5 Things Every Houseplant Beginner Needs
If you are just starting your houseplant journey…welcome! You are about to embark on an exciting journey of plant knowledge (and likely a little bit of trial and error as well!) The number one question they beginners ask is “what do I need to keep houseplants alive?” It may seem overwhelming with hundreds of blogs, YouTube videos, and care guides out there. You’re in luck! Here’s a list of 5 THINGS every houseplant beginner needs to keep plants happy!
Light
Contrary to what Pinterest may tell you… all houseplants need light for photosynthesis. Before you bring a houseplant home (or to your office, or classroom, anywhere) you first need access to some light. Research the particular houseplant that you want to make sure that the light that your space has will be enough for your new plant. A good window, or even a grow light will be sufficient for most medium to low light tolerant houseplants. It’s not even unheard of for some houseplants to survive under fluorescent lighting. No houseplant will be able to sit in a dark corner and survive.
A Pot With Drainage
Having a pot with drainage for your houseplant is an absolute must in order to prevent root rot. It’s a trap that every houseplant beginner falls into, myself included. Pinterest and Instagram will show you plants growing in these elaborate terrariums, teapots or other unique household items in a magnificent display that you are excited to recreate. Unfortunately without drainage, the excess water can easily pool and sit at the bottom of the pot, which will drown your houseplant. You may even read articles about using stones at the base of the pot to give it some semblance of drainage. It may work for some people, but especially as a houseplant beginner, it’s not recommended. Drainage also allows the plant to rid itself of toxins or other components in the water or soil that it no longer needs.
If there’s a pot that you are absolutely in love with that doesn’t have drainage (because let’s face it, most pretty pots don’t have it) there are options! You can always use it as a cache pot by putting a smaller pot inside it that will allow drainage. For more about cache pots and choosing the perfect pot for your houseplant, check out this blog!
Pest Prevention
Having a houseplant, or many houseplants, means that you will likely encounter a houseplant pest or two at some point. Keeping a couple of pest prevention supplies on hand will reduce your chances of getting an infestation, and will prepare you for when you notice some pests on your plants. For a houseplant beginner, I’d recommend these simple items to start:
- Yellow sticky tape for fungus gnats
- Insecticidal soap
- Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide
- Neem oil
Take a look at my full blog on pest prevention for more great tips that you can easily incorporate into your houseplant care routine. At the very least, this will give you peace of mind in the event that you spot some pests.
Moisture Meter
Believe me when I tell you—this item is worth its weight in gold! As a houseplant beginner, one of the most daunting parts of houseplant care was knowing when it was time to water my plants. You can lift the pot to feel its weight or dip your finger into the soil, but how can you tell if the soil is moist or not?
There are plenty of watering hacks out there but a using moisture meter is a great way to get rid of the guesswork when it comes to watering your plants. For a houseplant beginner, it’s essential! Eventually you will be able to identify the signs that your plant needs water, but while you are learning, a moisture meter will come in handy. Stick the meter deep into the soil (be careful not to damage the roots) and it will give you an idea of how moist the soil is.
Now you’re ready!
Those are the Top 5 things every houseplant beginner needs to get started! They will help you on your plant journey and keep any accidental plant deaths to a minimum. You can follow my houseplant journey on Instagram @plantyquirkyblogger for more tips!
I have also linked a few great sources below if you would like to take an even deeper dive into houseplant care!
Additional Resources
