“In the dim rooms of my house they won’t thrive, but I’ll give them enough love to ensure their survival.” — Tony Connor

Now that the days are getting shorter and cooler, we spend more time indoors. Growing houseplants can be a satisfying hobby and an ideal way to create attractive and restful settings that enhance a sense of well-being.

Although you don’t need a “green thumb,” there are a few considerations to keep your plants healthy.

• Growing medium: You can purchase a quality potting mix at a garden center or make your own. Learn more at https://extension.psu.edu/homemade-potting-media and https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1316-houseplants-repotting/

• Water: Houseplants prefer being slightly dry and should never stand in water. Watering once a week is good for most houseplants. Keep a saucer beneath the container to catch excess water. Learn more at https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1318-houseplants-watering/

• Light: Of all the factors affecting plant growth in interiors, adequate light is by far the most important. However, plants have different daily requirements: high light (six or more hours); medium light (four to six hours); and low light (three hours or fewer). If your plant stops producing new growth, it isn’t getting the light it needs. Learn more at https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1352-interior-plants-light/

• Nutrients: There are many fertilizer products, some synthetic, others organic.

The key is to feed the soil, not the plant. Container plants deplete nutrients in the potting mix, and you need to replenish the soil. Learn more at https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1331-houseplants-fertilizing/

Here are some suggestions for easy houseplants:

• Spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum

Growth: Typically a hanging plant 12 inches across with tiny “pups” that arc over the side of the pot. Soil and potting needs: Well-drained; performs well when slightly “pot bound.”

Light needs: Medium to bright indirect light. Water needs: Thrives with regular watering although large, tuberous roots that store a tremendous amount of water allow for irregular watering. Notes: Long green-and-white-striped leaves or solid green leaves.

• Snake plant/Mother-in-law tongue, Sansevieriatrifasciata

Growth: 6 inches to 12 feet. Soil: Well-drained. Water needs: Water when fully dry. Light needs: Indirect steady light. Nutrient requirements: Every 3 months during growing season. Notes: Nearly indestructible; thrives in dark corners or bright light; adds height to plant groupings.

• Devil’s Ivy/Pothos, Epipremnum aureum

Growth: Vine length stretches to 5 feet. Soil: Well-drained. Water needs: Slightly moist. Light needs: Will tolerate low light but brighter light will result in more colorful leaves. Nutrient requirements: Monthly during growing season as they are heavy feeders. Notes: Heart-shaped leaves; quick-growing hanging vines.

• ZZ plant, Zamioculcus zamifolia

Growth: Width and height of 2-3 feet. Soil: Well-drained. Water needs: Water when fully dry. Light needs: Low to bright indirect light.

Nutrient requirements: Every three months during growing season. Notes: Wide, dark and attractive shiny green leaves; resistant to disease and insects; tolerates neglect.

The unofficial motto of the plant-loving community is “plants make people happy.” Why not try growing some and see for yourself?

Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com . Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.

The spider plant thrives with regular watering.

courtesy Debra Stinton Othitis, Colorado Master Gardener