your shelves or hanging from baskets. Peace Lilies are classic with their dark green foliage and white flowers once it matures; they also thrive in medium light levels and work great as an air purifier.

Lastly, Calatheas, also known as ‘The Prayer Plant’, don’t need much sunlight as they love humidity. They are easy to care for with beautiful deep green and marbled purples, reds, and oranges- perfect for adding that extra pop of color! No matter which of these you choose, your sunroom will be looking fabulous and all the envious looks will be sure to follow.

Conclusion

With these tips and tricks in mind, we hope that you feel confident enough now to choose the right houseplant for your home! Whether it’s just one or multiple varieties, we wish you luck in finding the perfect one that fits your lifestyle and décor. Happy planting!