Houseplants are indoor container gardens. It is rewarding to see a living thing thrive under our care, and we have environments that can help us do this. It is important to pick plants that fit your environment and your ability to care for them. First evaluate your environment to find a match for your plant’s needs and what you can and will offer.
Light
Water
Soils
Nutrients
Pots
Repot
Pests and Problems
More Problems
Popular Houseplants
- Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrate): bright light, moist soil and repot every couple of years. It can get big!
- Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa): another big plant that needs bright light but is easy to grow. Leave 1 to 3 plants in the pot. The leaves start to split as the plant ages, so be patient.
- Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): medium light, moist soil. It likes to move outside in summer.
- Elephant ear (Philodendron): medium light, allow soil to dry, move outside in summer. It is a vine so it may need support.
- Snake plant (Sansevieria): medium light, allow soil to dry. This hard-to-kill plant makes a great backdrop.
- ZZ plant (Zamioculas zamiifolia): low light, allow soil to dry. It is practically indestructible but toxic.
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema): low light, moist soil. Keep it warm, foolproof!
- Devil’s ivy (Pothos/Epipremnum): low light, allow soil to dry. It is bi-colored and looks good hanging.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum): low light, moist soil. Feed it to encourage blooming.
- Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia): low light, allow soil to dry. It will need a repot every couple of years.
- Sedums – never overwater. Try grouping these plants, pick the ones you like. Move outside in summer.
- Air plants, bromeliads, orchids – so many choices. Read the labels and choose the colors and styles you like.
Resources
What Can Go Wrong with Houseplants: http://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2076/2017/07/C064-What-Can-Go-Wrong-With-Houseplants-15a.pdf
Winter Houseplant Care: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2073/2014/03/Winter-Houseplant-Care.pdf
Caring for Houseplants: https://extension.psu.edu/caring-for-houseplants. Check out the various houseplant factsheets on this site.
Additional Master Gardener Tip Sheets are available at kingcountymg.org. View free downloads of WSU gardening publications at gardening.wsu.edu and pubs.extension.wsu.edu
Feature image by Agricom.
WSU Extension Master Gardener Program * 206-543-0943 * king.MG@wsu.edu * kingcountyMG.org Center for Urban Horticulture * Box 354115 * Seattle WA 98195-4115 Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
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