Houseplant Hacks to Keep Your Indoor Plants Happy


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Keeping indoor plants healthy and thriving can be a rewarding challenge. With the right tips and tricks, you can create an environment where your houseplants can flourish. Today, we share innovative hacks that range from simple DIY projects to easy care routines. 

Whether you’re looking to increase light exposure, boost humidity, or manage watering, these expert strategies will help make sure your indoor plants stay vibrant and happy all year round. Let’s explore these houseplant hacks to make your indoor gardening experience enjoyable and successful!

Easy DIY Tips for Happier Houseplants

Here are simple, effective tips to help your houseplants thrive indoors. Whether you’re a beginner or a plant pro, these ideas can help your greenery flourish with minimal fuss.

Create DIY Light Reflectors

Try DIY light-reflector. This is done by creating reflectivity surrounding your plants using things such as aluminum foil or a whiteboard. You stick them on walls, or even to furniture pieces next to your plants to catch some sunlight on them, especially during the winter months when natural light may be few and far between.

It’s particularly handy when you’re gardening indoors with limited access to natural light, as you want your plants to get as much natural light as possible—from all sides, so they’ll grow evenly and not tip toward the light. It’s an inexpensive, quick, easy, and low-cost alternative that doesn’t involve buying expensive grow lights but still helps to give your houseplants better lighting. DIY-ing can be a revolution for apartment or office workers who find managing light conditions difficult.

Gavin Bent

Gavin Bent, Marketing Executive, Ponds By Michael Wheat

Use Humidity Trays

Try using humidity trays. So, rather than misting plants all the time—which occasionally produces mildew—I lay down my plants on trays of pebbles and water. This evaporates over the plants, giving them just the right amount of humidity without watering out the leaves or roots. You can keep tropical plants thriving without a lot of fuss, in dry rooms, and it’s just a nice decorative accent to the room.

Dimitri Zobnin

Dimitri Zobnin, Managing Director, House of Enki

Rotate Plants Regularly

I rotate my indoor plants every couple of weeks to keep them happy. Indoor plants naturally grow towards the light, so if they stay in the same position, they will start to lean or become uneven. Rotating them regularly ensures that all sides get equal light exposure, which helps the plants grow more evenly and stay balanced. This simple habit has made a huge difference, especially with plants like my fiddle-leaf fig, which can become lopsided if left unattended. It’s an easy step that helps promote healthier, fuller growth without much effort.

I also use water-retaining granules in the soil, which has greatly improved moisture retention. These granules absorb excess water and release it slowly over time, helping plants like ferns or peace lilies, which need steady hydration but are easily over-watered. The granules provide a buffer, making it easier to avoid common watering mistakes. This has been very useful on days when I’m busy and might not be able to water the plants as frequently as I’d like. It’s an easy solution to keep the plants happy and well-hydrated without constant monitoring.

Matt Little

Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House

Group Plants for Humidity

Group your plants together. This will increase humidity and reduce water loss. Rotate your plants for even sun exposure. 

Adjust your watering schedule depending on the season. Plants will need more watering in the summer than in the winter. 

Try bottom-watering. Watering from the top can put your plants at risk of rot. Give your plants rainwater. Fresh air and fresh water will do your plants good. 

Keep the foliage clean. Dust the leaves and inspect for pests while cleaning.

Tammy Sons

Tammy Sons, Founder/CEO, TN Nursery

Check Soil Moisture

As an experienced florist with over a decade of experience, I have a few houseplant hacks that can really help keep your indoor plants thriving. First, always check the moisture level before watering. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, use your finger to poke about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water; if it’s still moist, wait a few days. This simple practice prevents overwatering, which is one of the most common mistakes people make and can lead to root-rot. Additionally, I recommend using self-watering pots for plants that tend to dry out quickly. These pots have a reservoir at the bottom that allows plants to absorb water as needed, ensuring they stay hydrated without constant attention.

Another great hack is to rotate your plants regularly. Plants naturally grow towards light, so rotating them every couple of weeks helps them grow evenly and prevents them from becoming lopsided. Additionally, consider using diluted liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season (spring and summer) to give your plants an extra boost. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label! Lastly, keep an eye out for pests by regularly inspecting the leaves and stems. Catching any issues early can save you a lot of trouble down the line. With these tips, you’ll create a happy environment for your indoor plants!

Sophie Marasco

Sophie Marasco, Founder, Thanks A Bunch Florist

Apply Forest-Floor Principle

My best houseplant hack is applying the forest-floor principle to indoor plant care. As an arborist, I’ve observed how fallen leaves create a natural mulch in forests, retaining moisture and slowly releasing nutrients. I replicate this by topping houseplant soil with a layer of shredded bark or leaf litter from outdoor trees. This mimics the plant’s natural habitat, improves water retention, and provides a slow-release fertilizer. For tropical plants like Monsteras or Philodendrons, I use coconut coir mixed with orchid bark to recreate the humid, well-draining conditions of a rainforest floor.

This approach has dramatically reduced my watering frequency and improved plant health, with my indoor Ficus growing 30% faster than with traditional potting soil alone. Additionally, this natural mulch prevents algae growth on the soil surface and deters fungus gnats, common problems in indoor gardening. By bringing a bit of the forest indoors, we can create a more sustainable and low-maintenance environment for our houseplants to thrive.

