Houseplant Care 101 (for Plant-Killers Like Me)
We’ve all browsed the plant section with big dreams of creating a lush, jungle-chic vibe, only to be met with drooping leaves and guilt a few weeks later. If you’ve ever said “I swear I didn’t overwater it…” while holding a mushy pothos, this post is for you.
The good news? You’re not actually bad at plants, you just need a few low-maintenance heroes, some light structure, and maybe a little moral support.
Why Plants + Coffee Are a Whole Vibe
At Saratoga Sundry, we’re all about cozy rituals. Starting your day with a good cup of coffee and a quick plant check-in is an easy, grounding routine that adds joy without stress.
We keep a few resilient houseplants in the camper (yes, even with all the moving around), and they remind us to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the little things.
👉 We recommend our Booty Terracotta Pot if you want to add a cheeky touch to your decor.
This playful and stylish planter is crafted from natural terracotta, offering a warm, earthy tone perfect for any space. Its bold, unique design makes it ideal for small plants like succulents or cacti, while doubling as a fun conversation starter.
Whether you’re brightening your home or gifting it to a friend with a sense of humor, this planter is sure to bring smiles and greenery to any room.
Five Houseplants You (Probably) Won’t Kill
Here are our tried-and-true MVPs that are perfect for beginners, busy folks, or self-proclaimed black thumbs:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Tolerates low light, drought, and neglect
Only needs watering every 2–3 weeks
Great for bedrooms or office corners
The snake plant is the ultimate introvert’s plant. It’s quiet, tough, and unbothered by chaos. It thrives on neglect, only needs water every 2–3 weeks, and doesn’t flinch at low light. Stick it in a dark corner, forget about it, and it’ll still show up looking like it just got back from a spa weekend.
Bonus: it's known for improving air quality while asking nothing in return.
2. Pothos (Golden or Marble Queen)
Fast-growing and forgiving
Will trail beautifully with a little light
Easy to propagate (so you get free baby plants)
Pothos is your new green bestie. It’s a fast grower, bounces back from mistakes, and looks fantastic trailing from a shelf or hanging planter. Just give it a little indirect light and water when dry and it’ll reward you with heart-shaped leaves and the option to snip and propagate into even more plants. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
3. ZZ Plant
Basically indestructible
Glossy, sculptural leaves
Doesn’t mind dark corners or forgetful waterers
If you’ve ever accidentally let a plant go a month (or two) without water, the ZZ plant is your soulmate. With glossy, sculptural leaves and near-zero needs, it’s a perfect pick for low-light spaces, offices, or any area where other plants give up. ZZ plants are practically indestructible, which is why they’re a go-to for black thumbs everywhere.
4. Spider Plant
Cheerful and easy to grow
Produces baby “spiderettes” you can repot
Non-toxic to pets
Spider plants are cheerful, adaptable, and kind of adorable. They’re known for sprouting baby “spiderettes” that dangle like tiny plant ornaments, which can be easily repotted or gifted. They like bright, indirect light, and a weekly drink is usually enough.
Bonus: they’re non-toxic to pets, making them ideal for furry roommate situations.
5. Peperomia (Ripple or Watermelon)
Compact and quirky
Likes medium light and weekly watering
A little sassier—but still beginner-friendly
Quirky and compact, Peperomias are perfect for tight spaces or desk tops. They’ve got personality in spades, from ripple textures to watermelon-striped leaves, and are great for folks who want something cute but not fussy. They enjoy medium light, weekly watering, and occasional admiration (not required, but encouraged).
Morning Plant Rituals We Love
Taking care of your plants doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how we like to pair it with a slow morning:
Brew your favorite coffee or tea
Check leaves for dryness, dust, or droopiness
Rotate pots so they don’t grow lopsided
Light a candle (preferably one of ours)
Put on a chill playlist and let the green do its thing
It’s less about “being good at plants” and more about creating tiny moments that feel good.
Plant-Adjacent Goods We Love
Whether you’re building a little urban jungle or just want to fake it till you make it, we’ve got a few items that bring that fresh, planty feeling:
Peerless candle – clean, uplifting, and revitalizing
Enamelware mug – Pair perfectly with potting soil under your nails
The Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery - is your go-to guide to help grow your green thumb
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Keeping plants alive isn’t about perfection, it’s about paying attention, showing up (occasionally), and letting nature do the heavy lifting. Start small, choose forgiving greenery, and let your plant corner be a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be fast or flawless to be beautiful.
And if all else fails… just get another pothos. No judgment here.