If you’re new to caring for plants, don’t be overwhelmed. I was just like you and now I’m pretty comfortable with any plant I bring home. But I didn’t start out this way. I reached out to plant loving friends, researched plants online and started following inspiring plant owner accounts on Instagram. Below are the top 5 care tips, I used to start my growing jungle. Let me know what you’d add in the comments below!

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01. Research your plants to see if they are toxic to animals or humans if consumed. If the plant is a risk for your loved ones, be sure to locate it out of reach. Below is a list of popular plants that are poisonous if consumed.

02. I water my plants once a week on Wednesdays. If the top soil on one of my plants still moist, I may skip the watering an additional week. It depends on the plant.

03. Don’t be married to a particular spot in your space for your plant. Plants can be fickle. You might have the perfect place in mind to display it, but that plant might not thrive there. My house doesn’t have much natural light, therefore, I’ve had to get creative about maximizing my “best light” spaces and picking plants that are conducive to low light areas. I bought a bench for my plants sit in front of a window in my bedroom. I bought pots with stands so my plants can reach the light. We hung a shelf in my bathroom to display plants and attached a macrame plant hanger from the ceiling in the bathroom too. Make your spaces work for plants, don’t make your plants work for the space.

04. If you’re new to plants start with low-light plants. These tend to be more low-maintenance. Please note, low-light doesn’t mean no light. It just means they can thrive comfortably with indirect sunlight. My favorite low-light plants are: Pothos, ZZ plant and the Snake plant (please note these are toxic to pets if consumed). Below is a guide to low light plants:

5. When watering your plant, for 4 inch plants count to 4 while pouring in the water. If your plant is 6 inches, count to 6 while pouring the water. For larger plants add the tip of your finger deep full of water. Note: if your plants have yellowing or drooping leaves they may need a little more water, add 1 more finger tip deep of water or count to 4 again. Yellowing or drooping leaves can also mean the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight or overwatering. You may have to do some detective work to figure out what your plant needs.