We’ve all been there: wandering into a plant shop, spotting a darling plant, and debating whether to take it home (while also considering the budget). Eventually, you give in to your desire and buy it because you want it perched on your windowsill or adorning your room. You then take it home and shower it with all the love and attention it deserves, only to find it droopy and wilting within a week. Disheartened, you declare plants aren’t for you until another irresistible one catches your eye and the cycle repeats.

How do I know this? Because I have been that guy! The first plant that I ever took care of was a Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum), commonly known as the Money Plant, a fixture in many Nepali households for its resilience and the supposed myth attached to it about how it brings financial prosperity. Sadly, my plant met a grim fate, turning into a yellow mush despite my best efforts. I was puzzled; if it thrived under neglect elsewhere, why did mine suffer despite my devoted attention?

Discouraged, I steered clear of houseplants for a while but remained determined to develop a green thumb. I researched a lot on houseplant care, experimenting with a lot of plants until I finally succeeded in nurturing one to flourish. Since then, I’ve grown my plant collection to over 80 specimens, and I’m eager to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Before diving into the world of plant care, it’s crucial to choose the right plants that match your lifestyle and living environment. Consider factors such as the sunlight exposure in your home, humidity levels and your availability for maintenance. Remember, the environment dictates the plant’s needs. If we want a particular plant to adapt to our space, we may need to provide additional support, such as grow lights or a humidifier, to ensure it is thriving. Plants come in a delightful array of shapes, sizes, colours and textures, each with its own level of care requirements.

Some plants like Calathea, Fiddle-leaf Fig, Maidenhair Fern, Zebra Plant and Alocasia are notoriously challenging to care for indoors, posing a challenge even to experienced growers. On the other hand, plants like Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Cast-iron Plant and Money Plant are easy to care for, thriving even with minimal attention, making them ideal for beginners. Starting with a beginner-friendly plant can provide valuable insights into houseplant care.

The key to nurturing any houseplant successfully is to replicate conditions similar to its native habitat. Assessing light and location is crucial. Like us, plants require their daily dose of sunshine. The direction of light entering your room matters; south and southeast-facing windows receive the most light, ideal for high-light-loving plants like cacti and succulents. Conversely, north-facing windows receive the least amount of light, suitable for plants like Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Begonia. However, it’s essential to note that low light doesn’t mean no light, as plants need light for photosynthesis and survival. If a plant doesn't receive enough light then it becomes leggy, not compact and bushy. The phenomenon is known as etiolation and this can be an excellent indicator of individualised light requirement for the given plant. Position your plants according to their light requirements, observing how sunlight filters through your windows throughout the day.

Some plants can thrive under artificial lighting. I’ve observed that Peperomias, Philodendrons, and Monsteras don’t mind being kept in north-facing areas when supplemented with artificial lighting. A general rule of thumb I follow regarding lighting is that if a plant’s main feature is flowers, it requires a minimum of three to five hours of natural light to thrive in your space.

One of the most common stumbling blocks in plant care is watering. It’s a critical aspect, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Different plants have different water requirements. Overwatering can lead to the rotting of the root while underwatering causes wilting and yellowing leaves. Before watering, always check the soil moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away, and ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. For beginners, I recommend using terracotta pots with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot. Some plants, like those from the Marantaceae family or Venus Flytraps, can be picky about water quality. Using distilled or reverse osmosis water, or even rainwater, can help avoid issues caused by minerals in tap water.

All plants need nutrients to thrive, and while soil provides some, they may need an extra boost. Fertilise your plants during their active growing season (usually spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. Follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid over-fertilising, which can harm your plants. Vermicompost is my preferred choice for fertilising, but for flowering plants, additional fertilisers like a good NPK solution may be necessary. Remember to dilute fertilisers to prevent chemical burns and leaching of minerals from the substrate. A well-draining substrate is essential for healthy plant growth. I like to add perlite and charcoal to my soil mix to improve aeration and prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth. Light substrates help plant roots thrive and establish themselves.

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining tidy plants and promoting healthy growth. Remove dead or yellowing leaves and pinch off leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Many plants can be propagated from cuttings, allowing you to expand your indoor garden without spending money.

Despite our best efforts, pests may occasionally infiltrate our indoor oasis. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs and take swift action to prevent infestations. Regularly inspect your plants and if you notice any unwanted visitors, treat them with natural remedies or insecticidal soap. My preferred method for treating houseplant pests is isolating the affected plant and spraying it with a mixture of liquid soap and neem oil diluted in water.

Paying attention to your plants’ needs and cues is perhaps the most crucial aspect of caring for houseplants. Plants communicate through their leaves, exhibiting signs of stress or contentment. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or insufficient light, while drooping can signal underwatering. By observing and responding to these signals, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of your plants’ requirements.

In our fast-paced lives, tending to houseplants offers a valuable opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and cultivate mindfulness. As you embark on the journey of nurturing greenery within your home, remember that it’s not just about the end result but the process itself—the daily rituals of watering, pruning, and observing subtle changes. Embrace the joy of cultivating your indoor garden and let your green companions bring serenity and beauty into your life.