A simple beginner’s guide
Growing house plants isn’t about having “green fingers”. It’s about understanding what plants need and giving them the right conditions. Get the basics right and most house plants will thrive.
What House Plants Need to Grow
All plants need the same four things:
- Light
- Water
- Air
- Food (nutrients)
The trick is getting the balance right. Too much of any one thing usually causes more problems than too little.
1. Light – The Most Important Factor
Light controls how fast a plant grows and how much water it uses.
- Bright light = faster growth and more water use
- Low light = slow growth and less water needed
Most house plants prefer bright, indirect light rather than direct sun.
Sproot Tip
If a plant isn’t growing, flowering, or looks weak, light is usually the problem, not fertiliser.
You can improve the light !
House plant LED lights can help
2. Water – Less Is Usually More
Overwatering is the number one killer of house plants.
- Roots need air as well as water
- Wet compost pushes air out and causes roots to rot
- Most plants prefer compost to dry slightly between watering
How to Water Properly
- Water thoroughly, not little and often
- Let excess water drain away
- Never leave plants standing in water
Sproot Golden Rule
When in doubt, don’t water. Check the roots first. trust your eyes and nose
3. Compost and Drainage
Good compost and drainage keep roots healthy.
- Always use pots with drainage holes
- Use a house plant compost, not multi purpose.
- Perlite is your friend it improves drainage and all composts
- Repot when roots fill the pot or growth slows
Roots that are healthy = plants that grow well.
4. Temperature and Air
Most house plants like the same temperatures we do.
- Ideal range: 18–22°C
- Avoid cold draughts and hot radiators
- Sudden temperature changes stress plants
Humidity matters too. Dry air can cause brown leaf tips.
Easy Humidity Fixes
- Group plants together
- Place plants on pebble trays
- Mist leaves lightly (where suitable)
5. Feeding – Small Amounts, Regularly
House plants grow in a limited amount of compost, so nutrients run out.
- Feed only when plants are growing (spring–summer)
- Use a balanced liquid fertiliser
- Reduce or stop feeding in winter
Sproot Tip
Feeding won’t fix poor light or bad watering.
6. Choosing the Right Plant
The easiest way to succeed is to match the plant to your home.
Beginners should look for:
- Tough foliage plants
- Slow-growing varieties
- Plants that tolerate low light and irregular watering
7. Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Why it causes problems |
|---|---|
| Overwatering | Roots rot |
| Too little light | Weak, leggy growth |
| Overfeeding | Leaf burn, poor roots |
| Constant moving | Plants hate change |
| Ignoring pests | Small problems grow fast |
Final Sproot Advice
House plants don’t need perfection.
They need consistency.
Give them:
- The right light
- Careful watering
- Time to settle
And they will reward you with healthy growth and a greener home.
