This depends on the type of plant! Some plants require daily watering, while others require just enough to keep the soil moist. It’s best to use a watering can to get an even pour when watering your house plants.
A Guide to House Plants
Learn everything you need to know about house plants! Even if you don't have a green thumb, our guide will help you learn about the most common house plants and how to care for them!
Bring the Outdoors In
Find the perfect house plant in our Garden Centre! From spider plants (spiders not included) to weeping ferns, we have exactly what need. Visit us in-store and speak to a Garden Centre Specialist to find the perfect plant today!
Common House Plants
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the most popular house plants since they can be grown in a wide range of conditions and has minimal issues. They can thrive in well-drained soil, little to no light, and with minimal watering.
Boston Fern
Ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When it comes to watering, give it lots of water once a month make sure the soil stays damp.
Tip: Try misting your fern once or twice a week to keep the humidity up!
Rubber Plant
These plants need lots of sunlight! During spring, it is important to keep the soil moist and wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth. But don’t overdo it! Too much water can cause the leaves to yellow. During dormant season, you can ease up and only water once or twice a month.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are known for their beauty but require a lot of care. Be sure not to over-water but keep the soil moist. They thrive in high humidity to it is important to mist them and take very little, if any, fertilizer. Peace Lilies are tropical so keep the house temperature above 16 C and set them away from drafty windows.
Weeping Fig
Well drained soil and planters are very important for weeping figs! Figs grow well in indirect light but make sure you avoid placing it near a drafty window. Remember to fertilize it during growing season.
Succulents
Succulents are some of the easiest house plants to care for! They require lots of direct sunlight and minimal watering. They love to soak up the water during their growing season but require very little watering the rest of the year. Drainage is important for healthy roots, so be sure to choose a pot with optimal drainage!
African Violets
Add some colour to your home with African Violets! They need lukewarm or tepid water and must be watered at the bottom; one drop of water on the foliage can cause damage. When it comes to soil, use a blend of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. African violets need low-intensity light, so sunlight needs to be filtered through transparent shades.
Bamboo
Bamboo plants don't need a lot of water, so water sparingly, plus they thrive in cool places away from the sun. Be sure to tie the stalks together with ribbon wire to ensure a straight growth pattern.
Tools of the Trade
Before you set up your house plants it’s important you have the proper tools.
Soil: Potting soil is specifically for container gardening. It is a mixture of loam, peat, sand, and other nutrients that will help the plant thrive in its container. This soil is treated to fight against the spread of weeds and plant-borne illnesses.
Garden Tools: You’ll need a trowel, hand pruning tools, and a watering can or mister. All these tools will help you grow and maintain your indoor plant. For plants that need humidity, grab a spray bottle for misting. A couple of sprays will have your house plant thriving!
Planters and Pots: If are growing your indoor plant from the root up, you’ll need a pot! Be sure not to pick a pot that is too big or too small, this can stunt the growth of the plant. Remember to look at the bottom of the planter for drainage, this helps prevent waterlog and allows the roots to breathe.
Need more inspiration when choosing a planter? We can help with our buying guide: Pick a Pot: A Guide to Planters & Pots
Here Comes the Sun
There are three types of sunlight that your house plant might need: direct, indirect, and low light.
Direct Light: These are sun-loving plants, so you can place them right in the windowsill. Plants that thrive in direct light include succulents and fresh herbs.
Indirect Light: If a plant needs indirect light, it means too much sun could damage the plant’s foliage, so they shouldn’t be placed directly beside the window. Plants that require indirect light include the African violet, weeping fig, rubber plant, bamboo palm and Boston fern.
Low Light: Plants that need little light are super easy to take care of and can thrive indoors. Popular low light plants include the peacock plant, dragon tree, spider plant, heart leaf philodendron, peace lily, and snake plant.
Which House Plants Are Pet Friendly?
It’s important to consider all members of your family when purchasing a house plant, including your pets. There are many plants that can be toxic to your furry pals, so be sure to get a plant that is safe for them!
Pet Friendly House Plants:
- African violet
- Spider plant*
- Boston and Maidenhair ferns
- Rubber plant
- Fresh herbs: sage, basil, thyme
- Lace flower vine
- Parlor palm
- Christmas cactus
*Note: Spider plants have hallucinogenic properties so take caution when considering this plant for your pet-friendly home.
House Plants to Avoid:
- Lavender
- Lilies
- Weeping fig
- Asparagus fern
- Elephant ear
- Swiss cheese plant
- Sowbread
- Fiddle leaf
- Jade plant
- Aloe
FAQ
There are many plants that require little to no maintenance and care. These include succulents, peace lilies, and spider plants.
Most house plants can be kept between 15 C and 24 C. Usually, temperatures below 10 C will cause them to die.
You should take extra care during the winter! Try moving your plants to sunny location in your home to make up for the loss of daylight hours. Be sure to avoid any cold or heat sources when finding a new location for your plant. Finally, amp up the humidity levels in your home! Most homes have a humidity of 5 to 10 percent during the winter, but plants thrive in 40 to 50 percent humidity. This will also help with water levels, plants in humid rooms are less likely to dry out.
House Plant Shopping List
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