One major challenge for plant parents is establishing the right watering routine.

There’s no universal watering schedule. Observe your plants and water only when they appear dry. Use tools like the chopstick method or a moisture tester to check soil dryness.

Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes wilting and stunted growth. Always test soil moisture before watering. For beginners, let the soil dry about 50%-75% before rewatering. Insert a chopstick into the soil—if the top 1-2 inches are dry, it’s time to water. A quality moisture tester can provide more accuracy. Ensure pots have proper drainage to avoid waterlogging and keep plants healthy.

Keep your plants hydrated and thriving with these tips:

Treat your plants to a gentle, rain-like shower in the bathtub to cleanse their leaves and boost healthy growth. For thorough hydration, try bottom watering—playfully nicknamed "butt chugging"—to evenly soak the soil and nourish the roots. Prefer a more traditional approach? Stick with classic top watering or opt for a self-watering system for consistent moisture. On milder days, you can even let your plants bask in the natural rain, as long as it’s not too cold or stormy.

When watering, soak the topsoil until water drains from the holes. Tilt the plant to remove excess water, place it on a drip tray, and discard any remaining water after 2-4 hours to prevent overwatering.

After watering your plant, be sure to promptly drain any excess water. Letting it sit in standing water for too long can lead to overwatering, which may harm the plant's overall health.

Selecting the right soil and fertilizer is essential to provide plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. We recommend Dr. Earth House Plant Fertilizer for balanced nutrition, Mother Earth Soil for excellent drainage, and Fox Farm Soil for its nutrient-rich, well-rounded growing medium. 

Propagating houseplants can be done in many ways, but my favorite methods are water propagation and perlite propagation. If you're planning to propagate your plants in water, use a clear container to allow direct light to reach the plant. I also recommend using "Prop Drops" to encourage root growth—Market Botany makes an excellent option that you can conveniently purchase on Amazon.

For perlite propagation, I use a clear, sealable container. Start by dampening the perlite, then dip the plant node into rooting powder before placing it in the perlite. Seal the lid and leave it for about a week. Be sure to "burp" the container periodically to refresh the air, check that the perlite remains damp, and inspect for any signs of rot.

Propagation takes time, so be patient. It took me a while to figure out what worked best for me, and if my methods don’t suit you, don’t worry—you’ll find your own way to grow baby plants!

Always ensure your props are placed in bright, direct light for the best results.

All plant parents encounter pests at some point. Gross, I know, but it's part of plant care life.

Common houseplant pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies. These critters can be frustrating, but manageable with the right approach.

• • • Aphids: Oval insects clustering on new growth and leaf undersides. They suck sap, stunting growth and causing deformities.
    • Mealybugs: Soft pests with white, cottony wax. Their slow movement makes them visible, but their coating makes removal tricky.
    • Scale Insects: Immobile, bump-like pests that cling stubbornly to plants, resembling tiny scales.
    • Spider Mites: Tiny, reddish or brown mites producing fine webbing. They require careful inspection to spot.
    • Fungus Gnats: Small black flies attracted to damp soil, often hovering near moist plants indoors.
    • Thrips: Slender insects hiding in flowers or on leaves. Despite their size, they can cause significant damage.
    • Whiteflies: Tiny white-winged insects gathering under leaves. They swarm when disturbed, making them visible yet hard to control.

For pest control, I recommend Systemic Houseplant Insect Control, Neem Oil, Insecticidal Soaps, Flying Pest Traps, peppermint castile soap, or isopropyl alcohol to keep your plants healthy.

The Pothos, or Devil's Ivy, is a personal favorite. These fast-growing, low-maintenance plants come in stunning varieties and are easy to propagate. However, they’re toxic to humans and pets, so keep them out of reach. Let them climb, trail, or train them on a trellis for unique, charming shapes.

Snake Plants, also called Mother-In-Law's Tongue, come in various shapes and sizes. Known for their resilience, they’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrive in low light. They’re mildly toxic, so handle with care, and avoid overwatering as they prefer dry conditions.

Monsteras, or Swiss Cheese plants, are easy to care for and add a vibrant, tropical vibe to your space. Their aerial roots help them climb and are even used to make ropes in some cultures. Toxic to humans and pets, they thrive in bright, indirect light and humid conditions.

ZZ Plants are incredibly low maintenance. Thanks to their water-storing rhizomes, they’re highly drought-tolerant and adapt to various lighting conditions. Like other houseplants, they’re toxic to humans and pets, so take precautions if you have children or pets.

The Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus thrive in bright light and are drought tolerant. These tropical cacti reward you with blooms when cared for properly. Christmas Cactus features rounded edges and blooms pink or purplish flowers around Christmas, while Thanksgiving Cactus has pointier edges and blooms yellow flowers closer to Thanksgiving.

Most plants thrive in indirect sunlight or under grow lights, but some are much more adaptable and can tolerate lower-light spaces, such as the dimmer corners of your living room, bedroom, or even your bathroom, where natural light may be minimal.

You can also carefully place your plant on a covered porch to let it enjoy natural light while being protected from harsh direct sun and weather elements. Be sure to bring your plants indoors if you live in a region where freezing temperatures occur.

Grow lights are an excellent way to help your plants grow and thrive during the darker colder winter months or when there isn’t quite enough natural light available in your home to sustain them.