Following some fundamental guidelines, plant care is really quite simple. With plants as with many  things, prevention is easier than cure.

The most common cause of house plant demise is killing with kindness. Essentially, providing the environment that matches conditions preferred by a specific plant is the key to keeping it looking tip-top. With some specific practices, plants can be maintained with minimal care. Here are the basics:

1. Learn the particular likes and dislikes of each type of plant you have or plan to purchase.
2. Locate the plant in the area that gives it favorable lighting.
3. Position plants out of the direct path of the air flow of heating or air conditioning vents. These vents are frequently located above or below windows, the same place your plant wants to live. Use inexpensive deflectors to direct air flow away from the plant.
4. For most plants, water when the surface of the soil starts to dry. This is typically once per week, but depends on the specific plant, how pot bound it is, and the temperature and dryness of the air. The infamous “not too wet, not to dry” is probably the most significant care skill to master. Water thoroughly so that it flows through the entire pot and out the bottom. What happens to that water…
5. Use deep, watertight saucers filled to the top with stone pebbles underneath the plant. The stone elevates the plant and allows the excess water to collect in the saucer without the plant sitting in water. This prevents root damage from the soil staying too wet- the single most common cause of plant death. If you’re using a basket or other container where the saucer is not visible, remove the plant frequently to monitor the water collecting in the saucer. Overflow can cause damage to your furniture, carpet or floor.
6. Re-pot and size up only when needed. Houseplants want to be relatively pot bound, but not so much that they dry out frequently (see post 3 for detailed re-potting primer.)
7. Use a premium soil-less potting mixture that is loose and friable. My favorite is called “ProMix” and I use it for most houseplants. I add some bone meal and “Rich Earth” to promote strong root growth. Particular plants such as orchids, prefer specific soil mixes.
8. Fertilize healthy plants in the warm season except as particular plants like it. Orchids, for instance, are heavy feeders. If using an inorganic fertilizer, i.e. anything “blue,” the soil should be moist prior to feeding to prevent root burn.
9. Move plants outside to a shady location during the summer. Your house may look a little bare, but they will reward you with renewed vigor. Check often and water frequently during the summer growing season.
10. Prune for vigor and health.

Enjoy your plants!

See “Green” Your Interior With Plants… part 3 for a re-potting primer.

Related posts:

“GREEN” YOUR INTERIOR WITH PLANTS… part 1 “GREEN” YOUR INTERIORS WITH PLANTS… part 4 Bring ’em inside! “GREEN” YOUR INTERIOR WITH PLANTS… part 3- Repotting Tips & Tricks