Anyone can grow a houseplant, it just takes learning what’s best for you & your space. Come visit us & let us help you find the perfect houseplant for you!
Houseplant Basics
Water
The best way to water your houseplants is thoroughly and infrequently. This means watering until you see water coming out of the drainage hole and waiting to water again until it’s necessary. All plants have different watering needs so be sure to research how much water your specific plant likes. Overwatering is one of the most common ways a plant dies. A good way to test how dry or moist your plant is, is by sticking your finger into the soil to test how moist the soil.
Light
Giving your plants good lighting is essential. Almost every houseplant will thrive in bright, indirect light but there are some exceptions. Because houseplants are different & unique, each variety will appreciate & tolerate different lighting. Some houseplants will tolerate low light, but this does not mean they will tolerate no light at all. Also be careful with direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves of plants.
Soil
A good & well draining potting soil is essential for houseplants. This helps avoid soggy soil & root rot. Some plants require a more well draining mix than others, so be sure to research your plant before potting it. If this is the case, adding perlite, charcoal, or orchid bark is a great way to make your soil more chunky & well draining. We recommend our signature Olson’s Garden Shoppe Potting Soil for houseplants.
Potting & Repotting
Always make sure that whatever container your plant is potted in has a drainage hole. This helps to avoid overwatering & root rot. When repotting a houseplant, try to only go up a size by 1 or 2 inches. A good way to tell your plant needs to be repotted is when roots are coming out of the drainage hole or circling the top of the pot. Stunted growth or yellowing leaves can also be a sign your plant needs a new pot.
Our Favorite Low Light Tolerant Houseplants
Pothos
Snake Plant
ZZ Plant
Remember! Low light does not mean no light.
More Low Light Tolerant Plants
- Calathea
- Cast Iron Plant
- Chinese Evergreen
- Dumb Cane
- Dracaena
- English Ivy
- Ferns
- Lucky Bamboo
- Parlor Palm
- Peace Lily
- Peperomia
- Ponytail Palm
- Pothos
- Prayer Plant
- Scindapsus
- Snake Plants
- Syngonium
- ZZ Plant
Houseplant Handouts
Print these out & save them for later!
Hard To Find Houseplants
We have recently started keeping some rare & hard to find houseplants in our shop! You’ll find them on this table. If there’s something specific you’re looking for give us a call!
Products for Houseplant Use – Find these in store!
Leaf Shine: This removes water spots & leaves plants looking clean & shiny.
Insecticides: Triple Action & Spinosad Soap help manage houseplant pests.
All Purpose Water Soluble Fertilizer: Mix with water and water into your plants.
Jute Poles: Some houseplants have a climbing habit & need support, use these for those plants.
Systemic Granules: Sprinkle on top of the soil & water as you normally would. These make the plant poisonous to pests.
Nursery Pots: These are a great option for pots without drainage. Put your plants in nursery pots & set inside your planters.