Caring for indoor plants doesn’t have to feel complicated, or expensive, or intimidating. Most thriving houseplants aren’t the result of luck or a “green thumb.” They’re the result of a few good habits and the right tools to support them.
Whether you’re just getting started with your first pothos or you’ve got a growing jungle at home, these seven tools cover the basics of indoor plant care. They help take the guesswork out of watering, feeding, lighting, and general upkeep, so plant care feels more like a joy and less like a chore.
1. A Moisture Meter
Because guessing when to water rarely ends well.
If there’s one mistake almost every plant parent makes at some point, it’s overwatering. A moisture meter helps you understand what’s happening below the soil surface, where roots actually live.
Instead of watering on a schedule or sticking your finger into the soil (a tried and true method, but often not failproof), a moisture meter gives you a clearer signal for when your plant truly needs a drink.
Why it’s helpful:
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Reduces overwatering and root rot
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Especially useful for larger pots or dense soil
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Great confidence booster for beginners
You’ll find simple, no-fuss moisture meters at places like The Sill, and they’re often one of the first tools new plant parents swear by.
2. Gentle, Organic Plant Food
Plants need more than water to grow.
Indoor plants rely entirely on you for nutrients. Over time, the soil in a pot gets depleted, even if the plant looks fine on the surface. A gentle, organic fertilizer helps support steady growth without overwhelming sensitive roots.
We’re big fans of easy, organic options like Arber’s plant food, which are designed for regular use and don’t require complicated mixing schedules.
Why it’s helpful:
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Supports healthier leaves and stronger growth
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Reduces stress during active growing seasons
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Easy to incorporate into your routine
Think of plant food as a supplement, not a miracle cure. A little consistency goes a long way.
3. Quality Indoor Potting Mix
Healthy plants start with healthy soil.
Not all potting soil is created equal. High-quality indoor mixes are designed to balance moisture retention with proper drainage, which is key for keeping roots happy.
If you’ve ever had a plant that stayed wet for way too long or dried out too quickly, the soil was probably part of the problem.
Why it’s helpful:
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Improves drainage and root oxygenation
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Reduces compaction over time
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Helps plants bounce back after repotting
Brands like Rosy Soil offer indoor-specific blends that take the guesswork out of choosing the right soil for houseplants.
4. Leaf Cleaning Spray or Mitt
Clean leaves = happier plants.
Dust builds up on indoor plants faster than you might expect. When leaves are dirty, they can’t absorb light as efficiently which slows growth over time.
A leaf cleaning spray or soft cleaning mitt (microfiber gloves work too!) makes it easy to keep foliage clean without damaging delicate leaves.
Why it’s helpful:
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Improves photosynthesis
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Helps spot pests early
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Keeps plants looking their best
This is one of those tools that feels optional… until you use it. Then you wonder how you ever skipped it.
5. Pruning Shears or Snips
Because plants appreciate a clean cut.
Using sharp, dedicated pruning shears makes a big difference when trimming dead leaves, shaping growth, or taking cuttings to propagate.
Household scissors can crush stems or introduce bacteria, while proper snips give you cleaner cuts and healthier regrowth.
Why it’s helpful:
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Encourages healthy new growth
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Makes maintenance quick and precise
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Essential for propagation
You don’t need anything fancy, just a solid pair from a trusted plant care shop will do.
6. Humidity Support
Especially important for tropical plants.
Many popular houseplants (think calatheas, ferns, and alocasias) naturally grow in humid environments. Most homes are much drier, especially during colder months.
A small humidifier or even a simple pebble tray can make a noticeable difference.
Why it’s helpful:
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Reduces crispy leaf edges
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Helps plants adjust to indoor conditions
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Supports overall plant comfort
This is a great tool to add if you notice your plants struggling despite good light and watering habits.
7. A Grow Light
Light changes everything.
If there’s one tool that consistently levels up indoor plant care, it’s proper lighting. Even bright apartments often don’t provide enough consistent light for plants to truly thrive, especially in winter.
The Aspect™ Gen 2 Grow Light is designed to deliver full-spectrum, plant-tested light while looking like a normal part of your home. No purple glow. No bulky hardware. Just clean, focused light that supports long-term plant health.
We always recommend the Aspect™ not only because it's our flagship product, but because it's powerful yet dimmable to dial in lighting to meet your plant's needs.
Why it’s helpful:
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Provides reliable light where windows fall short
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Supports healthy growth year-round
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Designed to last for years, not months
Good light is foundational. When plants get enough of it, everything else like watering, feeding, growth becomes easier.
What Tools Do You Need to Start Taking Care of Indoor Plants?
If you’re building your plant care kit from scratch, start small:
🌿 A moisture meter
🌿 A gentle plant food
🌿 A reliable grow light
You can always add tools over time as your collection (and confidence) grows.
Final Thoughts
Indoor plant care shouldn’t feel overwhelming or exclusive. With a few thoughtfully chosen tools, anyone can create a healthier environment for their plants, and enjoy the process along the way.
Start simple. Stay consistent. And remember: happy plants aren’t about perfection, they’re about paying attention.
And if you ever need a little extra help, the Soltech Plant Guide is your resource for care tips and tricks for over 100+ houseplants.
