AARP’s Smart Guide to Indoor Plants

PLANT WITH CARE

12. Know your ingredients

It’s crucial to get the soil mixture and pot size right when you start working on your indoor garden.

Getty Images

Cheng says soils for indoor plants are a mix of three basic ingredients: indoor potting soil; perlite, made of beads of a white, porous volcanic glass; or so-called orchid bark, which is usually Monterey pine bark or fir bark. The last two help with drainage, so the mix depends on the size of the pot and a plant’s needs. For a giant monstera, for example, Cheng might use a 2-to-1 mix of soil to bark because it’s more filling than perlite in a large pot. A small succulent in a 4-inch pot, however, might get a 2-to-1 soil-to-perlite mix. His water-hungry peace lily, meanwhile, goes in pure potting soil to hold moisture longer. 

13. Pick the right pot

The best pots have holes in the bottom for drainage, says Cain. (Don’t forget to place your pot on a tray to catch any water that might filter through the soil and out of the holes.)  But if you have a decorative pot without holes, there is another solution, per Cain: Add a layer of pebbles about a fifth of the way up the bottom of the pot to trap the excess water. “That acts as a barrier. So if we overwater it, [the water] doesn’t stay in the soil layer; it’ll go down to the rock layer.”  The goal is to prevent root rot and avoid attracting pests with damp soil. Pro tip: Many garden centers and plant shops can help you repot an oversized plant.

FERTILIZE WITH CARE

14. Remember these letters: NPK

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three most important nutrients for plants.

Getty Images

Whether it’s an oak tree in the forest or an African violet on your counter, all plants need the same nutrients — nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) — as well as calcium, magnesium and other microelements, says Bodie Pennisi, a professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. Some gardeners favor organic fertilizers, such as manure and compost; others prefer inorganic fertilizers, such as potassium chloride (potash) and magnesium sulfate. However, Pennisi notes that while inorganic fertilizers are often easier to use, organic fertilizers can do a lot for the microflora, the microorganisms associated with plant roots, by providing structure to the soil and creating a more diverse soil community. 

15. Set it and forget it

Delorenze prefers slow-release fertilizers. She doesn’t fertilize in winter, when most plants are dormant or growing more slowly. She starts in April. “I’m lazy and I don’t want to mix fertilizer,” she says. “It even comes with a little dosing spoon. And you can just sprinkle it on the top of the pot and leave it.”

16. Don’t assume nutrients are the problem

Sometimes your plant might need a boost of fertilizer. For example, if the leaves are losing their green color, extra nitrogen could help, says Pennisi. But don’t assume it’s a lack of nutrients, water or care causing the problem. “No amount of water, no amount of fertilizer is going to push that plant to grow better if it’s not getting enough light,” she says.

PICK THE BEST PLANT FOR YOU

17. Easy for beginners

When starting out, be sure to pick a plant that you can get your arms around, literally and figuratively.

Getty Images

New to indoor gardening? Try these suggestions from Delorenze: the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), a 1970s favorite known for its baby offshoots; the leafy cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior); the upright ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia); and various succulents such as aloe vera, echeveria and sempervivum. Pothos, a vining plant that comes in a  variety of leaf colors, is Cheng’s choice for beginners. 

18. Withstand infrequent watering

If you hate to water, try mother-in-law tongue, also known as the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata), ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) or cacti. If you’ve got the space, try a rubber plant (Ficus elastica), Delorenze says.

19. You might want to avoid these

Calathea orbifolia and other calatheas can be fussy about humidity, light levels and even unfiltered water, says Delorenze. Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) drop leaves everywhere and can get really messy if they don’t have enough humidity or water. And the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) will lose leaves when seasons change, if they are moved, catch a draft, or if you mess up watering, Delorenze says.  

20. Bring big decorating impact

Let Philodendron cordatum or pothos (Epipremnum aureum) vines trail and drape around your space, Delorenze suggests. A parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) adds elegant height and a tropical look. Or go for the drama of a Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) whose leaves can grow to the size of your head.

