🪴 I'm new to plants: where do I start without making a mistake?
Do you dream of a home that's a little more vibrant, a little greener, a little more... Instagrammable? But every time you adopt a plant, it ends up limp, yellow, or worthy of a post-apocalyptic western? Rest assured: no one is born with a green thumb . And the good news is: it's not inevitable either.
In this article, we'll guide you step by step, without jargon or guilt, as you take your first steps into the world of indoor plants. Spoiler: there will be successes, maybe some lost leaves... but above all, a lot of pleasure in seeing a touch of nature invite itself into your home 🌿
🌱 1. Start with (really) easy-to-live-with plants
You don't start your hike with Everest, do you? It's the same with plants: it's best to start with hardy, forgiving, and undemanding varieties, just to give you confidence.
Top 5 plants that forgive everything (or almost):
- Sansevieria (Mother-in-law's tongue) – It would probably survive the apocalypse. Once a month, a little water, and that's it.
- Zamioculcas – The perfect plant for those who forget they have a plant. Dry soil, low light? It doesn't care.
- Pothos – An ultra-easy, fast-growing vine that can be propagated in a glass of water and looks great hanging from a plant.
- Spathiphyllum – It lets you know when it's thirsty (falling leaves), and it comes back as soon as you rehydrate it. Magical.
- Succulents & small cacti – Ideal for windowsills, as long as you don't overdo them with love (and water).
These plants are your best allies for a stress-free start. They won't judge if you're going away for the weekend, if you've forgotten their name, or if you've moved them three times this week.
🌟 Bonus tip:
Place your first plants in visible places (entrance, kitchen area, office). The more you see them, the more you think about them... and that makes all the difference!
🚫 2. The 5 (very) common mistakes when you start out
We've all been there: full of good intentions, a beautiful, newly adopted plant... and two weeks later, it looks like a salad left in the fridge. Don't panic. Here are the 5 most common (and easy to avoid) mistakes when you're starting out:
1. Too much love... and too much water
💧 Watering is the number one pitfall. Many beginners think that watering often equals taking good care of their plant. Except that roots don't like to be immersed in water constantly. The result: rot, limp leaves, and disaster.
✅ Tip: Touch the soil. If it's still damp deep down, don't water. And always water less rather than too much.
2. Bad light
No, a houseplant won't grow in a windowless room. Even the most tolerant plants need a minimum of natural light.
✅ Place your plants near an indirect light source (not glued to the window either, eh) and observe how they react.
3. The pot without a hole
Yes, pretty ceramic planters are aesthetically pleasing… but without a drainage hole, it's like giving your plant a bathtub.
✅ Always keep the plant in its perforated plastic pot, slipped into the planter. And empty any stagnant water when there is any.
4. Move the plant all the time
Plants don't like frequent moves. Every shift, change in light, or temperature disturbs them.
✅ Once she's okay in one place: don't touch her anymore (except to tell her she's pretty, of course).
5. Putting too much pressure on yourself
Just because a plant loses a leaf doesn't mean it's going to die. It's okay if a plant doesn't survive. The goal is to please you, not to pass a horticulture CAP in three weeks.
💡 The right mindset:
You're going to make mistakes. That's normal. That's how we learn. And if you're really unsure... there are stress-free plants that never wilt (even if you go to Ibiza for 3 weeks).
🎭 3. Do you need a green thumb? Spoiler: no. And if not, there's a plan B 🌿
“You don't have a green thumb.” How many times have we heard it? As if it were a gene, a mystical gift passed down by a botanist great-aunt… Good news: it can be learned . Like making pasta or assembling an IKEA piece of furniture.
But if you don't have the time, the desire, or even a ray of sunshine in your home, there's a simple solution: artificial plants. Yes, the ones we called "kitsch" 15 years ago. Today, they're stunning, hyper-realistic, allergen-free, water-free, and drama-free.
🌱 Who is it perfect for?
- ✔️ Those who travel often (and don't want to ask their neighbor to water a jungle)
- ✔️ Chronic forgetfulness (“Oh, I had a plant there?”)
- ✔️ Dark or very heated interiors (bye-bye burnt or soft leaves)
- ✔️ Those who want green without the stress. And that's totally okay.
➕ Smart tip: Mix real and fake plants. They look the same, and you cut maintenance in half. In decorating, we call this: the magic combo .
In short: having a green thumb isn't a requirement. What matters is that you feel good at home. And if beautiful artificial foliage can do that without the pressure... then it's a win-win 🌿
🌿 Rule #1: Treat yourself, not the green war
You don't have to become an expert at watering everything. What matters is creating a space that reflects you: vibrant, soothing, and why not... a little bit of a cheat (shh 🤫).
Whether you choose a hard-wearing plant or a fake one that's as beautiful as the real thing, one thing is certain: your decor deserves a touch of green .
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