Looking after houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated.
At their core, most plants want the same few things: the right amount of light, consistent watering, good-quality soil and the occasional nutrient boost. Get those basics right and you’re well on your way to a healthy indoor jungle - no green thumb required.
This guide brings together all the essentials you need to care for houseplants properly.
Whether you're dealing with a drama-prone calathea, a fast-growing pothos or a slightly sad monstera, the key is consistency and having the right tools to hand. That means a decent watering can, a reliable fertiliser, breathable potting mix and something to help you manage moisture and light levels - especially if your home doesn’t get much natural daylight.
The idea here is to take the guesswork out of plant care. A moisture meter tells you exactly when to water, sticky traps keep pesky gnats at bay, and a grow light can make all the difference when the sun disappears for weeks on end.
Everything we’ve included in the list below is easy to use, widely available and genuinely helpful, whether you're brand new to houseplants or have shelves full of them already.
A lot of plant problems come down to the basics (overwatering, poor drainage, lack of nutrients), so this edit focuses on preventative care.
With a few smart swaps and some simple tools, it becomes a whole lot easier to keep your plants not just alive, but thriving.
Shop basic plant care essentials below
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flintronic Soil Moisture Meter
Not sure whether your plant needs a drink? Let this clever little gadget decide for you.
The flintronic soil moisture meter is a game-changer for anyone prone to overwatering (we’ve all been there). Simply insert the metal probe into the soil and check the easy-to-read dial. It’ll tell you whether the soil is dry, damp or soaked, taking all the guesswork out of your watering routine. No batteries, no faff and surprisingly accurate for such an affordable tool.
It’s especially handy if you’re caring for fussier plants like fiddle leaf figs or peace lilies.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
MARPHYL Organic Liquid Fertiliser
If your plants could speak, they’d probably thank you for this one.
Made from marine phytoplankton, MARPHYL’s organic fertiliser is packed with over 60 minerals, vitamins and nutrients that give your plants a serious health kick. It’s an all-natural, vegan-friendly way to support strong roots and lush, leafy growth.
Just mix a small amount into your watering can every couple of weeks and watch your houseplants perk up. It’s particularly good for reviving struggling greenery and gives a lovely glossy finish to leaves over time.
A little goes a long way, making this bottle excellent value for money.
Buy now £14.90, Amazon
Happy Houseplants Organic Tropical Plant Food
Tropical plants can be dramatic, but this gentle vegan feed will keep them looking their best without the fuss.
Made by the experts at Happy Houseplants, this organic liquid fertiliser is suitable for monsteras, calatheas and other jungle-loving favourites. It’s packed with all the nutrients they need to thrive and encourages steady, healthy growth throughout the year. Add a few drops to your watering can once a month and let it work its magic.
Bonus: it’s entirely pet-safe and made using sustainable ingredients, so your plant care routine can feel as good as it looks.
Buy now £12.99, Happy Houseplants
Haws The Rowley Ripple Green Watering Can - Two Pint
A serious upgrade from that pub-nicked pint glass you've been using, this heritage watering can is as stylish as it is functional.
Made by Haws, a British brand with over 130 years of history, The Rowley Ripple is perfectly weighted and pours like a dream. The long, slender spout allows for precision watering, even in pots with dense foliage, while the classic green finish adds a touch of elegance to your windowsill. Yes, it's an investment at this price, but it’s also built to last a lifetime.
Perfect for houseplant lovers who like their tools as beautiful as their greenery.
Buy now £70.00, Haws
Pianta 18W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants
Not all homes are blessed with oodles of sunlight, but this clever grow light makes up for it. Whether your flat faces north or your desk is in a gloomy corner, the Pianta LED Grow Light gives your plants the full-spectrum rays they need to photosynthesise and thrive.
It’s compact but powerful, with five brightness levels and an automatic timer so you don’t have to remember when to turn it off. Easy to clip onto shelves or pots, it’s a brilliant solution for winter months or darker rooms.
Your plants won’t know the difference - and neither will you.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Houseplant Focus Repotting Mix Peat Free
Repotting can feel a little scary if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing, but this ready-to-use mix makes it refreshingly easy.
Designed for indoor plants, the Houseplant Focus Repotting Mix is light, airy and full of the good stuff your roots need. It’s 100 per cent peat-free, so it’s better for the planet, and contains slow-release nutrients to keep plants happy post-move.
Whether you’re upsizing a pot or refreshing tired soil, this blend supports healthy drainage while holding just the right amount of moisture.
It’s also great for beginners: just scoop, fill and go. No extra ingredients or fiddly measuring required.
Buy now £5.99, Houseplant
Gardena Classic Grass Shears
Okay, they’re technically grass shears, but hear us out - these are perfect for houseplant maintenance too.
The Gardena Classic Shears are small, lightweight and brilliantly sharp, making them ideal for snipping away dead leaves, trimming leggy growth and shaping your plants to look their best. The ergonomic handle gives you plenty of control, and the non-stick blades make light work of fiddly stems. If you’re not quite ready to invest in specialist pruning tools, these are a smart and versatile alternative.
A surprisingly handy bit of kit to have in your plant care arsenal.
Buy now £22.00, Argos
CHIAFRÖN Plant pot
A good pot does more than just look pretty - it also helps your plant stay healthy. The CHIAFRÖN pot from IKEA does both.
With a subtle ribbed design and soft sage green glaze, it’s chic enough for any shelf or windowsill. But more importantly, it includes a separate inner pot with drainage holes, which means your plant’s roots won’t be sitting in soggy soil.
The outer pot catches excess water, so you can water freely without drips or mess. It’s smart, sturdy and surprisingly affordable for something this stylish.
Buy now £19.00, Ikea
OwnGrown Yellow Sticky Traps 60x Sticky Fly Trap for Indoor Plants
Fungus gnats might be harmless, but they’re annoying. These yellow sticky traps are an easy, chemical-free way to keep your houseplants pest-free.
Just pop one into the soil and let the bright colour lure in the bugs. They work like flypaper, trapping gnats, aphids and other unwelcome visitors before they become a bigger problem. They’re discreet enough to hide among your leaves and come in a big pack, so you can protect all your plants at once.
A must-have for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Why are there tiny flies in my living room?”
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
SDZHDMO Bendable Moss Pole for Plants
For climbing plants like monsteras and philodendrons, a moss pole isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. This bendable version is a game changer.
Unlike rigid supports, you can curve it into any shape to match the way your plant naturally grows, creating a sculptural look while encouraging stronger, more upright stems. It’s made with natural coconut fibre, which gives aerial roots something to grip, and the included ties make securing stems super simple. It’s lightweight, reusable and blends in well with most indoor plants.
A small but mighty upgrade your trailing beauties will love.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Verdict
Affordable, foolproof and surprisingly accurate, this flintronic Soil Moisture Meter takes the guesswork out of watering, which is where most houseplant problems begin.
It helps you build better habits, prevents overwatering and works for virtually every type of plant. A small investment that can save a whole collection.
