So, you’ve decided you want to get into houseplants.
Welcome to the club! Whether you’re looking to add a little more green to your home, brighten up a boring corner, or you simply walked into Willow and fell in love with a plant you had to take home, starting a houseplant collection can be incredibly rewarding.
But we get it—walking into a greenhouse filled with hundreds of plants can also be a little overwhelming. How much light does that plant need? How often do you water it? Does it need fertilizer? What kind of soil? And why does everyone keep talking about “well-draining” everything?
Don’t worry. You don’t need a green thumb to grow houseplants. You just need to understand a few basics.
Here’s our beginner-friendly guide to getting started!
Start With the Right Plant
The easiest way to become a successful plant parent is to choose a plant that fits your home, rather than choosing a plant and hoping your home works for it.
Before you pick something out, take a look around your space.
Ask yourself:
How much natural light do I have?
Where do I want the plant to live?
Am I someone who remembers to water things regularly—or do I need a plant that can handle being forgotten occasionally?
Do I have pets or children who might get curious?
These questions can help narrow down your options considerably.
If you’re brand new to houseplants, some forgiving options include pothos, snake plants, spider plants, ZZ plants, peperomias, and heartleaf philodendrons. They’re relatively adaptable and can be great confidence-builders for beginners.
And if you’re not sure what will work in your space, ask us! Helping you find the right plant is part of what we’re here for.
Understanding Indoor Light
One of the biggest mistakes new plant parents make is assuming that “bright room” automatically means “bright light.”
Plants need light to photosynthesize, and the amount and intensity of light they receive can make a huge difference in how well they grow.
☀️ Bright, Direct Light
This is typically found right next to a sunny, unobstructed window. Plants that love bright light may enjoy several hours of direct sunlight each day.
Think south-facing windows with lots of sun.
🌤️ Bright, Indirect Light
This is one of the most common conditions for houseplants.
The space is bright, but the plant isn’t sitting directly in intense sunlight all day. An east- or west-facing window can often provide great conditions, depending on the season and what’s outside the window.
🌥️ Low Light
Low light doesn’t mean no light.
A room may feel bright to you while actually providing relatively little usable light for a plant. Areas far away from windows or rooms with small, shaded windows can be challenging for many plants.
If you’re working with lower light, don’t worry! There are plants that can tolerate those conditions better than others.
And remember: “low light” does not mean “no water needed.” Your plant still needs water; it just may use it more slowly.
How Often Should You Water?
This is probably the question we hear most often.
And unfortunately, there isn’t a magical schedule that works for every plant.
We wish there were!
Instead of watering every Sunday—or whenever your phone reminds you—check the soil.
Stick your finger into the top inch or two of soil. If it still feels moist, give it a little more time. If the soil feels dry, it may be time to water.
Different plants have different preferences, so always consider the specific plant you’re growing.
When you do water, water thoroughly enough that the entire root ball gets moistened, and allow excess water to drain away.
Which brings us to one of the most important houseplant rules:
Your Plant Needs Drainage!
One of the easiest ways to accidentally kill a houseplant is to leave its roots sitting in water.
That’s why drainage holes are so important.
A decorative pot can be beautiful, but if it doesn’t have drainage, consider using it as a cachepot. Keep your plant in a nursery pot with drainage holes and place that pot inside the decorative container.
Then, when you water, allow the excess to drain before putting the plant back.
Your roots will thank you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Repot
When you bring a new plant home, you don’t necessarily need to repot it immediately.
In fact, your plant may appreciate a little time to adjust to its new environment.
When it eventually needs a new pot, resist the urge to go way bigger.
A pot that is dramatically larger than the current root system can hold excess moisture for too long, which can contribute to root problems.
Instead, move up gradually into a pot that’s only a little larger than the current one.
And always use a potting mix appropriate for your particular plant.
Fertilizing: Plants Need Food, Too!
Light and water are essential, but plants need nutrients, too.
Think of fertilizer as your plant’s food supplement.
Most houseplants benefit from regular fertilizing during periods of active growth, although the exact frequency and fertilizer you should use depends on the type of plant.
More fertilizer isn’t better.
Overfertilizing can damage roots and create problems, so follow the directions on your fertilizer rather than assuming a little extra will make your plant grow faster.
Pay Attention to Your Home
Your houseplant doesn’t just care about light and water. Temperature, humidity, and airflow can also make a difference.
Most common tropical houseplants prefer temperatures that are comfortable for people, too—which is convenient!
Try to avoid placing plants directly next to heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty exterior doors.
Humidity can be especially important for certain tropical plants. If your home gets particularly dry during the winter, some plants may appreciate additional humidity.
But don’t feel like you need to turn your living room into a rainforest.
Start with the basics: appropriate light, proper watering, good drainage, and a suitable location.
Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Even indoor plants can get pests.
Spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, and aphids are just a few of the unwanted visitors that can occasionally show up.
The best thing you can do is check your plants regularly.
Look underneath leaves, around stems, and near new growth.
If something looks unusual, don’t panic! Catching an issue early makes it much easier to manage.
And if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, bring us a photo or ask our team. We’re always happy to help troubleshoot.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
If you have cats or dogs, make sure you consider pet safety before bringing a new plant home.
Some beautiful and popular houseplants contain compounds that can be harmful if eaten. Others are considered non-toxic but may still cause stomach upset if your pet eats a large amount.
If your pets are the type to treat your houseplants like an all-you-can-eat salad bar, let us know when you’re shopping. We can help you find options that are better suited for a pet-friendly home.
The Most Important Beginner Tip: Don’t Panic!
Your first plant might not be perfect.
You may overwater something. You may underwater something. You may put a plant in the wrong spot and wonder why it’s looking sad.
That’s okay.
Plants are a learning experience.
Pay attention to how they respond to their environment. Look at the leaves. Check the soil. Notice how quickly it dries out. Watch for new growth.
Over time, you’ll start to understand what your plants are telling you.
And that’s when houseplants really become fun.
You stop simply taking care of a plant and start understanding how it grows.
Come Grow With Us
At Willow, we don’t believe you need to be an expert to enjoy plants. We’re here to help whether you’re buying your very first houseplant or you’ve run out of room for your hundredth.
Stop by the greenhouse, tell us what your space is like, and let us help you find something that fits your lifestyle.
Start small. Ask questions. Experiment. And most importantly—have fun.
Your first houseplant is just the beginning. 🌿
