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Tillandsias are not like your average houseplant. Widely known as air plants, they don't require soil - only water and light. In nature, air plants are epiphytes. This means they grow by using their roots to cling to barks, rocks, and other natural hosts. They're mess-free and stress-free, requiring minimal care.  

The best thing about air plants is that  you can keep them literally anywhere. As long as they're getting lots of bright light and consistent moisture, they'll be happy. You can place them on a shelf or sill, hang them, or even wear them as an accessory (JK... maybe). Hailing from the tropical Americas, Tillandsias are a part of the Bromeliad family and absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. To water them at home, simply soak them for about 15 minutes once a week. After bath time, gently shake them out and allow them to dry upside down. This is the best way to avoid rot since water is easily trapped in the crevices. When it's in its flowering phase, avoid wetting the blooms. Never attempt to plant your Tillandsia in soil - it'll hate that and quickly rot.

Much like their Bromeliad cousins, Tillandsias will only bloom once in their lifetime. After producing their showy flowers the plant slowly begins to die, but not before they leave some pups behind to carry on their legacy. The pups (baby air plants) will form towards the base and can be gently plucked off to live on their own when they are at least a 1/3 the size of the mother plant. 

There at least 500 species of air plants out there, each with their own unique, alien-like features. 

Syngoniums are also known as arrowhead plants because of their unique, triangular shape. These tropical vines are native to Central and South America, both of which have dry seasons, making them semi-drought tolerant and low-lift in the care department. They offer a vibrant burst of color coming in multiple varieties ranging from bright greens to soft, creamy pinks.

Because arrowhead vines have non-demanding needs, they're popularly kept to add life (and fresh air) to homes and business spaces.  Depending on how you plant the, the vines can climb, trail or become bushy. They're fast growers, rewarding their caretakers for the bare minimum with lush, full pots year-round.

LIGHT 
Low to bright indirect light, depending on the species.

WATER
Water once every 1-2 weeks or when soil is nearly dry. They are fairly drought-tolerant.

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.

TOXICITY
Toxic when ingested in large amounts.

Care instructions are usually consistent for most syngoniums, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.

COMMON ISSUES

Arrowhead plants are very easy to upkeep, but there are some common mistakes that can lead to unsightly foliage, like browning leaves or crispy tips and edges. As much as these plants love consistent waterings, soggy soil can quickly lead to problems. If you notice your leaves are darkening or browning at the edges or on stems and petioles, you've probably overwatered. Remember that it's always better to stay on the drier side, and as long as you saturate the soil properly on watering days, your plant will remain quenched. To get ahead of this potential issue, be sure to choose a well-draining soil for your syngoniums, and ensure your pot has a drainage hole or lava rocks on the bottom to protect the roots.

Begonias are popular, tropical houseplants with an extremely diverse offering of about 2,000 different varieties. With their many textures, colors and growth patterns, it's easy for any plant lover to fall for this genus. The most commonly kept begonias are native to Central and South America and Asia, and do best with consistent moisture, warmth, and sunlight. They adapt well to indoor spaces with routine care, and while some varieties, like the rex begonia, may need more love than others, their foliage is definitely worth the effort.

Cane begonias, such as the begonia coccinea and begonia 'Gryphon', are easy to grow and are distinguishable by their bamboo-like stems. Cane begonias tend to be on the hardier side, and with the right maintenance, some varieties can even can grow up to six feet tall.  Plus, they bloom clusters of waxy, shimmering flowers that come in a wide range of colors, most popularly shades of pink and red. Other common begonias, like the rex begonia, do not usually exceed 18 inches, making them easy to keep in the home. While these plants can flower, they're really prized for their unique foliage variations. There are already 500 existing varieties of rex begonia, and new cultivars are likely in the works. All to say, there is a lot to love about this plant family.

GENERAL CARE

LIGHT 
Bright indirect light. Southern or western indirect sunlight exposure is ideal.

WATER
Water once a week or when soil is dry 2" deep.

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.

TOXICITY
Toxic when ingested in large amounts. The most toxic parts of the begonia live below the soil, but it's always best to play it safe when it comes to our furry friends.

Care instructions are usually consistent for most begonias, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.

COMMON ISSUES

It's true that some begonias can be picky about their environment, but once you get the conditions in your home just right, the lush jungle vibes will make it the extra attention worth it. The most common issue folks run into with begonias is improper watering. They need to stay moist, but soil should never be soggy. To make sure you are giving your begonias the right amount of water, it's best to a pot with a drainage hole and choose a well-aerated, moisture retaining potting mix. Use enough water to saturate the soil, and never allow it to get more than 50% dry. Signs that point to under watering include drooping stems, brown edges, and crispy foliage, while overwatering will make itself known in blackening stems and leaf bases.

If foliage is crisping up but you know you have gotten watering and sunlight down, humidity may be the issue. Most begonias can adapt well to average household humidity, but they will grow best when kept in humidity levels of 50% or higher. lKeep your begonias near a humidifier or spritz them daily to give them a humidity boost. Learn other ways that you can boost humidity levels here. 

Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are tropical succulents. They are known for their ability to remove toxins from air, and their fragrant, star-shaped flowers have been used in powders, perfumes, and more for centuries. They're as low-maintenance as they come, and provide spaces with gorgeous trailing vines that can climb or drape. With at least 900 different varieties, there's a reason these plants are considered collectibles. These plant blooms in different shades of pink, red, and white. 

Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are tropical succulents. They are known for their ability to remove toxins from air, and their fragrant, star-shaped flowers have been used in powders, perfumes, and more for centuries. They're as low-maintenance as they come, and provide spaces with gorgeous trailing vines that can climb or drape. With at least 900 different varieties, there's a reason these plants are considered collectibles. These plant blooms in different shades of pink, red, and white. 

