Creating Your Indoor Oasis: 5 Key Factors for Happy Houseplants
Indoor plants bring a refreshing touch to your home and help create a relaxed, calming atmosphere. To keep your indoor oasis thriving, there are five essential environmental factors to consider: light, water, nutrients, temperature, and humidity. Let’s break each one down with practical, tried-and-true tips.
LIGHT
Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect light and can suffer under intense, direct sun. In New Zealand, south-facing windows are ideal - there’s usually plenty of natural light without the harshness of direct sun.
Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, but the damage is usually reversible with a quick move and a light prune of affected foliage.
Always check the plant label for light requirements - needs vary by species.
Got a dark corner?
If you want to place a plant far from a window, consider using grow lights on a timer. Here are a few of my NZ/AU-tested faves:
Sun Bulb by Gathera
Grow Bar by Love That Leaf
Halo Grow Light by Indoor Plant Supplies
(Be sure to follow product instructions before installation.)
WATER
Plants thrive on consistency. If you're just starting out, pick a weekly “watering day” and set a reminder to help build the habit.
Environmental influences matter - heat pumps, air vents, or air conditioners can dry out soil faster. I suggest moving your plant away from any “perpetual dry wind,” especially if you’re still finding your rhythm with plant care.
Soil moisture matters more than a calendar.
Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering - and both can show similar symptoms like drooping or yellowing. The key is testing the moisture level every time before watering.
As a general rule: Let the top quarter to third of the soil dry out.
Insert your finger - if it comes out dry, go ahead and water. If it's still damp, hold off and check again in a few days.
While there are moisture meters on the market, I recommend building your intuition first. (I’ve spent way too much on tools I no longer use - learn from me!)
Drainage is crucial.
If your plant’s soil always feels wet, the pot might not be draining properly. Constantly wet roots = root rot, and that’s a slow, sad decline for your plant.
WATERING METHODS
Top Watering
Pour tepid water into the top of the soil until it drains from the bottom.
After 15 minutes, tip out any excess water from the catch tray - don’t let it sit in it.
Bottom Watering
Place your pot in a vessel filled with tepid water (sink or bucket).
Let it soak for 15–30 mins, then allow it to drain fully before returning it to its cover pot.
If you bottom-water regularly, flush the soil every few months to prevent mineral build-up, which can cause leaf tips to brown or plant growth to stall.
Winter Watering
As temperatures drop, your plant slows down. Water less often or reduce the amount - either way, adjust your routine accordingly.
Water the soil, not the leaves
Splashing water on leaves can lead to fungal spots, leaf burn (especially under grow lights), or disease. While some plants tolerate it, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
NUTRIENTS
Fertilising regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser supports healthy growth and happy roots. It also nourishes the soil microbes that help your plant thrive.
I don’t recommend slow-release fertilisers - they’re often too strong for houseplants and better suited for the garden.
Here are my go-to favourites:
Superthrive Foliage Pro
Foliage Focus
Both are gentle enough to use with every watering and your plants will love the boost!
TEMPERATURE
Most houseplants enjoy temperatures between 15–24°C. Avoid cold drafts and airflow from vents - these can dry soil out quickly and stress the plant.
HUMIDITY
Plants generally love humidity, but indoor environments (especially with heat pumps or fireplaces) are usually dry.
Should you mist? Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the effort unless you’re misting morning and night—daily.
Better options?
A humidifier nearby
A water-filled tray near your plants
To be honest, I don’t do either—and my plants are happy. (Auckland's summer humidity often hits 90%, so I cheat a little!)
OTHER ESSENTIAL TIPS
Soil & Repotting
When repotting, choose a well-draining potting mix that supports airflow and water drainage. Healthy roots = happy plant.
Grooming
Regularly prune spent leaves to encourage fresh growth.
Cleaning
Dust your plant leaves with a dry cloth. Dust blocks light, which can slow down photosynthesis and dull your plant’s appearance.
Pest Patrol
Check your plants often for pests like mealybugs, scale, spider mites, thrips, or aphids. Inspect under the leaves, around petioles (where leaf meets stem), and along stems. Look for:
Sticky residue
Silver streaks
White, cottony spots
Tiny black/brown/green bugs
Treat quickly to avoid an infestation taking hold.
I truly hope this guide helps you build confidence and connection with your indoor garden. May your plants thrive - and your joy in caring for them grow alongside.
Happy planting!
Tarryn x
