Light

• 1). Locate indoor plants where the plants will get the appropriate amount of daily sunlight, as light requirement vary widely among plants. Move the plant as needed, as light levels change throughout the year.
  
  
• 2). Place low-light plants such close to a north-facing window, as north will provide the lowest level of light. Plants such as Chinese evergreen or corn plant usually do well with a northern exposure.
  
  
• 3). Locate plants requiring moderate light and cooler temperatures in an east-facing window, which will provide indirect light all day, and usually won't become too hot for most plants. Plants such as rubber plant or prayer plant, or blooming plants such as begonia often do well in an east-facing window.
  
  
• 4). Arrange light-loving plants such as zebra plant or sedum near a south- or west-facing window. Move the plants 2 to 3 feet from the window, or cover the window with a sheer curtain if the afternoon light becomes too hot, especially during the summer months.
  
  
• 5). Move your plant to lower light if the foliage looks burned, or if the color looks pale or washed out. Your plant may need more light if it looks long and leggy, or if the leaves are stunted.
  
  

Moisture

• 1). Test the soil with your finger to determine when each plant needs water, as water needs vary greatly. Plants do best when they are watered as needed, rather than on a regular, set schedule. Most plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
  
  
• 2). Water indoor plants, using lukewarm water, until water drips through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Apply the water evenly around the surface of the soil, and don't limit watering to just one spot.
  
  
• 3). Discard any water that remains in the drainage saucer after 10 to 15 minutes. Never allow any plant to stand in water, as soggy soil around the roots can lead to root rot.
  
  

Fertilizer

• 1). Feed indoor plants lightly, as most indoor plants are not heavy feeders. A feeding every four to six weeks is plenty for most plants.
  
  
• 2). Use a good quality, balanced liquid fertilizer for indoor plants. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the label. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil.
  
  
• 3). Withhold fertilizer during the winter months, as indoor plants will be in a period of dormancy and growth will be slowed. Resume the normal fertilizing schedule when the days begin to get longer in spring.
  
  

Repotting

• 1). Repot indoor plants if you see roots growing on the top of the soil, if water runs through the pot without being absorbed into the soil and looks wilted immediately after watering, or if growth appears stunted.
  
  
• 2). Transplant plants into a container only one size larger. Use a clean pot with a drainage hole in the bottom. Water the plant about two days before transplant day.
  
  
• 3). Remove the plant from its pot. Thump the side of the container with your hands to loosen compacted roots. Loosen massed or tangled roots carefully with your fingers.
  
  
• 4). Place 2 to 3 inches of good quality commercial potting soil into the pot. Place the plant on top of the soil, then fill in around the plant with soil. The plant should be located at the same depth it was planted in its old container.