Episode 161: Houseplant Care

A houseplant can be defined as a plant that is grown indoors, typically in some kind of a container. Many houseplants are those that are adaptable to the lower light levels usually found indoors. But all plants, including houseplants, require water, light and food. The trick to success with houseplants is to find the right plant for the conditions within your home and practice moderation in taking care of it.

Water is a key to success, but overwatering is often the cause of houseplants that fail to thrive. Wait until the soil is dry to the touch to water them, as most don't like 'wet feet' if the soil is too moist.

Light is another key ingredient. Many plants do best in a window with a southern exposure that maximizes the available light. But others don't like direct sunlight and may prefer a well lit room with filtered light (e.g. through a curtain) or a light from a bulb. Plants that don't get the light they need may not flourish.

Soil is the third key ingredient. The best soil depends on the plant species, so read the labels carefully or do some research to determine the best growing medium.

If you successfully nurture houseplants through the winter, you might be able to move them outdoors for the summer. This helps to build roots and foliage, but be careful when and how you do this. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants.

Listen to Master Gardener Volunteer Kristin Swanson in a general discussion about houseplants on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. In addition to talking about basic year-round care, she'll cover considerations when bringing houseplants outdoors in the spring and back indoors in the fall. If you care for your houseplants indoors the same way you care for them in the garden, you will maximize your enjoyment of these plants. Just remember they’re living things, so take care of them the best you can.

Unfortunately, Kristin left this world at the end of December 2024, so we pulled this interview from our radio archives from the fall of 2019 when Digging In with Master Gardeners was a radio show on WGXC 90.7 FM. With the permission of the radio station, we've edited the interview to fit our podcast format and are presenting it again for your listening pleasure.

In addition to being a Master Gardener Volunteer, Kristin was a nurse, an educator, a musician (playing the bagpipes and the flute), a volunteer at the New York State Museum and at the Clermont Historic As a dedicated nurse, she was compassionate and always saw the patient as a person first, and strove to recognize their true needs. Drawn to nature, she loved to hike and became a Master Forest Owner volunteer helping others appreciate the natural landscape.She was proud of her military service and passionate about her cats, her ferns, and learning new things. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, sense of humor, intelligence, enthusiasm, sage-like wisdom, strong convictions, and insight. As a Master Gardener, she touched our lives and for that we are forever grateful.

Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden

Guest: Kristin Swanson

Photo by: Jean Thomas

Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, 

Resources

• Houseplants | The Spruce
• Caring for Houseplants | Penn State Extension
• Houseplants | Nature Calls Episode 56
• Digging in with the Master Gardeners

Last updated February 20, 2025