Solutions

I'm a houseplant beginner, where do I start?

Hey there newbie! You may want to download my free 20-page guide to choosing the best indoor plants and growing them easily. It summarizes common concerns and questions for houseplant beginners and brown thumbs.

What are the best indoor plants for beginners?

I've profiled 11 of the best and most easy to care for plants that are suitable for beginners and brown thumbs. They are:

1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)

3. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

5. Peperomia (Piperaceae family)

6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

7. Aloe Vera

8. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

9. Dracaena (Asparagaceae family)

10. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)

11. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

What are the best air purifying plants?

Learn more about NASA's landmark studythat revealed improving the air — and subsequently your health — is as easy as introducing specific house plants into your space. My favorites from the list include:

1. Snake Plant

2. Peace Lily

3. Rubber Plant

4. English Ivy

5. Bamboo Palm

6. Aloe Vera

What are air plants and how do I care for them?

Air plants are diverse, beautiful, and low maintenance indoor plants. They are a member of the epiphyte family which means that they do not require soil to grow. They get their nutrients from the air and only require occasional watering. Learn more about them in my air plant guide.

What are the benefits of indoor houseplants?

I discuss three of the most important benefits of indoor houseplants in case you weren't aware of them. In summary they are:

1. Plants are visually appealing

2. Plants improve wellbeing

3. Plants are easy to care for

What are the most common houseplants?

There's a diverse array of indoor plants and I provide a list and profile of the most common houseplants you will likely come across at your local plant shop. In short, these are:

1. Air plants

2. Cactus plants

3. Exotic plants

4. Fern plants

5. Foliage plants

6. Flowering plants

7. Hanging plants

8. Succulent plants

9. Tree plants

Where do I buy houseplants online?

Your indoor plant search has come to an end with this list of the seven best online plant shops. And if you want my complete list of over 40 online plant shops then get it as part of my roundup of over 150 indoor plant resources.

How do I create an indoor plant care routine?

Before you decide on the type of indoor plant to bring into your home, here's how to consider your lifestyle and a plant's basic needs so you know what type of routine you can commit to.

Which houseplants are toxic to kids and pets?

You may be eager to introduce some green into your home because of the many benefits of houseplants. Before you do, note which of the most common indoor plants are toxic to keep your vulnerable loved ones safe.

What are common myths about owning houseplants?

There’s definitely some misinformation out there about how to care for indoor plants but you'll learn the truth through direct experience. Here are 7 mistaken assumptions about houseplant care I’ve picked up along the way:

1. You should water your indoor plants constantly

2. You need to fertilize your indoor plants for them to grow

3. Houseplants are just not for you (for whatever reason)

4. Some people are just doomed to be a brown thumb

5. Houseplants aren’t safe for kids or pets

6. Houseplants can be treated like objects

7. You have to do something to revive an indoor plant

How do I figure out what's wrong with my houseplant?

No matter how good you get at growing indoor plants, there will come a time when one of your houseplants becomes sick and you have to figure out what’s wrong. Here are some common ailments to troubleshoot:

• Too much water

• Too little water

• Too much light

• Too little light

• Too move movement

• Needs repotting

• Problems with repotting

• Not enough fresh air