Ben McInerney

Ben McInerney, Founder, GoTreeQuotes

Match Plants to Light Conditions

To keep your indoor plants thriving, here are my tips:

  • Match plants to the natural light in your space, whether it is low-light corners or bright spots.
  • Water less frequently but deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
  • Mist plants, like ferns, or place them near a humidifier for extra moisture.
  • Turn your plants every few weeks to encourage even growth.
  • Use diluted coffee grounds or banana peels for a nutrient boost without chemicals.

These simple adjustments can make a huge difference in your plants’ health.

Amaury Ponce

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

Use Neem Oil for Pests

One of our favorite houseplant hacks: use neem oil as a natural pest repellent! Just mix a few drops with water and spray it on the leaves to keep bugs like spider mites and aphids away. It’s a gentle, non-toxic solution that’s safe for your plants and your home. Another tip? Make sure to wipe the dust off leaves regularly—clean leaves absorb sunlight better, which means healthier, happier plants!

Faith Rock

Faith Rock, Marketing Specialist, Alta Pest Control

Make Banana Peel Fertilizer

My hack is using banana peels to make a natural fertilizer for my houseplants. It’s not something you hear about, but banana peels are packed with nutrients that plants love, like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Instead of throwing them away, I’ll soak the peels in water for a couple of days and then use that water to feed my plants. It’s an easy, natural way to boost their health, and I’ve noticed stronger, greener leaves as a result.

The reason this works so well is that potassium is essential for overall plant health, helping with root growth and water regulation. Phosphorus promotes flowering and healthy roots, and calcium prevents issues like leaf curl and root rot. Plus, it’s completely organic, so you’re not adding any chemicals to the soil. The banana peel water doesn’t have a strong smell, and I usually give it to my plants about once a month, alternating with regular waterings.

Reilly James

Reilly James, Marketing Manager & eCommerce Optimization Expert, William Morris Wallpaper

Use Native Indoor Plants

I rely on using native plants suited for indoor environments in my own home. We focus on plants native to Georgia that thrive indoors with minimal maintenance, like Chinese evergreen, snake plant, and philodendrons. 

To keep these plants happy indoors, I place them in areas with plenty of natural light from windows, and water only when the top few inches of soil are dry. For our customers, we recommend using a soil mix with perlite to improve drainage and prevent root rot for indoor plants. We’ve found this especially helpful for ficus, ferns, and tropical plants that require more humidity.

I also recommend using self-watering systems or wicks when leaving for vacation. We installed an automated drip line for one customer before their 3-week trip and were able to keep their 50+ houseplants hydrated the entire time. For propagation, we’ve had great success using perlite and vermiculite to root snake plant and pothos cuttings. The key is keeping the cuttings in a warm area with indirect light until new growth appears.

These simple tricks, using the right plants and proper care techniques custom to your local environment, can help turn even the blackest thumbs green and keep houseplants thriving for years. Our company has built a reputation in the Atlanta area for reviving neglected houseplants and educating homeowners on better care practices. The results speak for themselves in our customers’ lush, vibrant indoor jungles.

Lisa Wark

Lisa Wark, Director, Marketing and Operations, Champion Distinctive Landscaping Design and Care

More Gardening Hacks for Keeping Plants Happy

Repurposing old containers to keep plants happy and improve deocor

There are even more expert tips where those came from, and you can try the following in your garden along with the suggestions above:

1. Use Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer

One gardening hack to consider doing more often is composting. Food scraps and old fruits are popular choices, but coffee grounds are great too. Here’s why:

  • Benefit – Coffee grounds add nitrogen, enrich the soil structure, and attract beneficial microorganisms.
  • How to Implement – Mix used coffee grounds into potting soil or sprinkle them on top as a natural mulch.

2. Use Wine Bottles for Slow Watering

  • Benefit – This method provides slow, steady watering, making it ideal if you’re away for a few days.
  • How to Implement – Fill a wine bottle with water, invert it, and insert the neck into the soil to allow water to gradually seep out as needed.

3. Dust Leaves Regularly

  • Benefit – Clean leaves absorb more sunlight, boosting photosynthesis.
  • How to Implement – Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or rinse them under the shower to keep them clean.

4. Propagate Plants

  • Benefit – Propagation helps expand your plant collection and promotes healthy growth in parent plants.
  • How to Implement – Take cuttings from healthy plants and place them in water or soil to root, ideally in spring or summer.

5. Spa Days for Plants

  • Benefit – Regular extra care boosts plant health and leaf vitality.
  • How to Implement – Soak banana peels in water, then use the mixture to mist the leaves and wipe them down. This cleans while adding nutrients.

6. Repurpose Old Items

  • Benefit – Using household items creatively can protect surfaces and improve decor.
  • How to Implement – Place old mouse pads under pots to prevent scratches on furniture.

7. Utilize Cooking Water

  • Benefit – Water used for boiling vegetables or pasta is nutrient-rich and serves as a natural fertilizer.
  • How to Implement – Let cooking water (unsalted) cool and use it to water your plants for an extra nutrient boost.

Discover more about houseplant tips in the following articles:

Fast Growing Trees and Plants

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Written by:

Amy Walsh
Amy Walsh is a passionate indoor gardener, deeply engrossed in the world of houseplants and herbs. Her apartment is a lush sanctuary of foliage, reflecting her journey from hobbyist to devoted botanist. She's constantly exploring the latest in smart garden technology, eager to share her insights on nurturing green spaces indoors. Alongside her botanical pursuits, Amy enjoys connecting with nature and friends, continually enriching her lifestyle with greenery and growth.

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