Houseplants for Beginners

When it comes to houseplants, people seem to divide into two strict camps — those with green thumbs, and those with green guns. The truth is that keeping houseplants is not a talent but a skill that can be learned. Here are a few tips that can help you muster up the courage to raise a few plants of your own without killing them in the process.

Light

Before you buy your plant, take note of your home. How much light do you have? All plants need sunlight. Too much or too little will disrupt a plant’s ability to thrive.

In the northern hemisphere, plants that need full sun do well at a southern-facing window.

West-facing windows have good sun in the afternoon and evening, but in summer months, that light may be too strong for your plants. To prevent leaves from scorching, consider moving them back a few feet or shift them to a southern window.

East and north windows get more filtered light and are best for low-light plants.