Every plant and greenery has its own personality, and different types prefer different environments to thrive at their best. Take care of your greenery, and it will take care of you. Choosing the right plants can help purify the air, and some common houseplants are known to repel insects. Placing your houseplants in the right spot can also help them thrive, especially during busy periods when you're traveling and can't water them.
Even if you're new to indoor gardening, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of keeping your plants happy and healthy, as well as some houseplant philosophies to help you along the way: Placing your houseplants in the right spot is key to keeping them thriving in your home.
Here's what you need to know about where to (and not to) place your leafy friends. For more, check out 4 easy ways to keep plants alive while traveling, how to grow herbs at home, and tips for using an AeroGarden.
Bright windows and dark corners
Whatever type of plant you're growing, you need to balance the amount of water and sunlight it needs with the plant's needs. That means not all plants like to be in the direct sunlight of a sunny window, and not all can tolerate being in a shady corner. Some plants need water more frequently, while others can handle going without water for long periods of time. (For a deeper, more honest exploration of the science behind this, check out The New Plant Parent, written by engineer Darryl Cheng.) As Cheng writes, when people talk about low-light plants, they're often referring to plants that “starve gracefully.” Less light means less food. Despite this, some plants manage to stay looking good for longer.
When purchasing a new plant, research the environment it prefers, but also be aware that changes may be necessary. Low light plants are appealing to many people who are new to houseplants. They seem less susceptible to dying and don't require a ton of light, but it's important to remember that low light doesn't mean no light at all.
Here are some tips on where to place plants that don't necessarily need to be in the sunniest windowsill.
Where to plant Sansevieria
This Sansevieria is growing in bright, indirect light in my living room.
Erin Carson/CNET
Sansevieria (there are many varieties) is a hardy plant whose leaves grow vertically from the ground. The leaves are somewhat stiff and generally grow slowly, especially in places with low light. This plant never dies. The great thing about Sansevieria is that it can handle a variety of lighting situations, even in direct sunlight. It also prefers dry soil, so it requires less frequent watering. Admittedly, many people who are new to the plant world may struggle with overwatering. Still, it's hard to say that you should water your plant a certain number of times a month. I keep my Sansevieria, which I bought four years ago, a few feet away from a window in a generally bright room, and water it once a week.
Where to plant pothos
There is a jar buried under the vine.
Erin Carson/CNET
Pothos is a classic houseplant. It is a climbing plant, so it can grow long and hang down from the pot if needed. It can also grow in low light, but keep in mind that it will not grow as well in low light. That said, it is best to avoid putting pothos in direct sunlight. Pothos likes moist soil. One way I learned to tell if a pothos is healthy is if the leaves are bouncy and healthy looking.
Where to plant coffee trees
This coffee plant looks healthy after being watered.
Erin Carson/CNET
While I wouldn't call a coffee plant a low-light plant, it doesn't like the harsh sunlight of a windowsill. Bright, indirect light is much better for coffee plants. Keep your coffee plant's soil moist, but don't let it get soggy. One quirk I like about coffee plants is how dramatic they are: Their leaves droop when they need water, but bounce back relatively quickly if you give them a good watering. Ideally, they don't need to droop to let you know they're thirsty, but at least they'll let you know clearly if you've forgotten.
For more plant tips, check out CNET's picks for the best gardening and seed delivery services and how to plant a tree the right way.