Starting a fun new succulent project? Take a tip from Garden Answer and kick things off with Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, which is made specifically for cactuses and succulents.
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A rainy week calls for an awesome indoor activity like this one! Remember: Anything that contains something is a potential planter. Watch as Laura from Garden Answer makes the most of her old tea tins using Espoma Organic Cactus Mix!
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Ever notice how a moment spent tending your plants feels like a mindful pause in a busy day? You’re not just watering—you’re nurturing calm, presence, and connection. We believe that caring for your green companions is one of the most natural forms of self-care. And just like you thrive on nourishing food, your plants thrive when you feed them regularly with Espoma Organic fertilizer —gentle, effective, and safe for people, pets, and the planet.
Sharper Mind + Better Mood
Studies show that being around plants can boost memory and attention by about 20%, while reducing background noise and enhancing productivity and creativity—especially in home or little work-from-home nooks.
Soil for the Soul
That earthy scent? It comes from microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae (lovingly nicknamed “outdoorphins”), and they don’t just feed your plants—they may help boost your mood and immunity, too.
Pulling weeds, misting leaves, or simply observing new growth—these are gentle rituals that anchor us in the now. As one soothing tip from our brand partner, Maria Failla of Growing Joy with Maria, reminds us:
“Use watering or caring for them as an excuse to get up from your computer and take some ‘me-time’—because plant care is self-care.”
Pair that with feeding your plants Espoma Organic fertilizer, and you’re nourishing life in every sense.
Your indoor plants do more than brighten a room—they improve your air, calm your mind, and remind you to slow down. To keep them thriving year-round, a little extra nourishment goes a long way.
That’s where Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer comes in. This gentle, balanced formula is made from natural ingredients and feeds instantly, giving your leafy friends the nutrients they need for lush growth and vibrant color—even in the lower light of winter months.
Self-Care Tip: Pair your plant feeding with your own wellness ritual. Set a reminder every 2–4 weeks to water and feed your plants, then take a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea nearby. Watch how your plants respond over time—you’ll notice deeper greens, healthier new leaves, and a little spark of joy in your day.
During the busy holiday season, a mini Christmas cypress or Norfolk Island Pine—with its fresh sap-like scent—can be both a peaceful décor choice and a mindful project. Pot it up in our Espoma Organic Potting Mix, give it a slow sip of water, and feed it with an organic fertilizer like Indoor! for lasting joy. It’s a gift that grows for you, not just from you.
Micro-Meditation Moments
Set a daily two-minute ritual—touch the soil, check a leaf, breathe deeply. Call it a “plant-powered reset.”
Mini Salad Gardens with Maria Failla
Maria Failla of Growing Joy with Maria, makes self-care—and dinner—even simpler. She grows an entire salad (including herbs, lettuce, mini-tomatoes, and edible blooms) in a single container using Espoma Organic Potting Mix, Bio-tone Starter Plus, and Garden-tone organic fertilizer for steady nourishment.
Create a Kitchen Corner of Calm
A small shelf of herbs like basil, lavender, or even mint provides an aromatic escape and practical joy when cooking. Watering and feeding them with organic fertilizer like Indoor! can become a lovely action in your daily rhythm.
Mindful Mondays with Biophilia
Start your week by simply sitting with your plants—observing new buds, leaf shapes, and subtle color shifts. This biophilic practice connects you to growth and groundedness.
Plant care is not just about pretty greenery—it’s caring for yourself, too. You pause, breathe, tune in, and the soil responds. Whether it’s a festive tree, a potted herb, or a tranquil succulent, your green space is your sanctuary. And with a little love, light, and organic fertilizer, your plants—and your spirit—can truly thrive.
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Here are some of our other blogs and videos we think you will enjoy.
Give Some Green for the Holidays
Parenting Advice for New Plant Parents
Poinsettia Care Guide from Garden Answer
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The brightest part of winter may just be decorating your home for the season. While hot cocoa, holiday lights, and a cozy fireplace are traditional ways of warming your space, try thinking tropical this year. Your decorating doesn’t have to be the same every year, and holiday houseplants aren’t just limited to poinsettias.
It’s not a secret that many houseplants are tropical by nature. They feel right at home in places with year-round warmth and jungle-like conditions. So, bring some warmth and tropical flair to your space by adding one of these houseplants.
Anthurium
Anthuriums are elegant, easy-care plants with cheery blooms that last a long time. This show-stopping plant is a favorite for any romantic with its glossy, heart-shaped, pink leaves. Anthurium stands out from the crowd with blooms on and off all year. This exotic plant loves warmth and humidity.
