The Ultimate Guide to Basic Houseplant Care
Houseplants bring life, colour, and calm to our homes — but keeping them thriving requires a little knowledge. Whether you’ve just picked up a Monstera deliciosa, a striking Alocasia Frydek, or a beginner-friendly Pothos, this guide will walk you through the essentials of watering, light, soil, and feeding.
Understanding Watering Needs
Watering is where most plant parents slip up. Some plants, like Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum), love consistently moist soil, while others, such as succulents or Cactus mixes, prefer to dry out between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, yellow leaves, and fungal issues — especially with moisture-sensitive plants like Philodendrons and Alocasias. Underwatering, on the other hand, causes drooping, crispy edges, and leaf loss.
A good rule of thumb: check the top 2–3cm of soil. If it feels dry, it’s safe to water. Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Providing the Right Light
Different houseplants have very different light requirements:
Monstera deliciosa and Philodendron melanochrysum thrive in bright, indirect light.
Alocasia Black Velvet or Anthurium Veitchii prefer dappled light, mimicking their rainforest habitat.
Snake Plants and ZZ plants tolerate lower-light corners, making them perfect for offices.
Rotate your plants every couple of weeks so all sides receive light evenly. If you don’t get much natural sunlight, consider using grow lights — especially helpful for Alocasias and rare Philodendrons in winter.
Choosing the Right Soil
Soil is the foundation of healthy growth. A basic houseplant potting mix works for most, but specialist plants often need their own blend:
Monstera & Philodendrons thrive in airy, chunky mixes with perlite, bark, and coco coir.
Alocasias love a moisture-retentive but well-draining soil.
Cacti & Succulents require a gritty, fast-draining mix.
Orchids do best in bark-heavy blends to mimic tree canopies.
Using premium soils like Soil Ninja mixes ensures roots get the right balance of air, moisture, and nutrients.
Feeding Your Plants
Water alone isn’t enough — plants need food. Fertilising during the growing season (spring and summer) helps boost lush growth, stronger roots, and bigger leaves.
Use Liquid Gold Leaf fertiliser for a complete feed that also removes harmful chloride from tap water.
For flowering plants like Anthuriums and Orchids, a bloom-focused fertiliser will encourage more flowers.
Rotate feeds — for example, pairing Nurture No.1 with your leafy aroids can give outstanding results.
Feed less in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.
Did You Know?
Monstera leaves develop splits (“fenestrations”) as they mature to let light through in jungles.
Alocasia varieties often go dormant in winter — don’t panic if they drop leaves, they’ll bounce back.
Philodendrons like El Choco Red were once extremely rare, but are now becoming more accessible for collectors.
Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum) is one of the easiest plants for beginners — nearly impossible to kill!
Final Thoughts
Caring for houseplants doesn’t need to be complicated. By understanding your plant’s watering, light, soil, and feeding needs, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving indoor jungle. Whether it’s a Monstera Thai Constellation, a velvety Alocasia Melo, or a show-stopping Philodendron Gloriosum, the secret is consistency and observation.
At Hector’s Plant Haven, we stock not only the plants but also the soils, fertilisers, and accessories you need for success. With the right care, your houseplants will reward you with years of healthy growth and beauty.