Any Plant Can Be an Easy Plant

If I had a dollar for every time someone admired my plants and then immediately followed it with “but I kill everything” or “plants just aren’t for me,” I’d be rich.

Here’s the truth: any houseplant can be an easy houseplant—for anyone. I truly believe that. As long as you focus on three simple things:

• The right soil (with a slow-release fertilizer)
• Proper watering in a pot with drainage holes
• Giving the plant generally the type of light it prefers

That’s it. No magic. No green thumb required.

These steps can feel overwhelming at first, but they really are that simple. And as a bonus? Research shows that repotting and working with soil has real mental and physical health benefits—from reduced stress to improved mood—thanks to beneficial soil microorganisms and the calming nature of the activity.

Shopping List

Indoor potting soil

• Orchid bark or cedar wood chips
• Perlite
• Slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote)
• Decorative pot + nursery pot with drainage

1. The right soil (with the right fertilizer)

Where you buy your plant doesn’t matter nearly as much as what it’s planted in.

Most plants—especially those from greenhouses—are grown in plugs or peat moss. Peat moss is great as an additive, but on its own it retains too much moisture and can increase the risk of root rot.

If you’re making your own soil (highly recommended), head to your local nursery and grab:

• Potting soil
• Orchid bark or cedar wood chips (bigger bag, better value)
• Perlite
• Indoor slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote)

Mix:
2 parts potting soil
1 part perlite
1 part bark or wood chips

Mix well, and you’ve got a breathable, forgiving soil your plants will love.

2. Water—always with drainage holes

This is where most plant heartbreak happens.

Your plant typically arrives in a plastic nursery pot (with holes) and is placed inside a decorative pot. Keep it that way. The nursery pot provides essential drainage and airflow.

When watering:

• Remove the nursery pot from the decorative pot
• Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom
• Let excess water drain completely

If you return it to the decorative pot right away, just remember to dump out the excess water after about 30 minutes. Standing water is a fast track to unhappy roots.

3. Light: not too much, not too little

The light listed on the plant tag is the ideal scenario—not a hard rule.

Most houseplants are happiest near a window. A good rule of thumb:

If you stand where your plant will live and can see more sky than trees, you’re doing great.

Don’t overthink it.

If you are still feeling lost or have additional questions, please reach out to us! We are here to help. 

Please stay tuned for more weekly blogs from The Potting Bench