Bromeliad
This easy-to-grow houseplant makes for a perfect gift. It provides an exotic touch of red, orange, pink or purple to any home. Even with the thick foliage and wide leaves, it gives off a radiance that anyone will fall in love with. Be sure to use Espoma’s Orchid Potting Mix to allow proper drainage.
Palms
Majesty palms practically whisk you away to somewhere tropical. They thrive in the humidity and like to be kept evenly moist. Fertilize regularly with Indoor! Liquid plant food for faster growth. These are easy to grow and don’t require any pruning except for an occasional old frond.
Orchids
Orchids can bloom for up to four months, making them great for adding some color and flair to any home. They love indirect light, a little bit of water, and to be away from any drafty windows, air vents, or ducts.
Plus, they will continue to rebloom every year with a little love and patience, and fertilizer.
An organic fertilizer, such as Espoma’s Orchid! Liquid plant food will help keep your blooms looking fresh and colorful year after year.
ZZ plant
This tough houseplant can survive even with the brownest of thumbs. You can put it anywhere in your home or office, and it will be happy to see you. It can even survive with only fluorescent lights and no natural light. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Don’t worry if you forget; it may start to drop some of its leaflets to conserve the water left, and will rebloom after a good drink.
Try these lowlight houseplants if you want greenery but lack light. https://youtu.be/SYXv_EcBdEA
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Apartments or small spaces are invitations to get creative with décor. There are many different ways you can grow indoor plants. There are plenty of ways to keep houseplants nearby.
To maximize space, design and style, utilize a few small potted plants. Take advantage of vertical spaces with hanging baskets or a green wall. Even small DIY projects such as terrariums or kokedama can instantly perk up a small space.
When growing in containers, be sure to use Espoma’s Organic Potting Soil Mix for best results.
These houseplants are a small space gardener’s best friends:
Haworthia ‘Big Band’
A big name for a small plant, but the deep green leaves with white stripes really stand out. They look very modern in small containers with a layer of white gravel on top of the soil. Keep them out of direct light. They grow 2-8 inches tall and wide.
Moth Orchid
Moth orchids have long, thin stems and large flowers that create a big impact in small places. Plus, they flower for an incredibly long time. These are the easiest orchids to grow, even if you are a beginner. Bonus, they are actually more likely to flower when rootbound, so no need to add more space anytime soon. Water well once a week, then let drain completely. Feed regularly with Orchid! liquid plant food.
African Violet
The colorful blooms of African violets instantly add color to any room. They’re known to bloom continuously, even throughout the darker winter months. Slightly root bound plants will continue to bloom, but be sure to repot using Espoma’s African Violet potting mix at least once a year. Water African violets from the bottom to prevent leaves from rotting and never let them sit in standing water.
Fittonia
Also known as nerve plant, Fittonia adds a pop of color with leaves that have bright pink, white or red veins. Its petite size allows for it to be placed almost anywhere. Fittonia prefers medium to low light, but tolerates direct sun if the light is filtered through a sheer curtain.
Echeveria
The echeveria is one of the most common types of succulents. Little plants like these are commonly found on office and home desks due to their easy care and small size. A common cause of death, however, is overwatering. Make sure to let your plants’ soil dry completely before giving them another drink. Feed regularly with Espoma’s Cactus! liquid fertilizer for best results.
Try these lowlight houseplants if you want greenery, but lack light. https://youtu.be/SYXv_EcBdEA
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Houseplants are so much more than decorations. They help reduce stress and tension and create a relaxed and happy atmosphere. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen while purifying the air by removing toxins. They say we spend a third of our life sleeping, so let’s do it in the best possible environment, a room full of house plants.
Snake Plant
Snake plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night. It is also one of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants you can grow. Whether you have bright or low light, a snake plant will adjust to it. It doesn’t require much water and even if you forget to water it for a couple of weeks, it will still look great. Overwatering it is really the only way to kill it.
Golden Pothos
A study from NASA shows that pothos removes toxins, mainly carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. This low-maintenance plant grows well in low light. Water it only when completely dry. Always pot your houseplants in quality potting soil like Espoma’s Potting Mix or a mixture of potting mix and Cactus Mix for plants like this that require excellent drainage.
Spider Plant
The spider plant removes formaldehyde from the air, which is a common carcinogen found in many household products and items. This is another easy to grow selection that enjoys bright light, but will adapt to low light situations. Like all house plants, a regular schedule of fertilizing will help keep spider plants in tip-top shape. Organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Indoor! works beautifully and has an easy dose cap, meaning you’ll never use too much or too little.
English Ivy
English ivy has the unique ability to clean the air of mold. Ivy is a trailing plant that you can train to grow up a trellis or let it cascade down from a shelf. It can be an aggressive plant outdoors, but inside it’s well behaved. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and give it a place with indirect light.
