Houseplant care guide
Straight answers for the houseplants people actually own: how much light, when to water, what the yellow leaf means, and whether the cat can chew it.
- Snake plantDracaena trifasciata
- Peace lilySpathiphyllum wallisii
- Moth orchidPhalaenopsis spp.
- Spider plantChlorophytum comosum
- Christmas cactusSchlumbergera × buckleyi
- ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
- Fiddle leaf figFicus lyrata
- Jade plantCrassula ovata
- Rubber plantFicus elastica
- SucculentsEcheveria, Haworthia, Sedum and others
- MonsteraMonstera deliciosa
- PothosEpipremnum aureum
- CalatheaGoeppertia spp.
- String of pearlsCurio rowleyanus
- Heartleaf philodendronPhilodendron hederaceum
- Bird of paradiseStrelitzia nicolai / S. reginae
- Aloe veraAloe vera
My plants: watering log
Add your plants and tap “Watered” each time. Reminders use each plant’s usual interval (growing-season values now). Saved only in this browser.
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Ask about your plant
Questions gardeners ask
How often should I water houseplants?
There is no single schedule: it depends on the plant, pot, light and season. Check the soil with a finger. Most leafy tropicals want water when the top inch or two is dry; succulents, snake plants and ZZ plants when it is dry all the way down. Water less in winter, when growth slows.
What is the most common way houseplants die?
Overwatering. Roots in soil that never dries run out of oxygen and rot, and the plant wilts or yellows as if it were thirsty, which tempts owners to water more.
Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?
Of the plants here, spider plant, moth orchid, calathea and Christmas cactus are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA, as are most Echeveria and Haworthia succulents. Always check the specific plant.