If you’re ready to bring some life and energy into your home, try adding a few indoor plants. But first, you need to know how to take care of your plant so it will thrive.

Houseplants need a wide range of conditions to grow healthy. These include water, light, temperature and humidity. Keeping these tips in mind will help you grow beautiful, healthy plants that you’ll love for years to come.

Watering

Watering is probably the most important part of plant care. Too much or too little can be disastrous for your plants, leading to root rot, yellowing leaves or even fungus gnat invasions.

Some plants need consistent moistness, while others thrive in drier conditions. It’s a good idea to learn your plants’ language and adjust accordingly.

For example, succulents need dry soil between waterings. They’re also prone to rotting if overwatered, so figuring out their exact needs can help you avoid this problem.

To check the moisture level, stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix and feel whether it’s wet or dry. You can also lift your plant up and feel how heavy it feels after a watering.

Getting it right can be a bit of trial and error, but you’ll get the hang of it with practice. You can even use a moisture meter to save yourself the guesswork. It’s also a great idea to make a habit of checking your plants at least once a week.

Light

If you want your indoor plants to thrive, it’s vital that you know their light requirements. Plants use sunlight to get their energy for growth and reproduction, so they’ll suffer if they don’t receive the correct amount of light.

Different types of plants require different lighting conditions based on their natural habitat. For example, cacti and succulents are sun-loving species, while tropical plants like ferns and bird of paradise prefer indirect light.

The light that your plant receives depends on the window size, the direction the window faces and any shade-giving trees or buildings. It can range from bright, direct light to low light and filtered.

A common way to measure the intensity of light is with a light meter. You can buy a meter that reads in foot-candles (the brightness of one candle on an area of one square foot at a distance of a foot away), which is a good starting point for measuring your indoor light.

Temperature

Temperature is an important factor in the overall success of your indoor plants. It determines if your plant is getting the water, light and humidity it needs to flourish and thrive.

The temperature in your grow room will influence the photosynthesis process which is vital to a plant’s growth and development. A plant requires three things for photosynthesis: water, carbon dioxide and light.

Ideally, the ideal temperature for your plant is 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night.

If your plant is not happy with the temperature in your grow room it can suffer from issues such as stress, leaf drop and a reduction in flowering.

Tender perennials like Hibiscus, Impatiens and Coleus should never be exposed to temperatures that are below 60-65 degrees. Some houseplants can tolerate a short period of cold but for most, it’s best to avoid the possibility of long-term exposure to these low temperatures.

Humidity

Humidity is important for the health of all indoor plants. Having low or high humidity can stunt plant growth, leading to drooping, browning, and withered leaves.

The humidity in a room is measured using the so-called relative humidity, which is the ratio of water vapor to air particles at a specific temperature. The higher the relative humidity, the more water vapor there is in the air.

There are many ways to increase the humidity in a room, which can benefit your plants as well!

During the day, place your plants near a source of moisture such as a sink or bathtub. The dripping water will transfer moisture to the air, increasing the humidity level in the room.

Another popular way to increase humidity is to mist your plants, which can be done several times a day. You should only use filtered water, which will remove any chemicals from the tap water that could harm your plants.