Aloe vera
Aloe has been used as a medicinal plant to heal: sunburn, cuts, insect bites, minor burns, and dry skin. It’s also an air purifier. Aloe likes bright light. Water it well every two weeks or when the soil feels very dry. Fertilize with Cactus! monthly to give it nutrients.
Peace Lilies
Peace lilies also made it on NASA’s list of toxin removing plants. They can absorb mold spores from the air into their leaves. It’s a pretty plant with calla-like flowers that likes bright light. Regular watering is a must (they’ll let you know when they’re thirsty by letting their leaves droop.)
Lavender
Lavender has been used for centuries for its soothing, sleep-inducing properties. Victorian ladies used to stuff their pillows with lavender to relieve stress. Today you can find a wide array of lavender products to help whisk you off to sleep. Lavender isn’t often sold as a houseplant but you can grow it outdoors and harvest the flowers for the bedroom.
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Ready for more relaxing? Check out these blogs for ideas.
How to Decorate for Thanksgiving with Plants
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A simple, inexpensive way to enjoy your herbs beyond the growing season is to dry them!
When talking about herbs, we’re referring to the leaves of certain plants that are usually green in color. Spices, on the other hand, are the flowers, fruit, seeds, bark and roots of tropical plants and are typically more pungent than herbs.
While the best flavors come from freshly picked herbs, however there is always an abundance that you cannot use in one season. Drying your herbs is the next best thing!
Dried herbs can be used for anything from flavoring recipes to making a fragrant fire starter.
When to Harvest:
We recommend growing organic herbs in Espoma Organic’s Potting Mix. To get the most flavor from herbs you need to harvest them at just the right time. The fullest flavor comes from herbs harvested before they flower. If you use a lot of freshly picked herbs, they may never flower. If that is the case, and you want to savor that flavor during the non-growing months, be sure to harvest them by the end of summer before the weather cools to get the most flavor out of them.
Focus on one type of herb at a time and remember to only cut back what you need. Try to avoid cutting back the entire plant, unless you are ready to replace it.
8 Steps to Harvesting and Drying Herbs:
Once your herbs are dry enough to crumble, they are ready to be stored. Keep dried herbs in an air tight container, like a small canning jar or a zippered bag.
There you have it: freshly dried herbs to enjoy all year long!
Learn what to plant next with Laura from Garden Answer.
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Ferns are classic yet fussy houseplants. Laura @GardenAnswer has all the tips and tricks you need to be successful in growing ferns indoors.
Light Exposure
Contrary to popular belief, ferns need quite a bit of light. Though, they don’t like to be in direct sunlight as their foliage will change to a light yellow color or burn. Keep them near a place that receives plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
Only a few varieties can handle shade and moisture as most people think. Check your plant tag for the most accurate information about your fern.
Temperature
Ferns like their surroundings to be similar to what we like between 65 and 75°F, matching the temperatures in our home. They don’t like it too drafty so keep them away from doors that lead outside and away from air vents.
Humidity
This is the most important thing to be aware of for keeping your fern healthy, especially if you live in a dry climate. Placing your fern in a bathroom or kitchen near the water source can help, since they typically get more moisture in there naturally.
For a more decorative option, place pebbles in a tray with some water and place your fern on top. The moisture will carry up to the foliage as it evaporates. Add water to the tray as needed.
Soil Type
Use Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix for your ferns. Organic potting mixes have the right kind of drainage and will hold just enough water that is needed without drowning your fern.
Repotting
Typically, ferns need to be repotted every two years. Check its roots once a year. If the roots are starting to circle around the container, it is time to repot. If there is still soil around the edge of it, it should be fine for another year.
When it is time to repot your fern, only go up one size for your container. Be sure there is a drainage hole at the bottom of your container. Place a small layer of Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix in the bottom and fill around the sides as needed.
Watering
Ferns like to be consistently damp, but not wet and soggy like many people think. Each fern and home is a bit different, especially this time of year. Water your fern and keep an eye on it. If the soil at the top feels dry, water it again.
Fertilizing
Ferns like to be fed about once a month during their growing season. Each zone and climate will have a different growing season, which you can ask your local garden center about. Feed your fern with Espoma’s Organic Indoor! liquid plant food. Check the label for instructions on how to use.
Grooming
All houseplants should be groomed about once a month. Remove any foliage that looks damaged, unhealthy, or is turning brown or yellow. Discard any leaves or debris that is on top of the soil to keep insects and diseases at bay.
Insects
The most common insects to watch out for are mealybugs, aphids, fungus mites, white flies, and spider mites for just about any houseplant. If you are unsure of the insect you are dealing with, take a picture and take it to your local garden center. They will be able to offer suggestions on how to get rid of it.