Philodendrons are one of the most common houseplants. They're easy to care for, and grow quickly. There are vining philodendrons and self-heading ones - both of which can be considered climbers and grow well with moss poles, trestles, or wooden planks. 

LIGHT
Place in low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct light, as this can scorch the leaves. 

WATER
Water once a week or when the top 2-3" of soil feel dry to the touch. Leaves will droop when they're thirsty, but should perk up shortly after watering if you don't wait too long. 

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Avoid plant food in the fall and winter when the plant goes dormant. If you've recently repotted, wait ~6 weeks before feeding.

TOXICITY
These plants are toxic, so keep out of reach of pets and small children. 

Care instructions are usually consistent for all philodendrons, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.

A common issue that philodendron owners come by is yellowing leaves. This is usually due to inconsistent watering, so make sure you maintain a regular watering schedule. They can also turn yellow if they're exposed to tap water or haven't been repotted in 12-18 months. 

Philodendron literally means "love tree" in Greek because that's how they grow in the wild - climbing trees. To train your philodendron to climb indoors, you'll first need to give it something to cling to with its aerial roots. We recommend woody planks or moss poles. Keep your stake moist and the plant will take it from there. To speed the process up, use plant ties to gently attach the vines or stems.

If you’ve ever left your house, you’ve probably seen a pothos, scientifically known as epipremnum aureum. These popular vining plants are extremely forgiving and fast-growing, and they come in multiple vibrant varieties––over a dozen to be exact. Also known as devil's ivy, they get their nickname from being extremely adaptable, with the ability to survive in many different environments. They’re also easy to propagate, so you can fill any space, achieving the jungle of your dreams. No green thumb necessary.

GENERAL CARE

LIGHT 
Low to bright indirect light. They’re very adaptable, but always avoid direct sunlight.

WATER
Water weekly or when the top 2" of soil feel dry. They’ll droop when thirsty.

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.

TOXICITY
This plant is toxic when ingested in large amounts.

Care instructions are usually consistent for most pothos, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time. 

 COMMON ISSUES

Most pothos are variegated. Because these colorful plants adapt so well to low light, they're often stuck in dark corners and windowless offices. This is totally fine, but if you notice a lack of variegation, there's your reason. The less sun these plants receive, the more they will revert to green in order to produce more chlorophyll. Place your pothos in medium to bright indirect light to get the most colorful look.

Getting leggy? Sometimes, especially in lower light conditions, pothos vines can grow long and end up looking quite bare. This is because the plant is essentially searching for adequate sunlight before it pushes out new foliage. Luckily, this is an easy fix and a fun project. To get a fuller look, prune the "naked" vines, and propagate them by sticking them back into the soil. As long as you bury a node, new roots should form, and the plant will naturally become bushier with new growth. You can also use your cuttings for gifting on a budget. The fact that you grew and nurtured it yourself can make it just a bit sweeter.

Sansevierias, commonly known as snake plants, are arguably the most indestructible plants around. They can handle any condition, whether it's a dark room or a sunny, hot rooftop. There are about 70 different known species, and with how easy they are to grow, you may find yourself wanting to collect them all! 

GENERAL CARE

LIGHT
Place in low to bright indirect light. Direct light is okay, as long as you introduce the plant slowly. 

WATER
Water every 2-3 weeks, or when soil dries completely. Snake plants are highly drought tolerant and do prefer drier soil, but this doesn't mean you never have to water them. Increase watering frequency in the summer, and slow it down in the winter. 

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Avoid plant food in the fall and winter when the plant goes dormant. If you've recently repotted, wait ~6 weeks before feeding.

TOXICITY
These plants are toxic, so keep out of reach of pets and small children. 

Care instructions are usually consistent for all sansevierias, but we always recommend researching your specific plant variety to make sure you get it right the first time.

Oftentimes, snake plants meet their demise from overwatering and root rot. These plants willnot tolerate wet feet or soggy soil. It's best to plant in a pot with a proper drainage hole and a well-draining potting mix. Pot lacks a hole? Look up the pot type and determine if it's safe to drill one in on your own. If not, add a layer of lava rocks to the bottom of your pot to ensure roots are never swimming. 

Tradescantias, also known as spiderworts or wandering Jews, are low-maintenance houseplants that have been kept in homes for centuries. As they mature, they trail and vine, and look excellent in hanging planters and high shelves. They bloom tiny, purple flowers and often sport colorful foliage with pink, purple, or white variegation. 

So, why are they nicknamed wandering dudes? The true story behind the name gets a little sticky, but we'll save that for another time. Tradescantias are known as wanderers because in nature, they spread around with ease, and in the home, they are one of the easiest plants to propagate in soil or water. They are adaptable and grow quickly, and one healthy plant can supply you and your friends with cuttings for generations.

GENERAL CARE

LIGHT 
Bright indirect light, but can adapt to lower light environments.

WATER
Water once a week or when the top 2-3" of soil dry.

FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.

TOXICITY
Toxic when ingested in large amounts.

Care instructions are usually consistent for most tradescantias, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.   

COMMON ISSUES

Tradescantias live their best life in bright indirect light, but often are placed in medium light situations. This is fine, but it can cause the plant to grow quite leggy, displaying long stems and little foliage. To prevent this, you can place it in brighter light, but we know that everyone doesn't have the luxury of ceiling to floor windows. Alternatively, you can keep your plant under a grow light, or regularly prune it back, placing the cuttings back into the soil for a fuller look.