I’ll be the first to admit: when I started getting into house plants, I had no idea what I was doing. I figured, how hard could it be to keep a few plants alive? Just water them every now and then, right? Well, it turns out that house plants are a bit more complex than that, and I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. My plant journey has definitely been filled with trial and error, but it’s been so rewarding watching my little green family grow.
Looking back, there are a few key things I wish I had known before diving headfirst into the world of house plants. From accidentally overwatering to choosing plants that were way too high-maintenance for a beginner, I made plenty of mistakes that I could have easily avoided with a bit of knowledge. If you’re just starting your plant journey or even if you already have a few green friends, these tips might save you from some of the bumps I experienced.
So today, I’m sharing the five things I wish I knew before getting into house plants. Whether you’re hoping to avoid some common beginner pitfalls or just want to make sure your plants thrive, these insights will hopefully make your plant parenthood a little smoother.
Let’s dive in so you can start your plant growing journey a little more educated about them than me!
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting Into House Plants
Things to know before growing house plants:
1. It’s Easy to Overwater (And Underwater!) Your Plants
When I first got into house plants, I had no idea how tricky watering could be. I assumed more water meant a healthier plant, but wow, was I wrong. Overwatering is probably the most common mistake new plant parents make, and it’s something I wish I had known right from the start. Plants like to have their own rhythm when it comes to water, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
If you’re new around here- root rot (which happens from overwatering) is like my worst nightmare!
I quickly learned that different plants have different watering needs. My succulents, for example, hate being watered too often, while my tropical plants seem to thrive with a little more moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is hard to come back from once it starts. I’ve killed a few plants this way, sadly. Now, I’ve become a bit of a “soil feeler”—I always check the soil a couple of inches down with my finger to see if it’s dry before watering. That simple trick has saved a lot of plants!
On the flip side, underwatering can be just as problematic. If you leave your plants too long without water, especially during dry months, they’ll start to wilt and look sad. I used to go through phases of neglect, where I wouldn’t water my plants for weeks and wonder why they looked terrible. Now, I’ve learned that consistency is key, and even though plants don’t need constant attention, they do need regular care.
2. Light Is Just as Important as Water
Before I got into house plants, I didn’t pay much attention to the light in my homes over the years. But after bringing home a few new plants, I quickly realized that light is crucial. Not all plants are the same when it comes to their light needs, and that can make or break how well they grow (or survive!).
For example, I had a beautiful fiddle leaf fig that I placed in a dimly lit corner of my living room, and I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t thriving. Turns out, it wasn’t getting enough light. Many plants, like the fiddle leaf fig or succulents, need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Others, like the snake plant or ZZ plant, can tolerate lower light conditions.
I also didn’t realize how much the direction of my windows mattered. South-facing windows are generally the brightest, while east- and west-facing windows offer more moderate light, and north-facing windows tend to have the least natural light. Once I got better at matching my plants to the right light conditions, they really started to flourish.
Now, I take note of where the sun hits my apartment at different times of the day, and I’ve moved plants around a lot to make sure they’re getting what they need. If you’re new to house plants, I definitely recommend learning about the lighting requirements of each plant before finding them a home in your space. It makes all the difference.
3. Some Plants Are (much!) Pickier Than Others
I used to think all plants were basically the same in terms of care. Boy, was I wrong! Some plants are seriously low-maintenance and almost impossible to kill (hello, pothos!), while others are finicky divas that require constant attention (looking at you, fiddle leaf fig!). Understanding which plants are easier to care for versus which ones need more attention is something I wish I’d researched before diving in.
In the beginning, I picked up a couple of ferns because they looked pretty, but they were a nightmare to keep happy. They need consistently moist soil and higher humidity than my home could provide. Meanwhile, my pothos and snake plants were thriving with minimal care. If I’d known that certain plants are more temperamental, I probably would’ve started with more forgiving options.
Now, I tell anyone who’s new to house plants to start with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants.
They’re much more forgiving if you forget to water or if the light isn’t perfect. Once you get comfortable, then you can branch out to more sensitive plants. Trust me, it’s worth building your confidence with “easy” plants before diving into the more high-maintenance ones.
4. Pests Are Inevitable
I had no idea that indoor plants could attract pests, and it’s something I wasn’t prepared for. I remember the first time I noticed tiny little bugs crawling around the soil of one of my plants, and I freaked out! It turns out that pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, and aphids are pretty common with house plants, especially when you’re not vigilant about cleaning or overwatering.
I learned that it’s important to check your plants regularly for signs of pests. Look for things like tiny webs, sticky residue, or spots on the leaves. I also started wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth and misting them occasionally to keep them clean and prevent dust buildup, which can attract pests.
When I do find pests, I’ve learned to act quickly. A mix of water, neem oil, and dish soap is my go-to natural solution, and it works wonders at keeping the bugs away. It’s definitely something I wish I knew sooner because it’s much easier to treat pest problems early on rather than trying to save a heavily infested plant.
5. You Don’t Need to Buy Expensive Pots or Fancy Supplies
When I first got into house plants, I thought I needed all the fancy planters and supplies to keep my plants happy. I splurged on pretty pots and special fertilizers, but over time, I realized that the plants don’t care about aesthetics as much as I do! They just need the basics: proper drainage, good light, the right soil, and consistent watering.
I’ve found that repurposing containers from around the house, like mason jars or simple terracotta pots, works just as well (and sometimes better) than pricey, decorative planters. As long as the pot has drainage holes, your plant will be happy. I also learned that a lot of fancy plant care products aren’t really necessary—regular potting soil and basic plant food work just fine.
I’ve saved money by using what I already have and focusing on the essentials. Sure, it’s fun to get cute pots and accessories now and then, but you don’t need to break the bank to keep your plants healthy. The plants just need care, attention, and a good environment to thrive.
Now let’s wrap it up so you can get to growing some house plants –
Getting into house plants has been such a rewarding journey, and I’ve learned a crazy amount along the way.
While I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes, each one has helped me become a better plant parent. If I had known these five things before diving in, I probably would have saved a few plants from an early demise, but hey, live and learn! Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few plants, I hope these tips help you grow a beautiful, thriving indoor garden. Happy planting!
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