Expert Advice: Best Practices for Houseplants

Photography by Jonathan Hökklo, courtesy of Lauren Snyder and Keith Burns.

Many of us are trying to make smarter, more eco-friendly choices when it comes to our food, health, wealth, and the earth. It’s time to do the same on the houseplant front. Here are 7 tips:

Photograph by Justine Hand

Photograph by Emily Johnston

Consider scouring thrift stores, swap meets, and garage sales to find the perfect secondhand pot.

1. Buy secondhand pots.

2. Rehabilitate sad plants.

Photograph by Mimi Giboin

Have the patience to tend to your ailing plant (instead of tossing it into the trash).

3. Shop locally.

Photograph courtesy of SANSO

We get it. Big-box retailers have more competitive prices. But if you can afford it, try not to trade low prices and convenience for quality and sustainability.

4. Reuse water.

Photograph by Nicholas Worley

Even if you don’t live in an area battling drought conditions, it’s earth-wise to reuse some of your home’s greywater (used water from sinks, tubs, and washing machines) to hydrate houseplants.

5. Feed them naturally.

Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista

Avoid heavily synthetic fertilizers and the un-recyclable plastic containers they come in. Instead, consider adding natural ingredients you may already have on hand—eggshells, Epsom salt, coffee grounds—to inject some nutrients into the soil.

6. Smaller is better.

Photograph courtesy of PLNTS

When you choose a smaller-sized plant, you’re also choosing less packaging and, in general, a smaller carbon footprint.

7. Resist buying one-and-dones.

Photograph by Justine Hand

Avoid novelty houseplants like poinsettias, sprayed cacti, and Hoya hearts, all of which “are designed to die.” 

For more garden inspiration, visit us at Gardenista: Garden Design 101

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Photography by Jonathan Hökklo, courtesy of Lauren Snyder and Keith Burns.