Tips for Taking Care of Plants

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Sansevieria plants prefer warm conditions and do well in typical indoor temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). They are not frost-tolerant, so it’s important to keep them away from drafty windows in the winter. Overwatering is the most common issue faced by Sansevieria owners. These plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. In the winter, reduce the frequency even more, as the plant goes into a dormant state. 

In general, most Dracaena species grow best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, whether growing indoors or outside. There are exceptions to this range; some can tolerate temperatures as high as 90°F if they are grown in a shady location and as low as 50°F when located in a sheltered area. Dracaena plants prefer humidity at 60 percent, although they tolerate average indoor humidity.Dracaena requires well-draining soil. Let the soil dry to the touch between waterings. Be careful not to let the soil completely dry out, or the leaves will begin to turn brown, especially at the tips.

Normal home temperatures are good—about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime and above 60 degrees at night. Moth orchids should not be kept at temperatures above 85 degrees or below 55 degrees.The planting material must be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, but should not be left dry for extended periods of time.This could be once or twice a week for an orchid planted in bark, and less frequently for an orchid planted in moss. Never leave orchid roots in standing water.

Give your Christmas cactus bright but indirect light. Keep the plant in a well-lit location (like near a window) away from direct sunlight–too much heat and light can stunt growth and burn the leaves. Move an indoor plant outdoors in summer to a shady location. It is best to keep your cactus in a normal house temperature range, about 65 to 75°F (18 to 20°C). Here are some instructions to take care of the cactus.

1. Dry climate, outdoors: Water every 2-3 days when warm and sunny.

2. Humid, cool or indoors: Water every week.

3. During the fall and winter months, the plants should be watered less frequently in order to promote blooming.

Put your money tree somewhere it will get bright, indirect light. Pick a location where your money tree will get plenty of light without the sun shining right on it all day. Keep your money tree away from windows if they’re lit up with sunlight every day. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves on your money tree. Keep your money tree in an area that’ll stay 65–80 °F (18–27 °C). Add water to the soil when the top 1 in (2.5 cm) is dry. Your lucky money tree isn’t going to be super thirsty so long as there’s some humidity. Don't water your money tree when the soil is still damp or you could overwater it and cause root rot. To check if the soil is dry enough, gently touch the topsoil with your finger. If it’s bone dry, it’s time water your money tree.

Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can also endure low-light conditions for extended periods. To maintain optimal humidity, mist the leaves fairly often. Water the plant once the soil has fully dried (in well-draining potting soil). One of the most common problems faced by Pothos plants is root rot, often caused by overwatering. Ensuring proper drainage and allowing the soil to dry between waterings can prevent this issue.

(Warning: For pet owners with cats and dogs, it is important to know that pothos plants are poisonous. They contain calcium oxalates which can cause burning of the mouth, tongue and lips if eaten or even just sniffed by your pets. )

While succulents can also be placed outdoors during the growing season, keep them indoors in a bright, sunny location, like a south-facing or west-facing window. Most succulents thrive if the relative humidity of the house is between 10 and 30 percent. Keep succulents away from drafty locations. Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering succulents. Allow water to drain out, then discard the excess water. If you water succulents too much, the stems and roots may rot and the leaves will drop. Succulent leaves will wilt if you haven’t watered enough. Avoid watering in frequent, small amounts. This can affect growth by making plants sickly and by causing roots to become weak and shallow. Also, be careful not to water too much during winter, which is the dormant period for succulents.

Monsteras can survive in low light, but they’ll grow much better and develop large, robust leaves in bright, indirect sunlight. Place a few feet away from south-, west-, or east-facing windows. Monstera plants don’t like to be too wet or too dry, so go somewhere in between. Keep an eye on the soil and water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil gets dry. Don’t soak the soil, and don’t get the leaves wet. They don’t need a lot of water. It’s also very important to keep monstera’s leaves clean and pores clear so the plant can carry out photosynthesis unimpeded. Every week or so, use a clean, damp cloth to gently clean any dust off the leaves. 

Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. They can tolerate lower light conditions, but their growth may slow down. Allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out before watering. Water thoroughly, ensuring water drains from the bottom of the pot, since overwatering can lead to root rot. Spider plants appreciate higher humidity, but they can adapt to typical indoor humidity levels. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, it could be a sign that the air is too dry.  Spider plants prefer average room temperatures 15-24°C. They can handle slightly cooler temperatures at night. Try to not let them get too cold during winter. Finally, during the growing season (spring and summer), feed your spider plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.

Aloe Vera needs bright, natural light in order to thrive. Outdoors, aim for up to six hours of full sun, with a small shade reprieve in the afternoon. When grown inside, aloe should be placed in a window with bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can burn its tender skin, yet lack of light will cause the plant to grow leggy and weaken its leaves, causing them to crease. Aloe prefers to be watered regularly, as long as the soil dries out completely in between waterings. If the soil remains dry for long periods of time, the leaves will shrivel and pucker slightly. Aim for a temperature between 55°F and 85°F and don't leave your container plant outdoors if nights are forecasted to dip below 40°F.

These are considered low-light plants, but that doesn't mean "no-light." Parlor palms will grow best in bright, filtered sunlight. They often do well with light from a north-facing window. The parlor palm prefers room temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. It can tolerate a low of 50 degrees. Like many palms, parlor palms are sensitive to overwatering and cannot tolerate being waterlogged or sitting in a saturated potting mix. Ideally, keep moisture at an even level. Water on the side of slightly too dry to prevent overwatering. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Yellow fronds will indicate the plant needs more water.

Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, offering gentle morning sun without the harsh afternoon rays. Peace lilies thrive in warm, humid environments, mimicking their tropical origins. Aim for temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C — 27°C).One of the trickiest aspects of peace lily care is mastering the watering schedule. The key lies in finding the balance between moist and soggy soil. Aim to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common culprit for droopy leaves and yellowing foliage. If in doubt, underwater rather than overwater. Your peace lily will perk up after a good drink, but soggy roots can lead to rot.