7 Ideas to Help You Become a Plant Person

Whether you’re using plants to decorate or want the challenge of a new hobby, growing plants is a great way to enhance your life, according to Patrick Torbey, founder of Neoplants. “Studies show that being around plants can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even cognition.”

So what do you do if you don’t have a green thumb, or don’t consider yourself a plant person? Start by simply trying, Torbey suggests. “If you’re not a plant person right now, think of it this way: introducing a plant into your home or office can be one small, meaningful step toward a healthier, calmer environment,” he says. “It’s never too late to develop a green thumb.” Not sure where to begin? Here are seven ways to become a plant person.

Understand Location Is Everything

If you’ve never grown a plant before, design director Brett Kessler suggests choosing a location where you spend a lot of time. “That way, you can be sure you won’t forget about it,” she says. Then you can narrow down your selection: “if you have bright, direct sunlight, consider a sun-loving plant,” Torbey suggests. “If your space is more shaded, look for low-light champions.”

Growing indoor and outdoor plants can be an entirely different experience, so consider both depending on what climate you live in.

Take a Walk for Inspiration

Do you plan on growing outdoor plants and need some inspo? It’s a good idea to check out what people around you are growing. “Find your style (and what will work in your area) by gathering garden inspiration—take a walk through the neighborhood and see what is thriving in your neighbors’ yards,” says Sara Bendrick, landscape designer. “Plant colors, arrangements, and forms can make a yard lean more modern, whimsical, or traditional.”

Consider Your Watering Schedule

If you’re someone who travels for weeks at a time, you’ll probably choose different plants than if you’re home to water them regularly. “If you want to water once a month, a cactus may be the right plant for you,” Kessler says. “If you know you’re the type to overwater, a thirsty plant like a Peace Lily may be your best bet.”

Creating a watering schedule can also help, Kessler explains. “If you are attempting multiple new plant friends at once, I recommend keeping things simple by choosing plants that follow the same watering schedule.” If you’re really worried about watering your plants, Torbey advises going with a self-watering planter.

Pick Something Easy

Whether you’re shopping at your local nursery or ordering plants online, you want to make things as simple as possible—Torbey tells me it’s best to start out with a plant that’s notoriously easy to care for. “When you’re starting out, choose plants known for being resilient, like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants,” he says. “They can handle less-than-ideal light or watering schedules, and bounce back more easily from mistakes.”

Test Your Soil 

Bendrick suggests testing your soil so you can start thing off on the right foot. “You can do an at-home soil test by filling a jar three-fourths full with a sample of soil from your yard and one-fourth water, then mixing it up to see the ratio of sand, silt, and clay,” she suggests. “This helps determine if you need more organic matter—adding topsoil or mulch is a great way to do this.”

Lastly, perform a pH test (using a pH meter, which typically costs around $12). “If the pH is too high or low, it can be harder for plants to uptake essential nutrients,” Bendrick says. “The ideal range is 6-7.5 for most plants. Pro-tip: Native plants are often adapted to the local pH level in the soil.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Whether you’re on the fence and can’t decide what plants you want to grow, or you’ve already planted and things are going awry, Bendrick says it’s okay to ask for help. “Consult with a landscape professional or coach if you want a more hands-on experience,” she suggests. “Or join a garden club or local plant enthusiast group, and you’ll learn a ton.”

Don’t Be Discouraged

If you’re a new plant parent, it’s crucial to understand that not all of your plants will thrive the way you expect. “You will need to expect a few casualties, but with a living medium like plants, it is impossible to prevent them entirely,” Kessler says.

But still, avoid being discouraged. “Many plants go through an adjustment period in their new space, losing leaves or turning a bit yellow or brown,” Kessler explains. “Stick to its care plan, and it will adjust in a few weeks. With practice, you’ll be able to keep almost all of your plants alive.”