Call me your run-of-the-mill millennial, but I love urban spaces dripping with greenery—apartments, atriums, nightclubs, salons, coffee shops, IDGAF. In part because it looks cool, but also, there’s nothing like the feeling of being enveloped in nature in the middle of a city. Beyond the visual impact, there’s a tangibly atmospheric quality about a shit-ton of well-placed healthy indoor plants, like a primordial invitation for peace and respite amid modernity’s ubiquitous grays and relentless hustle.

Indoor plants are finicky, temperamental creatures, particularly those living in cramped apartments with spotty sunlight. The slightest adjustment of a happy fern or thriving aloe could result in sudden hell to pay for the next six months. Yellowing, browning, drooping, shedding, shriveling, rotting—the possibilities are endless. I for one used to have the worst luck with plants. Not so extreme that they all died under my care, but certainly none of them flourished for long under it. When they did well, I had no idea why. When they weren’t doing well, also no idea why. My plants suffered me.

But then the pandemic happened. And since there was nothing better to do, I started paying very, very close attention to the various attitudes and qualities of each of my plants. My destitute gardening skills suddenly beamed green, and to this day, plants now flourish under my care. How did it happen? Like I said, I paid close attention—neurotic observation, touch, trial and error. It goes without saying that I’m not an actual expert, merely a plant mother wishing to share her tried and true, potentially useful (?), indoor plant care tips. Allons-y!

New monstera leaf unfurling, 📸 January 2025

Use the correct amount of soil

Critical to: your plant thriving. Honestly, none of the tips that follow matter if you don’t use the proper amount of soil for your plant.

There should only be a few inches of soil between the roots and the bottom of the planter. This ensures the roots have space to grow and they’re growing proportional to the surrounding soil. If there’s too much soil beneath the roots, that soil never dries. Waterlogged soil prevents oxygen absorption. The roots must be able to to soak up all available water otherwise they will decay.
A plant can survive in a planter that’s too large for it, though (c'est possible!). You’ll just need to ensure that 1) it’s getting enough sunlight, and 2) it’s not sitting on top of more soil that necessary. If you’d like the plant to be propped up higher in the planter (so it looks better or so more sunlight can reach it), use a base layer of charcoal (throw in some clay pebbles for good measure) for drainage before adding soil.

For god’s sake use a moisture meter

Critical to: understanding if and when your plant needs water.

Your finger is insufficient compared to a moisture meter. I am 10000% sure of this.
Do yourself and your beloved plants a favor and stop sticking your hands in their dirt. Invest in a moisture meter, start using it asap.
Always dry the tip the moisture meter with a clean paper towel when done and store in a dry space. Never leave the moisture meter in soil—that fucks it up and it will give you very inaccurate readings and eventually kill your plants.

Wipe leaves with a wet paper towel

Critical to: your plant properly photosynthesizing.

Clean your leaves! Dust can induce plant stress and degrade leaf chlorophyll. So be that person and gently wipe down any and all plant leaves with a soft wet cloth or paper towel from time to time (use a spray bottles on ferns). I guarantee you’ll notice a difference.
Special note that I acquired this tip from a DJ during the pandemic. I have solely her to thank as the catalyst of my green thumb journey <3.

Pay attention to leaf color

Critical to: understanding if and when your plant needs water, if it’s been under-watered or over-watered.

If a leaf or two turns yellow, stop watering. Buy a moisture meter. Only 1) when the moisture meter tells you the soil is completely dry, and 2) once the leaves have started to show the slightest signs of drooping or change in texture, then water it fully.
If multiple leaves turn yellow in a short period of time, the roots need to dry out. Remove the plant from its planter, carefully shake off the soil, and let the roots hang out in the fresh air for a day. Return the plant to its planter with fresh soil. Wait another day before partially watering it. When the soil is completely dry again, water it fully.
If a leaf or two turns brown, your plant is thirsty. Water it fully. PROTIP: There could be a situation where your plant is thirsty, but the moisture meter is telling you otherwise—this is likely because there’s too much soil between the roots and the bottom of the planter and the soil is waterlogged.
If multiple leaves fade in color (resulting a less saturated green, not yellow), water immediately. Your plant is thirsty and might not be getting enough sunlight.
If multiple leaves turn brown in a short period of time, godspeed, friend. Like I said, I’m not an expert, just a plant mom.

Pay attention to leaf texture

Critical to: understanding if and when your plant needs water, if it’s been under-watered or over-watered.

If leaves begin to wilt, first use your moisture meter to understand what’s going on with the soil. If the soil is still very wet, leave it. If the soil is dry, water it fully. If it’s between the two, water it fully. Wait for the soil to dry completely between waterings.
For snake plants specifically, if leaves are curling, your plant isn’t getting enough water. Water it!
For aloe plants specifically, if leaves are concave, your plant isn’t getting enough water. Indoor aloes need a ton of sunshine and should always be watered as soon as the soil is dry.
For aloe plants specifically, if leaves are drooping, either your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight or you’re overwatering it. If it’s already in a sunny place, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering it.

Pay attention to leaf droplets