6 Essential Houseplant Care Tips for Beginners from The Plant Doctor
The Plant Doctor is a big nerd who loves sharing the art of indoor plant care. Greenery is not only beautiful, but extremely good for our health and wellbeing. These blog posts are passionately written to help people learn more about plants.
If the blog below inspires you to learn even more, you can choose the way you like most: you can read more indoor plant blogs (click here), join a weekend workshop (click here), have your own private workshop (click here) or watch online videos (click here).
Now let’s get started!
For many, the allure of having indoor house plants bringing life and vibrancy to a space, comes into conflict with stress and fear. “Will I kill it?!” “What if I can’t keep it alive?!” “What if it will die slowly thick the others!?” If you're a beginner and eager to embark on your green thumb journey, taking care of indoor house plants might seem daunting at first, but fear not!
In this blog post, we'll provide you with The Plant Doctor’s essential indoor house plant care tips to set you on the path to becoming a confident and successful plant parent.
And if you want to learn more, are many ways to learn more, in links below this article.
Start with Low-Maintenance Plants:
As a beginner, it's best to begin your houseplant collection with varieties that are forgiving and require minimal care. Some excellent options include pothos, snake plants, spider plants, and ZZ plants (all pictured below). These hardy plants can tolerate a range of light conditions and don't mind occasional lapses in watering.
2. Observe Light Requirements
Understanding your plant's light needs is crucial to its well-being. Most houseplants fall into three categories: low light, medium light, and bright light. Place low-light plants away from direct sunlight, while bright-light plants should bask in sunlight (but not scorching rays). Medium-light plants prefer filtered or indirect light.
3. Master the Art of Watering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by beginners. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about an inch deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid letting plants sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain out from the pot.
4. Use Well-Draining Soil
Choosing the right potting mix is crucial for houseplant care. Opt for a well-draining potting mix that allows water to pass through while retaining enough moisture for the roots.
5. Pruning and Grooming
Regularly inspect your houseplants for dead or yellowing leaves and remove them with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Pruning ensures your plants maintain their aesthetic appeal, but more importantly also lets you know if any damage is new and therefore let’s you know to adjust your care.
6. Fertilize Wisely
Houseplants benefit from fertilization to supplement soil nutrients. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The Plant Doctor recommends fertilising once every 2 weeks.
The Plant Doctor, with their home-made worm fertiliser
With these general houseplant care tips for beginners, you're well on your way to towards cultivating a thriving indoor house plant garden. (If you want more help, choose an option below!) Remember that every plant is unique, and learning to care for them involves observation,
patience, and a willingness to adapt your routine as needed. Don't be discouraged by minor setbacks; gardening is a continuous learning experience. Soon, you'll be reveling in the joy of watching your houseplants flourish, transforming your home into a green haven that brings you both pride and serenity.
Want to learn more about indoor house plants?
Join A Weekend Workshop
Read Blog Posts
Have Your Own Private Workshop
Watch Online Videos