21. Provide a bright pop of color

The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) comes in shades of green, pink and white. Or pick up a Begonia maculata, which comes in several varieties. It has actual polka dots on its leaves, as well as white or pink flowers. Rex begonia varieties have “tons of different leaf shapes and colors,” Delorenze says. Or try a lime green pothos (Epipremnum auream ‘Neon’), which seems to almost glow in the dark, or phalaenopsis orchids, often found at the supermarket or big-box stores.

22. Tolerant of low light

In addition to being easy for beginners to care for, Delorenze says spider (Chlorophytum comosum), ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) and cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) can thrive in low-light conditions. Also consider a mother-in-law’s tongue or a pothos. Cheng suggests that instead of allowing a plant to “starve” in a low-light zone, swap it out once a month with a plant that lives in a brighter location. 

23. Great for small spaces

Cheng recommends succulents, which come in a vast array of colors and sizes, or a bird’s nest snake plant, a compact variety of the popular plant that can fit on a windowsill. Or consider a small, self-enclosed tabletop terrarium that can last for years, says James DelPrince, associate professor and horticulture extension specialist at Mississippi State University Extension.  

24. Fun with grandkids

Cain likes plants with fun names, like the succulent known as the pickle plant (Delosperma echinatum), which looks a bit like a long, skinny, vertical pickle; the jelly bean succulent (Delosperma echinatum), with its fat, colorfully-tipped leaves; or indian rope (Hoya compacta), with its crazy twisty leaves. Delorenze likes the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) because it propagates easily and its leaves look like little flying saucers.

25. Safe for pets

Many plants have developed defense mechanisms that can harm family pets. All parts of the amaryllis, for example, contain lycorine, an alkaloid poisonous to dogs and cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Before you buy, check for toxicity in the ASPCA database. Two ideas that have ASPCA approval: the money tree (Pachira aquatica), which has a fun braided trunk, and the ivy-leaf peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea), with its heart-shaped leaves.

26. You can eat it!

Herbs like basil, oregano, mint and thyme do well on a bright windowsill, says Delorenze. Pennisi suggests growing rose geraniums for their essential oil, which can be used for flavoring drinks or chilled soups. Cheng suggests growing microgreens for your salads. And in their book Edible Houseplants, Laurelynn G. Martin and Byron E. Martin list edible houseplants ranging from citrus fruits to coffee. Most require full sun, however, so they may not thrive in your home.

27. Create a mini landscape

Terrariums are small ecosystems that, once you start them, require little care beyond closely monitoring the watering levels during the first few days, says DelPrince. You’re only limited by the size of the container, which could be a fancy glass designer jar or a two-liter soda-pop bottle. You basically create a closed environment that you can mostly manage with occasional watering and a bit of pruning, he says. Try combining miniature phalaenopsis orchids or African violets with foliage plants. You can even try cacti, depending on the environment you wish to create.  Terrarium classes and videos are available both online and at botanical gardens and plant stores.

BRINGING A PLANT HOME

Be sure to inspect your new plant carefully before putting it in your living space.

Getty Images

28. Inspect at the store

Before you bring a plant home, check for any fungus or pests on the leaves and in the soil, Griffin recommends. “See if there are any burrows in here, any big insects, any little small mammals in there, because that is real,” he says. “I’ve heard a ton of different stories, from mice to rats to salamanders to roaches to centipedes.”

29. Put that plant in quarantine

Once home, isolate your new friend for a couple of weeks before introducing it to the rest of your indoor garden, says Griffin, adding that you can also use neem oil spray or an insecticidal soap to wipe down the plant and take care of any pests. 

30. Reach for a few simple tools

Many houseplant tools are just kitchen basics. A chopstick can double as a soil aerator, and a turkey baster can siphon up extra water in plant saucers, Cheng writes in his book The New Plant Parent. He prefers a watering can with a long spout as well as long-handled snips for reaching under leaves. He keeps his plant equipment in a carryall that can go from room to room. And, of course, he keeps a light meter. 

