Light Requirements
| Light Level | Description | Example Plants |
|---|
| Bright direct | Sunlight directly hits leaves — south/west windows | Cacti, succulents, fiddle leaf fig |
| Bright indirect | Near window but no direct rays — east window or few feet from south | Monstera, pothos, philodendron |
| Low light | North window or interior rooms — can read a book without lights on | Snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily |
Watering Guide
| Plant Type | Watering Rule |
|---|
| Succulents/Cacti | Let soil dry COMPLETELY between watering — every 2-4 weeks |
| Tropical (Monstera, Pothos) | Water when top 1-2 inches are dry — usually weekly |
| Ferns/Calathea | Keep soil consistently moist — never let dry out completely |
Best Beginner Plants
| Plant | Why It's Easy |
|---|
| Snake Plant | Thrives on neglect — low light, infrequent water, nearly unkillable |
| Pothos | Grows in water or soil, tolerates low light, dramatic vines |
| ZZ Plant | Survives months without water, any light condition |
Common Problems
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering — #1 plant killer. Check soil moisture before watering. |
| Brown leaf tips | Low humidity or over-fertilizing |
| Drooping | Underwatering OR overwatering — check soil to determine which |
Pro Tip: Overwatering kills more houseplants than anything else. When in doubt, DON'T water. A thirsty plant droops dramatically (and recovers in hours); a drowned plant rots silently and dies permanently. The finger test is free: stick it in the soil. If damp, skip watering.