How to grow healthy houseplants

Houseplants make your home feel more alive and welcoming, says garden writer Larry Hodgson, author of Houseplants for Dummies.

Plants in the house help clean the air, and five to 10 plants grouped together (Larry has about 50 in his office) increase room humidity, especially in winter when the air is very dry.

Hodgson urges beginners to choose plants that are low-maintenance and can tolerate the lower light conditions indoors. These tend to be foliage rather than flowering plants.

Houseplant care basics

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You can place the growing pots inside cache pots (decorative pots designed to hold pots with drainage holes which also catch excess water just as saucers do), but don't let extra water sit in the bottom.

In most cases, a plant can grow in the pot you bought it in for at least a season. Repot when you see circling roots pushing the plant out of its pot or roots coming out of the drainage hole.

Use commercial soil-less houseplant potting mix, and replant into a container that is just slightly larger than the roots.

Potting and soil mix: For proper drainage, always grow indoor plants in either clay or plastic pots with drainage holes.

Houseplants warm up interiors with life

You can place the growing pots inside cache pots (decorative pots designed to hold pots with drainage holes which also catch excess water just as saucers do), but don't let extra water sit in the bottom.

In most cases, a plant can grow in the pot you bought it in for at least a season. Repot when you see circling roots pushing the plant out of its pot or roots coming out of the drainage hole.

Use commercial soil-less houseplant potting mix, and replant into a container that is just slightly larger than the roots.

Light: windows offer different levels of light, south is brightest; north dimmest and curtains and blinds affect light. Flowering plants and those with colored leaves need more light than green-leafed plants. For rooms with very low light levels, consider installing plant lights.

Water: Watering too much is the most common houseplant mistake that beginners make. Before watering, allow plants to get almost dry, but not wilted, then water until water comes out of drainage holes. Test for moisture by sticking finger or moisture meter into soil every five days. If it feels dry or meter registers dry, it's time to water.

Humidity: Put a layer of marbles in bottom of saucers; fill with water and place plant pot on top to capture evaporation. Group plants together. Consider a room humidifier.

Temperature: Daytime temperatures of 64 to 73°F (18 to 23°C) and a little cooler at night are ideal. Avoid placing plants near heating ducts or drafty areas.

Fertilizing: A little feeding goes a long way; avoid feeding during winter when growth slows. Start in February with all-purpose fertilizer at half strength. All-purpose fertilizer has nutrient ratios that are equal, e.g. 15-15-15 or 20-20-20.

Grooming: Wipe dust off leaves to keep clean and able to breathe. Remove dying or dead leaves and finished flowers.

Pests and Diseases: The key is prevention as healthy plants are less susceptible to problems. Examine plants closely when buying, and choose vigorous plants that match your growing conditions and follow care instructions (this information is given for each recommended plant, and should be on the tag when you buy).

Check your indoor plants when watering and look at look at the tops and undersides of leaves. If you see bugs, try washing them away with water and a little dish soap. If that doesn't work, use insecticidal soap or chemical sprays following package directions.

If a plant can't be saved, throw it away and discard the soil, so the problem can't spread to your other plants.

When to move houseplants outdoors in spring

The most important thing is not to take them out too early or too suddenly. Your plants are used to low indoor light conditions and warm temperatures and haven't weathered the real sun and wind for a long time (if ever). Here's what to do to acclimatize them to the outdoors: hardening off tips for houseplants.