We all start somewhere, often with a first plant we weren’t quite ready for. Maybe it didn’t make it (RIP), maybe it’s still hanging in there out of sheer will. Either way, it counts.

This guide is for anyone trying to get it right, whether you’re still choosing your first plant or figuring out why the last one gave up on you think of this as your no-nonsense handbook to understanding the leafy new member of your home.

Step 1: Pick the Right Plant (for You, Not Instagram)

Plants aren’t just decor they’re roommates. And like all roommates, some are high-maintenance, & some just want to be left alone. If you’re just getting started, go for something easy. The low-maintenance gang includes snake plants, ZZ plants, rubber plants & peace lilies. These guys won’t freak out if you miss a watering day. More dramatic types like Philodendron need extra light & care, but they’re worth the attention if you’re ready for it.

Start with one that matches your energy level. You don’t need a fiddle leaf fig if you can barely keep yourself watered.

Step 2: Light: AKA Plant Mood Lighting

Top tip: Choose your plant based on how much light your space gets. Not the other way around.

Light is categorized in three basic ways:

• Low light means dim corners, north-facing rooms, or places with tiny windows.
• Medium light might be an east-facing room with all-day ambient light.
• Bright/direct light? That’s a sunny spot with 5–6 hours of full sunshine every day.

Most plants actually prefer bright but indirect light. And don’t forget to rotate them every few days so they grow evenly & don’t lean.

Step 3: Watering: Don't Drown the Poor Thing

Overwatering is the #1 way to accidentally murder a plant.

Watering isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Different plants have different needs & even those change with the seasons.

The rule of thumb is to check the soil. Just stick your finger about an inch or two into the potting mix. If it feels dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still a bit damp, give it a few more days. Your plants will thank you for listening to their roots.

In general, water more in the summer & much less in winter. And instead of sticking to a calendar schedule, let your plant and its soil guide you

Step 4: Repotting = Not as Scary as It Sounds

Plants outgrow their pots. If roots are circling the bottom or sticking out, or water runs straight through, it’s time.

To repot: pick a pot just a size up. Fill it with fresh soil, loosen the plant from its current pot, and move it gently. Cover the roots, press down lightly, water it well & give it a couple of days to settle.

Step 5: Maintenance: Keep It Cute

Maintenance is simple: wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth so they can breathe & photosynthesize. Snip off yellow or dead leaves to encourage healthy growth. Check for pests like mealybugs or spider mites, if you spot any, act fast with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.

Keep an eye out for signs of stress.

• Yellow leaves? Could be too much or too little water.
• Pale leaves? Not enough light.
• Crispy edges? Dry air.

Once you know what to look for, it gets easier.

Step 6: Soil & Food: What’s in the Mix Matters

Not all soil is created equal. Most indoor plants do well in a mix that includes peat moss, perlite & vermiculite, ingredients that absorb moisture while allowing air to flow. Succulents prefer coarser soil that drains quickly. Ferns and leafy plants like something richer & more moisture-retaining.

As for feeding, most plants appreciate a little snack during their growing season (spring & summer). Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer every couple of weeks. Skip fertilizing in winter, your plant’s basically in nap mode.

Step 7: Climate: Your Plant’s Weather Forecast

Most houseplants enjoy temperatures between 18–27°C & hate sudden chills. Keep them away from drafty windows, blasting AC vents, or heaters. In winter, the air gets dry, so group your plants together, mist them occasionally, or pop a tray of water and pebbles nearby to bump up the humidity.

In summer, protect shade-loving plants from harsh afternoon sun, prune dead growth, and check soil more frequently. Your plant’s seasonal rhythm mirrors your own, more action in the summer, more rest in the winter.

Step 8: Troubleshooting: Read the signs

Plants can’t talk, but they do communicate.

• Yellow leaves? Could be overwatering or underwatering.
• Crispy brown edges often mean it’s too dry.
• Limp, soggy leaves? Too wet.
• Pale or leggy growth usually means not enough light.

Don’t panic, adjust one thing at a time & see how your plant responds. Move it, water less (or more), or rotate its spot for better light. Plants are surprisingly forgiving once you get to know their rhythm

Step 9: Pet Safety: For Furry Roommates

Not all plants are safe for them. Popular houseplants like aglaonema & peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. Safer options include spider plants, areca palms, calatheas, and baby rubber plants. If your pet’s curious and prone to nibbling, double-check before buying, your vet (& your pet) will thank you.

Even with all this information, there’s a good chance you’ll forget to water or accidentally leave it on a sunny windowsill for too long. That’s okay. But you’ll also learn from it. And then maybe kill another. But eventually, you’ll get it right & one day you’ll look at a thriving green corner & say, “Damn, I kept that alive.” And that, friend, is growth.

If you’re ready to get started (or start over), our potted plant collection is a great place to begin.

Go on, meet your next green companion. It might just grow on you.

Every plant’s different. So we wrote a care guide for each:

Peace Lily Care Guide

ZZ Plant Care Guide

Bonsai Care Guide

Bamboo Palm Care Guide

Aglaonema Pink Care Guide

Aglaonema White Care Guide

Syngonium Care Guide

Money Plant Care Guide

Jade Plant Care Guide

Snake Plant Care Guide

Lucky Bamboo Care Guide