Choosing Your Houseplants

Gardening is about learning what you can handle and developing your skills. When choosing your first houseplant, start with low maintenance and forgiveness as you develop your indoor gardening skills. I tell budding plant enthusiasts to put down a tough plant and pick up what I call an 'ice breaker'. This will allow them to comfortably learn how to care for an indoor plant. From there, they can slowly build their collection.

new to the world of houseplants

If you're new to the world of houseplants, it's important to choose the right first plant for you. Peace lilies (Spadiphyllum), devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum), cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas) and fruit salad plant (Monstera deliciosa) are some of the best ice plants. These are all hardy varieties and will allow you to see and feel how they react to light, water and nutrients. Think of them as your training wheels. Once they help you understand the basics, you'll be ready for more difficult plants.

If you are new to gardening, start with one or two plants. A common mistake new plant enthusiasts make is buying plants for their entire home at once. It doesn't give you time to establish the skills needed for indoor gardening. Instead, start with one or two plants and use them to develop your skills. As they thrive and you find what works, keep adding to your collection.

Select a plant from a nursery

Select a plant from a nursery, make sure it is healthy, and check for pests and diseases. Look for wilted leaves or leaves with holes. Check under the leaves, branches and trunks for any insects attached to the plant. Press the pot to confirm that the root system is installed. When pressed, the pot should be firm and the soil intact. While holding the pot in your hand, you can gently pull the trunk up from the soil to ensure root system.

Always consider when is the right time to buy a particular houseplant and don't buy tropical plants in winter as they suffer from shock when exposed to cold temperatures. Similarly, if the temperature is high, be aware of the heat when transporting the plants. Always remember that plants need acclimatization, so when you move them home, protect them from harsh light and strong drafts.

A great way to start your gardening journey is to exchange cuttings with other gardeners. This is an inexpensive way to get acquainted with different types of plants.

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