Looking for trees that’ll thrive near your TV or fuchsia flowers happy to bloom inside a bathroom? The best indoor plants, which we’ve rounded up here, prove that gardening doesn’t have to be an open-air pursuit. Plus, bringing plants into your home offers benefits beyond adding a touch of green to your decor; research has shown that the presence of plants reduces stress, boosts productivity, and improves air quality by removing pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and ammonia from the air. One study even found that participants with exposure to indoor plants took fewer sick days.
Appreciate plants but swear you can’t keep even a faux cactus alive? Fear not! We’ve talked to plant pros to determine the best botanicals for different spaces (from cozy corners to rooms with little light) and rounded up some helpful plant care tips. So even if you’re new to indoor gardening, here’s some home-loving horticulture you can handle.
What is the best soil for indoor plants?
“Choosing the right soil for your indoor plants depends on your watering habits and the overall humidity in your space,” says Victor Castro, a plant expert with TheNurseryProjectUSA on Palmstreet, a live marketplace for plants. “For homes with high humidity, opt for a chunky, well-draining soil mix. Ingredients like bark, perlite, and coarse sand are ideal for preventing overwatering and keeping roots aerated. In drier, warmer spaces, where soil tends to dry out quickly, a more moisture-retentive mix is best. Adding components like coco coir, peat moss, or vermiculite will help retain water without making the mix overly dense.”
Ultimately, it’s all about balance and making sure the soil holds enough moisture to sustain your plants between waterings while allowing excess water to drain so that the plant’s roots don’t rot. “Adjust your mix to suit both your watering routine and your indoor environment, and your plants will thrive,” says Castro.
How do you pick the right pot for indoor plants?
This is essentially the first step in caring for your plant. The pot you choose to house your plant has a major impact on its health and appearance. But that doesn’t mean you have to totally forgo aesthetics. Castro recommends “keeping your plants in clear nursery pots, as these allow you to monitor root health and watering needs easily. Then you can place the nursery pot into a decorative pot of your choice—this way, you get both practicality and style.”
Drainage and size are other key components to consider in finding the right planter. “Drainage holes are a must. No plant enjoys sitting in waterlogged soil,” says Castro. “For plants that like a drier environment, like succulents or cacti, terra-cotta pots are perfect because they wick away excess moisture. For tropical plants that need consistent humidity, plastic or ceramic pots help retain moisture better.” In terms of size, Castro recommends choosing a pot just slightly larger than the plant’s root ball to avoid overwatering issues.
When should I repot an indoor plant?
All the love and care you shower onto your new plant means it will eventually outgrow its initial vessel and need repotting. Signs that it’s time to upgrade your pot include slowed growth (sometimes only small leaves appear, but no other new growth), roots that circle around the pot or grow through the bottom, and water draining through the pot quickly. Additionally, a plant that’s outgrown its current home may become top heavy. Young plants might need repotting annually, but mature plants should only need it every few years.
