Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Care Tips for Indoor Plants
Please note that this is an older article. Any products or services pictured or described may have changed or may no longer be available. Thank you for visiting!
Create your own personal sanctuary by bringing a little nature indoors. As well as being a beautiful addition to any style of décor, houseplants bring a variety of other benefits, too! It's easy to take care of your houseplants and succulents with the balance ratio of light, water and healthy soil. Check it out!
Create your own personal sanctuary by bringing a little nature indoors. Learn how to take care of your houseplants and succulents with these pro tips on balancing light, water and healthy soil, then pick out your perfect plants with our guide to foolproof flora!
LIGHT: Most houseplants do well with bright, indirect light. Succulents enjoy full, direct sun. Plants exposed to more sunlight, under heating vents or in a drafty spot will need to balance that out with more water.
WATER: Type of plant, location and how much sun it gets throughout the day all play a part in how much water your plant needs. Always water your plants thoroughly and let the water drain. Those with more delicate leaves tend to be more sensitive to water balance. For plants that need a bit of humidity, mist with a spray bottle or set a tray of water under your plants so the evaporation can be absorbed. To see if your plant needs water, check the soil! Dig your thumb about an inch into the dirt—if it feels dry, it needs water; if the soil is damp or wet, let it be.
SOIL: Most houseplants grow in dirt or soil to take root and gather their nutrients. Succulents thrive in porous, well-draining soil, while others do better in evenly moist soil made of rich, peaty, absorbent material. For extra nutrients, apply a basic fertilizer made for indoor houseplants about once a month. For succulents, if soil becomes compacted, aerate it with a pencil or skewer.
Looking for some foolproof flora? These low-maintenance houseplants and succulents thrive with basic care and are ideal for beginning plant parents. Check out our "Zen Den" image to see which one's which!
- ZZ Plant: Thrives in bright, indirect light; tolerates low light. Allow soil to dry completely then water thoroughly.
- Peace Lily: Thrives in bright, indirect light; tolerates low light. Thrives with evenly moist soil and humidity.
- Pothos: Bright, indirect light; leaf variegation will fade in poor light. Mist for humidity and allow soil to dry before watering.
- Monstera: Keep out of direct sunlight; will tolerate low light. Allow soil to dry between watering. Fun Fact: The leaves may drip excess water when the soil is wet. Spray periodically for humidity and give the large leaves a gentle wash to remove any dust.
- Snake Plant: Bright, indirect light is best, but will survive in low light. Allow soil to dry before each watering; do not water the heart of the plant; if placed in low light, water sparingly.
- Umbrella Plant: Bright, indirect light is best. Keep soil evenly moist and mist for humidity.
- Spider Plant: Bright, indirect light is best. Keep soil evenly moist.
- Rubber Plant: Bright, indirect light is best. Keep soil evenly moist.
- Kalanchoe: Bright, indirect light is best; will tolerate low light. Allow soil to dry before each watering and drain well.
- Echeveria: Bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry before each watering and drain well.
- Jade Plant: Bright, indirect light is best; will tolerate low light. Allow soil to dry before each watering and drain well.
- Aloe: Bright, indirect light is best. Allow soil to dry before each watering and drain well.
If you need another excuse to spruce up your space, check out the benefits of houseplants, then drop by our Floral Department to find a variety of gorgeous greenery you're sure to love!
Selection may vary by store.