How To Be A Better Plant Parent In 2026

Let's thank the ancient Babylonians for creating the tradition of making empty promises to ourselves every single year. We're not sure how to help you stick to that pesky diet or finally start journaling, but if your New Year's resolution is to be a better plant parent, then we have your back!  Read on for some quick tips and tricks to get stuck in to, and some easy plant species to help you out.

Watering

Let's face it, watering is one of the key things you need to nail to allow plants to thrive. The biggest killer of plants is that people are too loving and overwater the poor things. Getting into a habit of DOING LESS and becoming an underwaterer is key to being a better plant parent. Remember, a plant is easier to recover from underwatering than from overwatering. 

Lighting

Lighting is just as important as watering, and it's time to buckle down and invest in some grow lights. There are some plants that will be okay without them, but if you truly want your plants to THRIVE, it's worth getting some grow lights for dim corners to help your plants grow into the best versions of themselves this year.

Feeding

Feeding isn't totally essential BUT it will enhance your houseplants' growth, and who doesn't love big-leaved houseplants! Seaweed fertiliser is the best to use, as it is rich in nitrogen, which boosts foliage growth.

Easy Plant Species

Being a better plant parent may mean understanding your limits and choosing easier plant species to gain knowledge and practice in caring for plants. Here are our top 5 plant genera that come in a huge variety of species to get stuck into this year!

5. Schefflera

A really great bomb proof plant, one of the plants we always recommend for beginners. A classic houseplant from the 70s, it thrives on neglect and can be put in any spot in your home while still looking gorgeous.

4. Rhipsalis

What's better than a normal cactus? A jungle cacti! This genus adds green to the space with the same low-level care as cacti. The only difference is that these cool cats need watering throughout winter (when applicable), whereas regular cacti don't need any watering in winter. They can also tolerate a lower light than desert cacti.

3. Pilea

A genus of plant that we believe is overlooked, there are so many different types in varying sizes and shapes; there's a species for everyone's taste! Shown below is the classic Pilea Peperomiodes - they are so otherworldly and easy going, it is for sure one to have in your collection.

2. Hoya

Be careful with these, you may catch the Hoya hothead mentality! Once you start collecting Hoyas, you can't get enough of them. Their cute, bunched flowers are as sweet-tasting as they are beautiful, and with their relaxed nature, they are a great plant to practise plant care on.

1. Philodendron

Our top easy plant genus would be Philodendrons, one that has a huge range of varieties and crossovers between species, creating some beautifully coloured and textured plants. These plants can take dry periods between watering, which will help you regulate your chronic overwatering habit back down to a normal level. A great plant to get into with so many to collect like Pokemon!