As an alternative, rotate your plants every two to three weeks with a brighter location. Watch for indications that they are not getting enough light: pale and spindly growth, bleached spots on the leaves, and no blossoms on flowering plants.
Watering woes
Just as plants have different light needs, they have different watering needs, too. The rule of thumb is to water once a week, but plant size, container material, and placement are all variables that will help you gauge how much and how often.
Smaller plants dry out more quickly, so check the soil’s moisture by inserting your finger an inch deep. If it feels wet, it doesn’t need water.
Plastic and clay pots absorb water at different rates. Plastic holds water longer while clay, being porous, pulls water away from the soil. Know your watering habits, advises Alayankian.
“If you are someone who tends to over-water, clay pots are better for you. If you are short on time, you might prefer plastic because they hold moisture much longer,” she says.
Direct sunlight will dry out the soil faster, so water those plants more often. Another variable that will dry out a houseplant is the low humidity that accompanies indoor heat.
“I have a humidifier in each room, but I also fill a shallow tray with gravel and water then place the pots on top to absorb the evaporation,” Gardella says.
Alayankian also suggests misting houseplants with a spray bottle and grouping them together to add humidity.
Although most storebought plants come with lighting and watering instructions, every environment differs so keep these basics in mind for a beautiful and healthy indoor garden.
Lee’s Houseplant Guide
Expert advice from Longwood Gardens’ indoor garden specialist, Lee Alayankian
Lower Light
Snake Plant–Sansevieria trifasciata
Cast Iron Plant–Aspidistra elatior
Bird’s Nest Fern–Asplenium nidus
Zamiaculcas–Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Philodendron–Philodendron scandens
Peace Lilly–Spathiphyllum species
Coleus–Coleus blumei
Pothos Ivy–Epipremnum aureum
Higher Light
Century Plant/Maguey–Agave americana cvs
Aloe (any succulent)–Aloe cvs
Citrus–Citrus species
Yucca–Yucca species
Fire Sticks/Pencil Bush–Euphorbia tirucalli
Dumbcane–Dieffenbachia maculata
Spider Plant–Chlorphytum comosum
Croton–Codiaeum variegatum
Heavier Watering
Peace Lilly–Spathiphyllum species
Phalaenopsis Orchid–Phalaenopsis hybrids
Dumbcane–Dieffenbachia maculata
Button Fern–Pellaea rotundifolia
Guzmania–Guzmania lingulata
Coleus–Coleus blumeiLighter Watering
Aloe (any succulent)–Aloe cvs
Century Plant (Maguey)–Agave americana cvs
Fire Sticks/Pencil Bush–Euphorbia tirucalli
Yucca–Yucca species
Snake Plant–Sansevieria trifasciata
Cast Iron Plant–Aspidistra elatior
Warmer Temperatures
Bird’s Nest Fern–Asplenium nidus
Croton–Codiaeum variegatum
Begonia–Begonia species
Phalaenopsis Orchid–Phalaenopsis hybrids
Guzmania–Guzmania lingulata
Cooler Temperatures
Yucca–Yucca species
Fire Sticks/Pencil Bush–Euphorbia tirucalli
Cyclamen–Cyclamen species
Lady Palm–Rhapis excelsaSpider Plant–Chlorphytum comosum