Reading the light in your home
The single biggest thing that keeps a plant happy is light. Here is how to see a room the way a plant does.
Before you think about watering, feeding or pots, think about light. Match the plant to the light a spot actually gets and most of the rest looks after itself.
Bright, indirect
Lots of daylight, but no harsh sun falling straight on the leaves. A few steps back from a bright window, or beside one that faces away from the midday sun. This suits the widest range of houseplants.
The shady side
North-facing rooms and corners away from windows. Reach for the tolerant ones here: snake plants, ZZ plants and pothos will all cope, where a Calathea would sulk.
A simple test
If you can read a book comfortably in a spot without turning a lamp on, most plants will be content there. If you are squinting, it is darker than it feels.
The five plants we recommend most
If you are starting out, or starting over, these are the five that earn their place in almost any room.
Read the noteStyling with plants: a few quiet rules
A room full of plants can feel lush or cluttered. The difference is usually restraint, height and repetition.
Read the noteReady to begin?
Pick something forgiving and characterful from the collection, or read the longer care guides before you do. Either way, we are here if you get stuck.