Essential Products for Keeping Houseplants Alive!

Mar 7, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Jul 25

Struggling to keep your houseplants alive? You're definitely not the only one. Check out these products that have really helped me step up my plant care game!

Whether you're a rookie plant parent, or you've been trying to master the green thumb for a while, you'll love these plant care must-haves!

3 Easy Tips for Taking Care of Indoor Plants

1. Choose the Right Plants

Popular low maintenance plants if you're just starting out:

Snake Plant
- Snake plants are popular plants for newer plant parents because they are very beginner friendly. They thrive in low light, require less frequent watering because they are drought tolerant, and are resilient to neglect. They are also pest resistant and improve indoor air quality because they filter toxins.
Pothos
- Pothos are generally considered to be easier plants to take care for because of their adaptability and resilience. They can thrive in a variety of different lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect sunlight. They also require minimal watering, and can also tolerate occasional neglect because they prefer to dry out between waterings.
Spider Plant
- Spider plants are known for their resilience and adaptability, which make them a popular choice for new and experienced plant parents. These plants are similar to pothos plants because they both thrive in different types of light from low light to bright indirect sunlight, and need minimal watering. Spider plants are can typically bounce back from periods of drought, making them a great low-maintenance option for anyone who is busy or forgetful.
Aloe Vera
- Aloe vera plants are known for their low maintenance and simple care requirements. They thrive in well-draining soil (cactus oro succulent soil) and only need to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically ends up being every few weeks. Aloe vera plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and thrive with minimal attention.
Various Succulents and other Cacti
- Like aloe vera plants, cacti and succulents are excellent choices for beginner plant parents because of their low maintenance requirements and resilience. These plants are native to dry environments, which means they thrive on minimal watering and can tolerate neglect. They are typically resistant to pests and diseases, which make them an easier option for those new to plant care.
ZZ Plant
- ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are known for their resilience and low maintenance care requirements. They thrive in a variety of different lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight, and are generally pretty drought tolerant. Their thick, waxy leaves help retain moisture, allowing them to survive in dry environments and require less frequent watering, typically every few weeks.

2. Understand Light Requirements

Each plant requires a different amount of light. Make sure to place each plant where it will get enough light. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Most houseplants love bright, indirect light.
Some plants do well in low-light spots.
Give them a spin now and then for even growth.

If your home doesn't have very much bright light, you can always use a grow light to help make sure your plants are getting the light they need.

Grow Light

Plants That Need Bright, Indirect Light

Monstera Deliciosa
Peacock Plant
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Pinstripe Plant
Rubber Plant
Bird of Paradise
Round Leaf Prayer Plant
Jade Plant

Plants That Can Tolerate Low Light

ZZ Plant
Cast Iron Plant
Pothos
Snake Plant
Peace Lily
Philodendron
Chinese Evergreen
Dracaena
Parlor Palm
Spider Plant

3. Intentional Watering

Over and under-watering are rookie mistakes. Keep these tips in mind:

Check if the soil is dry before you water.
Soil Moisture Meter
Water well but let the extra water drain out.
Change up your watering routine based on the season and humidity.

Plants that require less frequent watering

Snake Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-6 weeks, depending on the season and humidity levels. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
  Indicators: Yellowing leaves or mushy roots may indicate overwatering, while shriveled leaves may suggest that the plant is thirsty.
ZZ Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks, ensuring that the soil has dried out completely between waterings.
  Indicators: Leaves start to droop or become soft when the plant needs to be watered, while yellowing leaves typically indicate overwatering.
Aloe Vera
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); reduce to once a month in fall and winter. The soil should be completely dry before the next watering.
  Indicators: Leaves may become wrinkled or shriveled if the plant is under-watered. When the leaves start to yellow, it can indicate overwatering.
Jade Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks, make sure that the soil has dried out completely between waterings.
  Indicators: When the leaves start to wrinkle or shrivel, indicating the plant needs water. Yellowing leaves may indicate that the plant has been overwatered.
Rubber Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  Indicators: Leaves may droop or curl when the plant needs water; yellowing leaves typically means that the plant has been overwatered.
Cast Iron Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks, allowing the soil to completely dry out between waterings.
  Indicators: Leaves may droop when the plant needs water. Yellow, soft leaves or brown or black spots on any leaves typically indicates that the plant has been overwatered.
Cacti/Succulents
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks, depending on the season and climate. In the growing season (spring and summer), they usually require more frequent watering, while in the dormant season (fall and winter), less frequent watering is needed.
  Indicators: Any wrinkling or shriveling, or if the color fades or becomes dull the plant is thirsty. If the plant becomes mushy or is discolored, that could indicate overwatering.

Plants that require more frequent watering

Peace Lily
- Watering Frequency: Once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  Indicators: Drooping leaves indicate that the plant is thirsty, while yellowing leaves can suggest overwatering.
Bird of Paradise
- Watering Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering every 2-3 days in warm months and less frequently in cooler months.
  Indicators: The leaves will start to brown and droop if the plant is under-watered, while yellowing fronds or mushy stems may indicate overwatering.
Peacock Plant
- Watering Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which is typically every 1-2 weeks.
  Indicators: Curling leaves can indicate under-watering, while yellowing leaves typically suggest that the plant has been overwatered.
Spider Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, make sure that the top inch of soil has dried out.
  Indicators: Brown tips on leaves may indicate the plant has been under-watered, while yellowing suggests overwatering.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  Indicators: Leaves may start to droop, curl, or brown when the plant needs water. Yellowing leaves can indicate that the plant has been overwatered.
Spider Plant
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the top inch of soil to dry out.
  Indicators: Brown tips on leaves may indicate under-watering, while yellowing can suggest overwatering.
Round Leaf Prayer Plant & Pinstripe Plant
- Watering Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which is typically every 1-2 weeks.
  Indicators: Leaves will droop if the plant is thirsty, while yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering.
Philodendron
- Watering Frequency: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  Indicators: Drooping leaves can indicate a need for water, while yellowing leaves may suggest overwatering.
Monstera Deliciosa
- Watering Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which is every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
  Indicators: If the leaves start to droop or become crispy, it may be a sign of under-watering. Conversely, if you notice yellowing leaves or mushy stems, these could be indicators of overwatering.

Top 3 Game-Changers for Plant Care

Grow Light
Grow lights give your plants the light they need to thrive, especially if you're growing them indoors or in places that don't get much sunlight. They're a game-changer for keeping your plants looking beautiful and help prevent browning, no matter how much sun you get.
Soil Moisture Meter
A soil moisture meter is a handy tool that tells you how wet or dry your soil is, so you know exactly when to water your plants. It helps you avoid overwatering or under-watering, keeping your plants happy and healthy while saving water. I love this product because it takes a lot of the guess work out of watering.
Water Storing Crystals
These cool little water storing crystals, also known as hydrogel, soak up water and slowly release it to your plants as needed. They're perfect for cutting down on watering chores and keeping your soil just right, especially when it's dry out.