Tips and tricks for indoor plant care

Spider plants are among the most popular types of house plants because of how easy they are to maintain. They produce thin, arched leaves and get their name from the spider-like plantlet offshoots that hang off the mother plant from dangling stems. Spider plants do very well at typical indoor temperatures.

It is best to keep spider plants in moderate indirect light as the leaves can burn when exposed to direct sun. The soil should be kept moist and watered as-needed with purified or distilled water at room temperature. During the spring and summer, you can apply fertilizer once or twice a month.

Spider plants prefer a humid environment, so consider placing a humidifier in the same room if you live in a drier climate.

Snake plants are a top choice for making a style statement. A species of flowering plants, they feature striped and spiky upright leaves that create a striking silhouette. They are very forgiving and easy to care for.

Snake plants prefer bright but indirect light, though they can tolerate low-light areas and some direct sunlight as well. They do not require frequent watering and, in fact, overwatering can be a problem. It is best to allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Light fertilization during the growing season will also keep the plant healthy.

The large leaves of a snake plant can easily collect dust and should be wiped down as needed with a soft, damp cloth.

Sometimes known as the "Swiss cheese plant," the Monstera plant is characterized by large green leaves that are full of holes when mature. This striking plant will lend your home a tropical vibe. It requires a bit of extra care but is overall easy to maintain.

Monstera plants develop larger and more robust leaves when they receive ample indirect sunlight. The soil should be kept moist but not too soggy, so water when the top one to two inches feel dry. You can add some fertilizer in the spring and summer, but stick to plain water in the winter.

Monstera plants love humidity and will do well with a humidifier set up nearby. For healthy growth, make sure you clean the leaves about once a week with a soft and damp cloth.

Orchids are an enduring favourite for indoor planting as they are long-lived and long-blooming when properly taken care of. This large and diverse family of flowering plants grows stunning, colourful flowers that give off a pleasant fragrance.

For the desirable flowers to bloom, orchids require sufficiently bright and indirect light. Correct watering is also important, as they are easily overwatered. Orchids should be watered when the potting mix is dry, about once or twice a week at most. Water the mix until it is completely saturated. You can also add fertilizer every two weeks during the spring and summer and about once a month in the fall and winter.

Orchids thrive with good ventilation, as it helps to evaporate stagnant water. You can create a gentle breeze by opening windows or using an oscillating fan.

The fiddle leaf fig is a popular house plant named for its shiny, fiddle-shaped leaves and intricate veins. It is a floor plant that can grow up to two feet every year, easily reaching indoor heights of six feet. Caring for a fiddle leaf fig can be a bit of a learning curve, but you will quickly get the hang of it.

Fiddle leaf figs prefer abundant indirect sunlight and do best near sunny windows. They should also be rotated every couple of months as they may start bending towards the light. Water your plant thoroughly with room temperature water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize about once a month during the spring and summer. The warmer and more humid you can make the surrounding environment, the better.

Note that fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to drafts and will also need to be wiped down from time to time to keep the leaves free of dust. They should be inaccessible to children and pets as well.

Croton plants make a very decorative addition to the home because of their bright, vibrant, and variegated foliage. They are easy to grow and require only basic care and maintenance.

For healthy and colourful foliage, you will want to place your croton plant near a window that receives several hours of sunlight. Croton plants also like humidity, which you can help maintain by misting the leaves every couple of days. The soil needs to be kept moist but the top half-inch should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Help the plant grow its beautiful leaves by fertilizing about once a month during the warm seasons.

The leaves of a croton plant can collect dust over time and will need to be regularly wiped. The plant should also be kept away from drafts and from curious children and pets.