3 Absolute Essentials

There are many nuances to caring for indoor plants. The 3 absolute essentials are light, water, and humidity. Consistent temperature can arguably be the 4^th (around 65-75∞F for MOST), but since that can be maintained easily for most, let’s just call that a given… 

If you’re placing a plant near a window, picking the right spot greatly depends on which direction the window is facing. The direction is used to gauge how much bright or indirect light comes in and for how long. Plants that CAN thrive in shade, still need some light even if it is artificial light (fluorescent lighting in an office for instance). Place those plants (like a ZZ plant or a Nerve plant) in a corner or middle of the room, even a bookshelf (my Nerve plant is finally THRIVING in the bookcase BTW). South-facing windows get full sun and are the hottest while North-facing are the weakest and coolest. East-facing of course get the morning sun and are cool and West-facing are good for partial sun needs receiving partial sun in the morning and full sun in the afternoon. Beginner tip: If you are directionally challenged or this seems daunting, make small note cards with this info and place or tape near each window. This info is paramount to light needs!  

Water. To keep it simple, remember this: MOST (not all) plants prefer A. their soil to dry out in between watering and B. good drainage. There has been much debate in the plant world over pots with holes vs. pots without holes, and why would anyone want a pot with no holes etc, but if you are new to plants stick with a pot that has a hole! Until you have a better grasp on total plant care, it just takes the guesswork out on how much is too much water. I don’t ever recommend letting your plant sit in a tray full of overflow water. Beginner tip: better to under-water than over-water! Never water with water straight from a tap if its chlorinated. Well water is fine if its clean but filtered or rainwater is ideal. Indoor plants are bougie water drinkers. 

And finally, my favorite…humidity. Since MOST indoor plants are tropical, they love humidity! This can be achieved with a humidifier and/or vessels filled with water placed close to your plants. The latter has an added bonus because once tap water sits out for 24 hours or so, the chlorine (that can cause yellowing or browning of the leaves) escapes and now you can use it to water your plants. Misting is great for some like ferns, palms, and begonias but others like pothos, spider plants, and dracaenas DO NOT like misting. Beginner tip: just mist your majesty palm and your all your ferns. They LOVE IT and need it. 

So now when you read care instructions for your new plant, YOU’RE GOOD! Unless you just bought a succulent... then forget everything I just said 😊