31. Expand your collection

Many houseplants do well after being propagated from cuttings. For example, you only have to stick a spider plant’s offspring in soil and it will take root, says Delorenze.  But every plant is different, so research the best method. “Every four years or something, just make new plants for yourself, and then you don’t have to even buy new plants,” she says. “And you can keep them small that way and still have greenery in your house.” 

32. Keep a journal

Cheng’s House Plant Journal website started as a deliberate and scientific approach to helping his mother take care of her houseplants by tracking what worked and what didn’t. So he suggests keeping a journal and taking lots of photos. “I really find it rewarding to look at photos of plants and see how they’ve changed over the years,” he says.  You can use a written journal, or try one of the plant care and identification apps like Planta, Gardenize or Greg.

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

Problems like yellowing leaves are often a sign that a plant isn’t being properly cared for.

Getty Images

33. Is it a pest or you?

There are two types of plant issues: abiotic, meaning non-biological influences such as nutrition and light; and biotic, meaning biological, such as pests, fungi and viruses, says Novy. One clue that care, not pests, might be a problem is how much of the plant is suffering, he says. If the entire plant is wilting or yellow, it’s likely an issue with care. If a few leaves or a couple of stems look rough, it’s more likely fungi, insects, mites, other arachnids or nematodes, which are little soil worms.

34. Consider alternatives to chemicals

Novy doesn’t recommend using harsh or poisonous chemicals on plants inside your home. “Unless this is some very special plant to you — your grandmother gave it to you 50 years ago and it’s a family heirloom — throw away the plant. Get a new one,”  he says.

If you’re determined to save it, first put it outside in the rain, assuming it’s over 50 degrees, he advises. The acidity and force of the rain can knock off some pests. You could also try a horticultural oil to wash off the leaves. Neem oil possesses some antimicrobial properties that help the plant, he says. 

35. Where to get help

One of the best sources of help is your local cooperative extension service, a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities and local staff and volunteers. The service provides access to horticultural experts and scientists, as well as certified master gardener volunteers. Local plant stores, garden centers, botanical gardens and florists can also help diagnose a problem. Take a photo of the plant or clip off a leaf to take with you when you ask for advice. Or post a photo to an online forum; just be aware of who is giving the advice. Some online plant stores and websites also offer virtual help and/or classes.

FIND OTHER PLANT PEOPLE

Enjoying plants can be a social activity. Connect with like-minded souls at a plant store, botanical garden, plant swap or online.

Getty Images

36. Stop in at a plant store

If you’re lucky enough to have a local plant store or florist, check it out for classes, pest consultations, repotting help, style tips — and other plant lovers, says Cain, who ran a brick-and-mortar store for 12 years before going virtual. “Big-box stores can offer convenience. But local shops offer care, and that makes all the difference,” she says.

37. Visit a botanical garden

Botanical gardens aren’t just for plants. Griffin has taken yoga classes at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Visiting public gardens is a “social enterprise” — an antidote to isolation and loneliness, says Novy. They’re spaces where you can visit with a friend, volunteer, take a class or just sit and read. “We have so many retirees that volunteer at our garden or meet up on a Wednesday morning,” he says.

38. Attend a plant swap

Plant swaps are a way to trade for something new, ask questions and meet people. You can search for groups and events on Facebook, Reddit and community calendars. Griffin also suggests that you host your own plant-swap party. “I actually had a lot of people that came to those plant swaps that I’m still good friends with many years later,” he says.

39. Connect virtually

Look for social media groups or online community forums, like the one moderated by the San Diego Botanic Garden. Watch a YouTube video (or three or four). Listen to an indoor plant podcast. Cheng has two favorites: Jane Perrone’s On the Ledge and Maria Failla’s Growing Joy With Plants. Check out Facebook, Reddit and Instagram for online forums, gardening organizations and clubs, and meet-ups related to indoor plants. You might grow a friendship as well as a plant.