A couple of months ago, I (Amanda) bought my daughter a Jade plant. Her middle name is Jade, so she thought this plant was grown exclusively for her (she’s 8). I told her she was responsible for taking care of it, and she did. DILIGENTLY.
Apparently, too diligently.
She watered it at least once a week. And I applauded her consistency and diligence! A few weeks later, we noticed that Jade (my daughter’s very appropriate name for this plant) was NOT looking good. When I mentioned it to the team at the Garden Center, they all but started laughing at me.
Didn’t you know that you don’t water Jade very often?!
Jade is a succulent! You maybe water once a month!
Well, no. I didn’t know.
That made me wonder how many people out there are just like me and don’t really know how to care for that lovely plant they took home. So here we are, a couple weeks later. Thanks to our in-house houseplant specialist, Judy, I have a list of easy to care for houseplants and, more importantly, how to care for them.
When taking in all the information that Judy had to share, I wasn’t exactly sure how to categorize the plants. While there aren’t exact categories, I did find that caring for most houseplants was dependent upon two main factors: light and water.
Within those, I found they generally fell into these categories:
- Bright light
- Medium/low light
- Need a lot of water (high-maintenance)
- Don’t need a lot of water (low-maintenance)
When deciding what type of houseplant is best for you, take these factors into account:
- Where do you want to put your houseplants?
- Is there a lot of light or not?
- How much time do you want to put into caring for them?
- Are you willing to monitor them weekly, or do you want a lower-maintenance plant?
Plant Care Categories
- Bright Light and High(er) Maintenance
- Bright Light and Low Maintenance
- Medium/Low Light and High(er) Maintenance
- Medium/Low Light and Low Maintenance
Each category includes plants you can choose from along with care tips for each.
General Reminders
The temperature and moisture in your home, patio, office, or wherever you keep your plants will affect how often you need to water.
If you keep your house cool and humid, chances are you will water less often. If your plant is in a location with higher temperatures and drier air, you will need to water more often.
Always consider the environment your plants are living in.
Also keep in mind that most houseplants need less water during the winter months. That does not mean you should stop caring for them. Simply adjust how often and how much you water once the cooler months arrive.
Take into consideration the amount of soil your houseplant is planted in when watering. If you have not replanted your houseplant since you bought it, it may need watering more often than if you repotted it into a larger container.
Bright Light and High(er) Maintenance
Spider Plant
- Spider plants like bright light.
- Plan to water them about once a week, especially if you have them outside.
- Bonus: Spider plants grow little baby spider plants. You can snip off one of the baby plants and place it in a cup of water. The baby plant will eventually sprout roots and can then be planted in soil.
- Double Bonus: Spider plants are air purifiers.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
- Fiddle-leaf figs really like a bright location.
- They also really like to be kept moist.
- They prefer to be in a spot that is not drafty, especially during colder months.
- Bonus (or not?): Fiddle-leaf figs can grow as tall as 6 feet.
Bright Light and Low Maintenance
African Violet
- African violets like bright, indirect light.
- Keep them evenly moist.
- Put water into the tray you keep the plant in and do your best not to get water on the leaves, as they may rot.
- Don’t overwater these plants. A good rule of thumb is to water 2–3 times per month, adjusting based on your environment.
- Bonus: These plants produce beautiful blooms that last for weeks.
Aloe Vera
- Bright, indirect light is best.
- Aloe vera is very low-maintenance when it comes to watering.
- As a succulent, it requires very little water.
- In general, water once a month, maybe twice if it is in a very dry location.
Jade Plant
- Jade plants like bright light but may also tolerate medium light.
- Like aloe vera, jade is a succulent. Water about once a month. (Did I mention I wish I would have known this a month and a half ago?)
Ponytail Palm
- Ponytails can handle very bright and even direct outdoor light.
- They store water in their bulb, which means you can almost place this plant and forget about it.
- Water once a month, if that often.
Schefflera Arboricola
- This gorgeous and popular plant thrives in bright light.
- Just water it when you find that the soil is dry.
Rubber Tree
- The rubber tree is a very forgiving and easy houseplant.
- Rubber trees like bright light.
- They do not need much water. A good rule of thumb is once a month.
- Bonus: They are also air purifiers.
- Side note: Judy has had one of these in her home for more than 20 years.
Medium/Low Light and High(er) Maintenance
Peperomia
- Need a plant for your office? Peperomia does well under fluorescent lighting or in medium to low light.
- Like African violets, it is best to water these plants in the tray rather than directly onto the soil or foliage.
- Try to keep them evenly moist.
- Rule of thumb: Check moisture regularly and water about once per week if needed.
Peace Lily
- Peace lilies do best in medium light.
- This plant is an excellent air filter because it removes toxins from the air.
- Water weekly.
- CAUTION: Peace lilies are poisonous to dogs and cats.
Calathea
- Calathea grows well in medium to low light. Avoid placing it in bright light.
- Keep the soil moist.
- Rule of thumb: Water about once per week.
Medium/Low Light and Low Maintenance
Pothos
- This very popular houseplant prefers medium light.
- Only water when the soil is dry, usually 1–2 times per month.
- Pothos will trail as it grows. You can also trim it and place clippings in water. The cuttings will root and can live in water or be planted in soil.
- Bonus: Pothos is also an air purifier.
Snake Plant & ZZ Plant
- Both the snake plant and the ZZ plant are among the easiest houseplants to care for.
- They thrive in medium to low light.
- Water sparingly, about once a month.
- Bonus: Both Snake plants and ZZs are air purifiers.
Dracaena Marginata
- Dracaena Marginata prefers medium to low light.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Final Thoughts
Houseplants make your space feel inviting and beautiful. They are not just a temporary decoration like cut flowers. Houseplants can truly be an investment. Some can live for decades when properly cared for.
Hopefully this post gives you the information you need to keep your plants healthy and thriving.