How Not To Kill Your Indoor Plants: A Guide

There Is No Magic To Good Plant Care, Just Basic Science And Simple Rules.

- Jen Stearns

THINK ABOUT WHAT a space without plants feels like: clinical, sterile. Now add plants. Homey, right? Warm, designed, cared for. There’s real science behind all those fuzzy feelings; studies show that productivity goes up when there are plants in the office and that tending plants can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

Yet as the owner of the Seattle-based plant store Urban Sprouts, I’ve come across too many people who have an outright fear of plants. “Can’t grow a thing,” they’ll tell me. “I can kill a plant just by looking at it.” Some people consider owning a houseplant akin to owning a dog in terms of responsibility.

I must disagree there, and that’s why I wrote The Inspired Houseplant, a guidebook for even the blackest of thumbs. While it’s true that, like dogs, certain breeds of plants are better suited to certain owners, what I love about plants is that the beauty, joy, and health they bring to us indoors are accessible to everyone. Let’s dive in and turn your space into a gorgeous garden paradise.

Prepare Your Planting Kit

HANDS AND GLOVES: If you want to garden “naked” but keep soil from getting under your nails, run your nails over a bar of soap, as if you’re scratching it, to fill in the space underneath. After planting, wash your hands, and the dirt will come right out. If you’re eager to spare your manicure (or you’re handling cacti), buy a snug pair of gloves that offers dexterity and a solid grip.

SNIPS: Good-quality snips (or clippers) are the only tool you should use for trimming roots and pruning. Their edges are razor-sharp, which spares the plant by making clean, surgical cuts. Wipe them down after use and keep them dry.