TheHOUSEPLANTStore

Plant Care Guide

Everything you need to know to keep your plants happy and healthy. From beginners to experienced plant parents, we've got you covered.

Watering Guide

Master the art of watering your plants

  • Check soil moisture with your finger before watering
  • Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom
  • Use room temperature water to avoid shocking roots
  • Most plants prefer deep, infrequent watering

Light Requirements

Understanding your plants' lighting needs

  • South-facing windows provide the brightest light
  • East and west windows offer moderate, indirect light
  • North-facing windows provide low light conditions
  • Rotate plants weekly for even growth

Pruning & Maintenance

Keep your plants healthy and shaped

  • Remove dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves promptly
  • Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth
  • Clean leaves regularly with a damp cloth
  • Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease spread

Fertilizing

Nourish your plants for optimal growth

  • Fertilize during growing season (spring/summer)
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks
  • Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall/winter
  • Look for balanced N-P-K fertilizers for most plants

Temperature & Humidity

Create the perfect environment

  • Most houseplants prefer 18-24°C temperatures
  • Avoid placing plants near heating/cooling vents
  • Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers
  • Group plants together to create a humid microclimate

Pet Safety

Keep your furry friends safe

  • Research plant toxicity before bringing plants home
  • Place toxic plants out of pets' reach
  • Consider pet-safe alternatives for households with pets
  • Contact a vet immediately if ingestion occurs

Care by Plant Type

Different plants have different needs. Here's what you need to know about popular plant categories.

Low Light Plants

Snake Plant
ZZ Plant
Pothos
Peace Lily

Perfect for offices and darker rooms. Water when soil is dry.

Bright Light Plants

Fiddle Leaf Fig
Rubber Plant
Monstera
Bird of Paradise

Need bright, indirect light. Rotate regularly for even growth.

Flowering Plants

African Violet
Orchids
Begonias
Cyclamen

Need consistent moisture and humidity. Deadhead spent blooms.

Common Plant Problems & Solutions

🟡 Yellow Leaves

Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, natural aging, nutrient deficiency

Solution: Check soil moisture, adjust watering schedule, remove yellow leaves

🟤 Brown Leaf Tips

Causes: Low humidity, fluoride in water, over-fertilizing

Solution: Increase humidity, use filtered water, reduce fertilizer

🟢 Drooping/Wilting

Causes: Underwatering, overwatering, root rot, transplant shock

Solution: Check soil and roots, adjust watering, ensure proper drainage

🔴 Pest Problems

Common pests: Spider mites, aphids, scale insects, fungus gnats

Solution: Isolate plant, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or systemic treatment

🟣 Stunted Growth

Causes: Insufficient light, poor nutrition, root bound, wrong pot size

Solution: Provide more light, fertilize during growing season, repot if needed

🔵 Leggy Growth

Causes: Insufficient light, plant stretching toward light source

Solution: Move to brighter location, prune back leggy growth, rotate regularly