5 Plant Care Tips for Beginners
Photo by vadim kaipov on Unsplash
Research
Once you’ve grabbed that stunning new plant off the shelf and brought it home, the first thing you need to do is a thorough internet search. Find out what it likes and the conditions it needs to thrive (in other words cyberstalk your plant). Doing so will ensure you know everything it will need to grow optimally in your space & continue bringing life to your home for years to come. Some ‘Need-To-Knows’ when researching include watering needs, optimal lighting conditions, preferred soil type, & if it is prone to any particular pests.
Water (Only When Needed)
After you’ve done a ‘background check’ on your plant, you should have a pretty good idea of how often it will need water and for most plants that is not every day. Along with frequency, it’s good to look out for the amount of water you give your plants, but if they have good drainage (which is strongly encouraged), any excess H2O should trickle out of the pot once the soil is satiated. If you find yourself unsure about whether to water, you can always just test the soil moisture with your finger, and/or ease the plant out of its pot and see what the bottom soil is feeling like.
If you’re like me, keeping watering schedules straight amidst the regular chaos of life isn’t easy, so I’d recommend using the Planta app to help track it.
When it comes to watering methods, plant people can argue all day about which they prefer, but a few options include traditional watering, spraying plants down with a hose or in the shower, and bottom watering. Another great tool to look into if you’re looking for low maintenance watering are self watering planters. Some plants will loooove these and others don’t, as stated before, just do a little research to see if it’s a good fit.
Watering is one of the easiest things to mess up when first getting a houseplant, but with a little research and TLC, it’s definitely achievable. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t figure it out right away! Everything has a learning curve. Most plants are hardier than you think & can bounce back from virtually nothing but roots. It’s pretty amazing to witness.
Liquid Fertilizer is Your Best Friend
To really go the extra mile with your plant care, get in the habit of feeding your plants. The easiest way to get your plants optimal nutrients with rapid uptake is with liquid fertilizer. Think of it like giving your plants a smoothie packed with nutrients. They’ll thank you with new leaves, faster growth, and stronger roots. Most houseplants thrive with a diluted dose every 2–4 weeks. Just be careful not to overdo it, because more isn’t always better when it comes to fertilizer. A quick check on your plant’s preferences will help you avoid the dreaded nutrient burn.
Be Observant
One of the best ways to become a great plant parent is simply to pay attention. Look for signs your plant is happy (like new growth, perky leaves, and vibrant color) and clues that something might be off (think drooping, yellowing, or brown tips). Changes in lighting, humidity, or even moving your plant to a new spot can affect how it behaves. You don’t need to hover constantly, but regular check-ins help you spot issues early and adjust care before things spiral. Taking pictures of your plant is also a great way to keep a visual record of how it’s done over time & to recognize all of its growth!
Spend Time with Your Plants
Yep, really. It might sound a little hippie-dippie, but spending time with your plants is not only good for them, it’s good for you too. Whether it’s watering, pruning, wiping dust off leaves, or just sitting near them while you drink your morning coffee, that connection helps you stay tuned in to their needs—and helps create a peaceful little green oasis in your space. Plus, there’s something incredibly grounding about watching something grow under your care. So don’t be afraid to talk to your plants, name them, or play them some soft music. You’re not just decorating a room—you’re building a little life-giving ecosystem, one leaf at a time.
We hope these 5 quick tips help your plants & enhance your plant care knowledge long term! Stay green!
