How to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Beginners
Let’s be honest: keeping indoor plants alive isn’t always as easy as it looks on Instagram. But the good news? With just a few key habits and a little plant-parent know-how, even the busiest or most forgetful gardener can keep their houseplants thriving.
Whether you’re working with a sun-drenched apartment or a low-light office, this guide will help you understand what your indoor plants really need — and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
🌿 Why Do Indoor Plants Die?
Most houseplants don’t die from neglect — they die from too much love. Overwatering, poor lighting, and the wrong potting mix are the biggest killers. Learning to read your plant’s signs and sticking to the basics is the key to long-term survival.
🪴 1. Choose the Right Plant for the Right Spot
Not all plants thrive in the same conditions. Before you buy, take a good look at the light levels in your space and choose plants accordingly:
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Bright, indirect light: Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Peace Lily
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Low light or shade: ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Pothos, Cast Iron Plant
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Full sun (windowsills or verandas): Jade Plant, Succulents, Rubber Tree
👉 Pro tip: If you need to keep moving a plant to “find a better spot,” it probably wasn’t suited to your home in the first place.
💧 2. Don’t Kill with Kindness — Get Watering Right
Overwatering is the #1 reason indoor plants die. Most indoor plants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings.
Watering Basics:
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Stick your finger 2–3cm into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
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Always use pots with drainage holes.
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Tip out excess water sitting in saucers — soggy roots = root rot.
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Water less in winter when growth slows down.
👉 Pro tip: Snake Plants and ZZ Plants only need water every 2–4 weeks in cooler months.
🌱 3. Use Good Quality Potting Mix
Regular garden soil is too dense for indoor pots. Always use a premium indoor potting mix that offers:
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Drainage
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Aeration
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Moisture retention
For succulents and cacti, choose a free-draining cactus mix. For foliage plants, look for mixes with added perlite or coconut coir.
☀️ 4. Don’t Underestimate Light (Even Low Light Plants Need Some)
Even “low light” plants need some light. A dark hallway or closed-off bathroom won’t cut it unless you’re using grow lights.
Tips for light success:
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Rotate plants every few weeks for even growth.
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Clean leaves occasionally — dust blocks light absorption.
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Watch for leggy stems or pale leaves — these are signs your plant is craving more light.
🧼 5. Keep Your Plants Clean and Pest-Free
Indoor plants can attract pests like fungus gnats, spider mites, or mealybugs — especially in humid rooms.
How to protect them:
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Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks.
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Check under leaves for pests or webbing.
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Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests appear.
👉 Avoid using harsh sprays indoors — they can harm pets, people, and your plants.
🌸 6. Fertilise Lightly (But Not All Year Round)
Plants in pots eventually use up the nutrients in their soil. Feed them during their active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks.
Skip the fertiliser in autumn and winter — plants are resting and don’t need the boost.
🌿 7. Repot Every 1–2 Years
If your plant looks sad despite good care, it may be rootbound (outgrowing its pot).
Signs it’s time to repot:
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Roots coming out of drainage holes
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Water runs straight through without soaking in
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Plant dries out quickly after watering
Repot into a pot just 1–2 sizes larger using fresh potting mix.
✅ Bonus Tips to Keep Your Indoor Plants Alive:
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Group plants together to create humidity and reduce moisture loss
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Use self-watering pots if you're forgetful
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Don’t be afraid to trim dead leaves — it encourages new growth
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Set a fortnightly plant care reminder on your phone
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Start with low-maintenance plants and build your confidence
🪴 Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants for Beginners
If you're new to indoor gardening, these plants are nearly foolproof:
| Plant Name | Light Level | Watering Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Low to bright | Every 2–3 weeks |
| ZZ Plant | Low to moderate | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Peace Lily | Moderate | Weekly (check soil) |
| Pothos | Low to bright | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Monstera deliciosa | Bright indirect | Weekly |
| Cast Iron Plant | Low | Fortnightly |
Final Thoughts
Keeping indoor plants alive doesn’t require a green thumb — just a bit of understanding. Start by choosing the right plants for your space, get your watering under control, and use quality potting mix. With these simple habits, your indoor jungle will not only survive — it’ll thrive.
Need help choosing indoor plants?
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