Toxicity
Ferns are non-toxic, but it is still a smart idea to keep your pets and kids away from eating or playing with a fern. That might just cause a tummy ache or a mess in your home!
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Orchids are the perfect way to introduce a stunning houseplant into your home. They bloom for up to four months, which make them the perfect plant to add some color and flair to any home. They love indirect light, a little bit of water and to be away from any drafty windows, air vents or ducts.
Plus, they will continue to rebloom every year with a little love and patience and fertilizer.
An organic fertilizer, such as Espoma’s Orchid! liquid plant food, will help keep your blooms looking fresh and colorful year after year.
There is a HUGE variety to choose from, all in different sizes, colors and fragrances so you can find one that you absolutely love.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry; we’ve collected our favorite show stopping orchids for you.
Five Orchids That Put on a Show
Pansy Orchid
This flat-faced flower is one of the friendliest looking orchids you can choose. They bloom early in the spring and, in some varieties, will bloom again in the fall. Producing up to 10 flowers, each growing 4 inches across, this orchid will provide a stunning display. Mist weekly with water to give it the moisture it needs.
Sharry Baby Orchid
Growing best in filtered light, this orchid has small, but striking chocolate-colored petals. Unlike typical orchids, its flowering stalks will reach lengths up to four feet. Fertilizing regularly will encourage growth. Mist it lightly once a week to keep moderate humidity.
Image courtesy of Costa Farms
Moth Orchid
Its blooms look like butterflies and it’ll look great individually, but is stunning en masse. Gather a few different colors and textures and have every houseguest talking. They love bright, indirect sunlight, so near a window with a sheer curtain would make them happiest.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid
Coming in dozens of varieties, you can really play around with color combinations. Small enough to place anywhere in the home, we even recommend placing one a bathroom sink. It is beautiful from all angles, so mirrors can be beneficial. Plus, it enjoys low light with lots of humidity. After watering, be sure you allow it to drain completely.
Cattleya Orchid
This orchid thrives off a barky soil, so be sure to use Espoma Organic’s Orchid Mix, as it will wilt in regular potting soil. It is a light lover, so keep it near a window, but out of direct sun. It is happy in the same temperature as your home, around 65-75 degrees.
Laura from Garden Answer shows us the basics of caring for orchids.
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Monstera is commonly called Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron referring to the beautifully cut leaves. It’s a must have for its Caribbean feel. The foliage is deep green, lush and tropical. With time the foliage can become quite large and exotic looking. There is also a rare white variegated form that is slower growing. They generally don’t bloom indoors but in its natural environment they will produce edible fruit that is said to taste like fruit salad.
Light and Placement
As a tropical plant it’s no surprise that your Monstera likes warm indoor temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. A little humidity makes them feel right at home, too. Bathrooms and kitchens can often supply a touch of humidity or you can simply mist your plant now and then. These plants grow naturally in the dappled light of the forest floor. To mimic that, place your Monstera in bright or filtered, indirect light. They can actually grow in deep shade, but may not exhibit as much of the cut leaf foliage. If you live in zones 10 or 11, you can grow it outdoors in a shady spot.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Food and Water
Monstera likes moist soil, but not one that stays soggy or overly wet. Make sure the pot has good drainage. Water weekly, when the top inch of the soil is dry. Make sure any excess water drains away. In spring and summer, when the plants are actively growing, it’s a good idea to feed them once a month with a liquid fertilizer like Espoma’s Organic Indoor! plant food.
Repotting
Repot young plants every year to encourage growth and add soil nutrients. Gradually go up in pot size by 2 inches per year. Once your plant has reached its optimal height for your space, you can give it a top dressing of new soil once a year and only repot it about every 3 years. Always use a quality potting soil to help keep the soil moist but free-draining. These are natural climbers that use their aerial roots to hold on to trees. When you do repot your plant, be sure to add a trellis or moss covered plant stake for support.
Photo courtesy of Costa Farms
Pruning
Young plants often have compact, bushy habits. As they grow, they will begin to show their vining nature. You can either give them support to climb and become a tall and dramatic or if you prefer, you can pinch them to rein in the lankiness. Pinch off the new growth tip with your finger at the height you’d like it to stay at. Feel free to prune out stems that are producing few or no leaves. If you can’t tuck the aerial roots back into the pot, you may remove them as well.
Pest and Disease
Monstera is rarely bothered by pest or disease. Wipe off the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time or give it a shower to remove dust. Check for spider mites when you do. This is a long-lived house plant that will give you years of pleasure with little care.
Ready for more houseplants? Check out “How to Fertilize Houseplants” with Homestead Brooklyn!
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