If you lack a green thumb, buying and caring for a new houseplant can be a challenge. Choosing the perfect houseplant is about more than just finding something green and beautiful to fill your space—it’s about finding a plant that fits your lifestyle, your space, and even your level of commitment to plant care.
Here are eight things to look for when choosing the perfect houseplant from your local nursery.
- Buy your plants from a nursery or well-tended garden center.
- Search for a full, bushy plant that has a good shape.
- Check the soil for moistness, making sure it’s not too soggy or dry.
- Avoid plants where the roots are visible from the top or underneath at the bottom of the pot. These plants have had difficulty surviving and may be hard to care for when you bring it home.
- Want a flowering plant? Make sure it has both flowers and buds that will bloom later. These plants will last longer. Avoid plants with tightly closed buds that may not bloom later.
- Make sure the leaves are healthy with no brown or yellow leaves.
- Check for signs of disease such as mold or rotting stems or pest infestation.
- Buy your plants in the spring or summer when plants are less likely to go into shock when changing locations. If you’re buying your plant in the winter, wrap it in paper when transporting.
Learn more about houseplants and which ones are best for cleaning the air in your home.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose a plant that will not only survive but thrive in your home.
- Assess Your Light Conditions
Light is one of the most crucial factors for plant health, and every plant has specific needs. Here’s how to evaluate your space and pick plants accordingly:
Low-Light Rooms: If your room doesn’t get much direct sunlight, try plants like snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants, which can thrive in lower light conditions.
Indirect Bright Light: If you have a room that gets lots of light without direct sun, opt for plants like peace lilies, monsteras, and parlor palms.
Direct Sunlight: If you have a bright window with hours of sunlight, choose plants that love lots of light, like succulents, cacti, and fiddle leaf figs.
It’s helpful to observe your space throughout the day, noting where light falls and for how long. Then, choose plants that match these light conditions to avoid stress and damage.
- Think About Your Watering Habits
Are you someone who remembers to water regularly, or do you tend to forget? Watering needs vary widely among plants, so think about your own habits:
Low-Maintenance Watering: If you’re the forgetful type or have a busy lifestyle, consider succulents, ZZ plants, or snake plants, which can handle occasional neglect.
Frequent Watering: If you’re someone who loves to nurture and check in on plants often, go for plants like calatheas, ferns, or peace lilies, which enjoy consistent moisture.
- Consider Humidity Needs
Some plants prefer more humid environments, while others are quite forgiving. If you live in a drier climate or keep your indoor air conditioning or heating on frequently, pay attention to this factor:
Low-Humidity Plants: Succulents, cacti, and snake plants are ideal for low-humidity environments.
High-Humidity Plants: If you have a humidifier or live in a naturally humid climate, try calatheas, ferns, and peace lilies, which thrive in moist air.
If you love a tropical plant but live in a dry environment, consider adding a small humidifier or placing your plant in a more humid area like the bathroom.
- Think About Size and Growth
Different plants grow at different rates and sizes, so think about how much space you’re willing to dedicate to your new plant:
Small Spaces: If you’re limited on space, consider slow-growing, compact plants like ZZ plants, jade plants, and aloe vera.
Medium Spaces: Plants like philodendrons, pothos, and monstera vines can grow to fit a variety of spaces, often making them perfect for shelves or plant stands.
Large Spaces: If you have room to spare and want to make a statement, choose larger plants like fiddle leaf figs, rubber plants, or bird of paradise. Just be sure you’re prepared for the space they’ll need as they mature.
- Select Based on Care Level
Some plants require regular care and attention, while others are almost indestructible. Be realistic about how much time and attention you want to invest in your plant:
Low-Maintenance Plants: ZZ plants, snake plants, and pothos are all very forgiving and great for beginners.
Moderate-Maintenance Plants: Philodendrons, spider plants, and peace lilies need a bit more attention but are still fairly easy to care for.
High-Maintenance Plants: Fiddle leaf figs, calatheas, and bonsai trees require regular watering, attention to humidity, and frequent leaf-cleaning.
Choosing a plant based on your experience and willingness to maintain it can make the whole process more enjoyable and successful!
- Check for Pet Friendliness
If you have pets, especially cats or dogs that like to nibble on plants, it’s wise to choose non-toxic options. Some popular pet-friendly plants include:
Spider plants
Boston ferns
Parlor palms
Calatheas
Plants like pothos, philodendrons, and sago palms can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s best to avoid these or place them out of reach if you have curious pets.
- Choose Plants That Match Your Style
Plants can be a natural extension of your home decor. Think about how you want your plant to enhance your space. Do you want something modern and sculptural, like a snake plant? Or perhaps you prefer something lush and wild, like a pothos that can cascade from shelves?
Some popular picks based on style include:
Minimalist: Snake plants, monstera, ZZ plants
Bohemian: Pothos, philodendrons, ferns
Classic/Elegant: Orchids, fiddle leaf figs, peace lilies
Your plant should not only thrive but also feel like a natural part of your decor.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small
If you’re new to houseplants, starting small can make the learning process more manageable. You can always expand your collection as you become more comfortable with plant care. Experimenting with a few smaller, easy-to-care-for plants is a great way to build confidence and discover what you enjoy before investing in larger plants.
