How to grow indoor plants: 5 top tips

The answers to these five often-asked questions will help your indoor plants to thrive.

Which light is best for indoor plants?

Indoor plants like bright light but should be out of direct sunlight which can burn their foliage. Bright light can be assessed by holding your hand over a sheet of white paper. It should cast a clear shadow. The brightest locations are adjacent to a large, north-facing window or under a large skylight. East-facing windows provide morning light. Areas with only a south-facing window or small windows will not have bright light. To grow indoor plants successfully without bright light, use grow lights (artificial lights that provide light in the colour spectrum preferred by plants).

Indoor plants need bright light, but avoid direct sun which can burn the leaves.

How do I create the right drainage for indoor plants?

There are two important conditions that contribute to good drainage. These are drainage holes in the base of the pot in which the plant is growing and the use of good quality potting mix. Good quality potting mix can be bought at Flower Power (they recommend Supersoil Professional Indoor, Balcony & Hanging Basket Mix); but pot drainage needs careful consideration.

If the indoor plant is growing in a nursery pot that is well drained, but it is sitting inside a cover pot or a saucer, always check for excess water in the base of the cover pot or saucer and empty it regularly. There is no need to use crocks in the base of pots - this does not help drainage. Ideally, water plants on the kitchen or laundry bench or in the bathtub or shower, allowing them to drain fully before returning to their normal spots. Check that the drainage holes are working and not blocked by plant roots. Blockages not only lead to bad drainage, but may indicate the plant needs to be re-potted.

Keep indoor plants in a nursery pot with great drainage. You can then slip it inside a decorative planter.

How often should I water my indoor plants?

The water needs for each plant may be different and may change throughout the year based on pot size, temperature, light and growth. Generally, plants need more frequent watering when it is hot (spring to early autumn). When it is cold (late autumn to early spring), plants tend to use less water. Check plants once or twice a week - feel the potting mix by inserting your finger in the mix to see if it is moist or dry. If it is starting to dry out, it needs watering. Dry pots will also feel light if lifted.

Inside the bath is a great place to water indoor plants.

What and when should I feed my indoor plants?

Indoor plants don’t need to be fed very often unless they are in a brightly lit situation and are showing signs of growth. Generally, feeding plants once a year in spring with a slow-release fertiliser for indoor plants (Scotts Osmocote Plus Trace Elements for Pots, Planters & Indoors is recommended); or feeding every four to six weeks with a liquid plant food (such as Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed Indoor Plant Food) during the warmer months of the year is sufficient. Over fertilising can damage growth while under feeding may lead to poor growth. There are also fertilisers formulated for specialist indoor plants such as orchids and African violets. Follow the recommendations on the container for best results.

What kind of ongoing care do my indoor plants need?

In addition to regular watering and occasional feeding, indoor plants respond well to regular care. This includes tidying to remove old or damaged leaves and spent flowers, checking for and treating pests and diseases, and keeping leaves clean by regularly and gently wiping dust from leaves. Additional care may include periodically resting plants outdoors in a sheltered spot if available, repotting as the plant grows, and training hanging or climbing growth. Plants growing in uneven light will appreciate you turning them 90 degrees every few weeks. This allows all parts of the plant to get good light.

One of the most commonly encountered pests of indoor plants is the dreaded fungal gnat. If you're wondering how to get rid of gnats on indoor plants, we've done the legwork for you - click here to find out exactly what to do.

Wiping down your indoor plants' leaves keeps them healthy and looking great.

Where to buy indoor plants

Looking for quality indoor plants? Visit your local Flower Power - there are 11 locations all around Sydney and the Hunter region - or shop online to have them delivered directly to you. If you're in need of advice, drop in and chat with one of their qualified horticulturists - they'll happily answer all of your questions, like "what's a good indoor plant?" and "how do I keep my indoor plants alive?" with great recommendations and expert advice.