You don’t need to monitor your houseplants for hours to get healthy plants. In fact, if you spend just minutes a day, you can ensure that your plants are happy (and healthy). 

Plus, a little quality time with your indoor plants will help you, too. Promise.

Here are 6 tips that will take just minutes a day. 

1. Choose plants that fit your lifestyle

It’s time to do a self assessment. Are you away from home a lot? Are you forgetful? If so, it’s best to focus on easy-care, low-maintenance houseplants. Here’s a list.

2. Monitor soil moisture

Stick your finger into the top inch of soil to feel if the soil is drying out. If it’s dry, water your plant. It's that simple. Learn more about watering.

3. Look for signs of trouble

Yellow leaves, dropping leaves, wilting leaves: these are all the ways your plant says “Help!” Learn to notice the warning signs of distress long before they take down your plant. Here are some reasons leaves turn yellow.

4. Notice if your plant is leaning

If a plant isn’t getting enough light, it will actually try to move closer to the light. This amazing phenomenon is called phototropism. If your plant needs more light, move it to a brighter location. Learn more about figuring out the light needs for your plants.

5. Clean your plant’s leaves

How often do you dust your home? Add your plants to the list of surfaces that get a wipe down. Large-leafed plants, such as monstera, fiddleleaf fig, and snake plants look healthier (and can photosynthesize better) when their leaves are clean. Here's more on cleaning houseplant leaves.

6. Evaluate if ready for repotting

After you’ve had your plant for a year, check the bottom of the pot to see if the roots are beginning to grow out of the drainage holes. If so, it might be time to repot to a slightly larger container. See how to repot a plant.

Written by Karen Weir-Jimerson