The quick answer: Most indoor plants need four things: the right light, careful watering, a pot with drainage holes, and a steady temperature. Match the plant to your light first, and water only when the soil is dry halfway down the pot.
Blooming plants vs. tropical plants: which should I choose?
Blooming plants give a burst of colour for a few weeks to a few months. They're a great gift or a short-term décor piece. They'll usually finish blooming even in low light, but some sunlight helps buds open and keeps flowers vibrant. Popular picks are orchids, kalanchoe, azaleas, hydrangeas and cyclamen.
Tropical plants are the long-term option. Their lush foliage comes in every shape: tall and slender, short and bushy, or trailing from a hanging pot. Good choices include pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants, peace lilies and monsteras.
Either way, start with your light.
How much light does my plant need?
Every plant needs light to grow. Try this quick hand-shadow test at the spot you're planning to use:
| Light level | Warmth on your hand? | Shadow | Good plant matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright / direct | Yes | Sharp, defined | Succulents, cacti, crotons |
| Indirect / partial shade | No | Soft, blurry | Monstera, pothos, orchids, peace lily |
| Low light / full shade | No | Barely any | Snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant |
Winnipeg tip: Winter days here are short, so even a bright window gives much less light from November to February. Move plants closer to windows in winter.
Can plants grow under artificial light? Regular LED or fluorescent bulbs will keep a plant alive but won't help it grow. Full-spectrum grow lights are a great substitute for sunlight.
Not sure what fits your space? Bring your light test results to Bunches and we'll help you choose.
How often should I water my plants?
Check the soil, not the calendar. Push a finger into the soil or use a moisture meter, and test at least halfway down the pot. The surface often looks dry when there's still plenty of moisture below.
- Small pots (4") dry out fast, often in 3–7 days.
- Large pots (10"+) may only need water every 2–4 weeks.
- Summer: water more, since plants are actively growing.
- Winter: cut back a lot, since growth slows.
Signs of overwatering: yellow leaves, mushy stems and soggy soil. Overwatering kills more houseplants than underwatering does. Never let a pot sit in standing water for more than 30 minutes.
Do indoor plants need fertilizer?
Healthy plants don't strictly need it, but a light feed in spring and summer encourages lush growth and blooms. Use less than you think you need, because too much fertilizer can burn the roots. Skip it in winter.
What kind of pot is best?
Always use a pot with drainage holes. Without drainage, water and mineral salts build up and damage the roots. If you love a decorative pot without holes, keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside it.
When and how should I repot a plant?
Most plants like snug roots, so only repot when roots are circling the pot or poking out the bottom.
- Pick a pot only 1–2" wider than the current one.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before.
- Slide out the whole root ball without breaking up the soil.
- Set it in the new pot and fill around the edges with fresh potting mix, pressing lightly.
- Water well.
Best time: spring or early fall. Avoid repotting a plant while it's in bloom.
Why is my plant dropping leaves?
Losing a few leaves now and then is normal, especially for small-leaved plants like ficus. A sudden, heavy leaf drop usually means stress from a move, a draft, overwatering or pests.
Check for pests: Look under leaves and along stems for webbing, sticky residue or tiny insects. Mild infestations usually clear up with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Pruning: Most plants can be trimmed to keep their size and shape. Pruning often encourages fuller growth near the centre.
What temperature do houseplants like?
Most houseplants do best at 18–24°C and hate sudden changes. Keep them away from:
- furnace vents and heaters
- exterior doors (a big one in Edmonton winters)
- cold, frosty windowpanes
- A/C vents
Winnipeg tip: Furnace heat makes indoor air very dry in winter. Tropical plants will appreciate grouping them together or running a humidifier.
FAQ
What's the easiest houseplant for beginners?
Snake plants, ZZ plants and pothos. They tolerate low light and missed waterings.
How do I know if I'm overwatering?
Yellowing leaves, mushy stems and soil that stays wet for days.
What plants do well in low light?
Snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant and pothos.
When is the best time to repot?
Spring or early fall, and never while the plant is blooming.
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