The Beginner’s Guide to Caring For Your Houseplant in Colorado

How many times have you bought a beautiful houseplant at the nursery or the grocery store, only to reluctantly drop it into the trash can at some point, wondering what you could have done to keep it alive? I’ve sent many plants to that great green jungle in the sky. I have also raised hundreds more successfully. I was dubbed the “President of the Plant Hoarders Club” by a friend after I showed her a photo of my sunroom. I believe there are many chapters of this club in Colorado. Fortunately, raising houseplants in Colorado for so many years has taught me what works and what doesn’t in this dry, high-altitude climate.

Many houseplants originate from tropical or subtropical climates around the world. Most handle our dry climate just fine. Some are more used to a fairly humid climate. Depending on the plant and it’s specific needs, there are things we can do to make it easier for our plants to thrive.

For example, if a Boston fern encounters a dry Denver home, it is likely not going to thrive without extra humidity being introduced to the air around it. A well-used bathroom with a window is usually enough to give it what it needs. A variegated pothos is going to be fine with the low humidity, and will happily send out a tendril to find something to climb on. It never hurts to keep a squirt bottle with tap water or distilled water handy for misting plants, especially the humidity lovers like ferns and palms. If possible, a pebble tray filled with water can be placed under a plant to provide a humid ‘bubble’ around the plant. Be sure to place the pot either in a separate saucer above the pebble tray or above the pebbles so the roots aren’t in the water. I can help you determine what your plant needs and give you some guidance on the right plant for the right situation.

Watering is an important aspect of any houseplant care. Not all plants need a regular weekly watering schedule, so it’s best to research each plant’s specific needs and water accordingly. It will vary from plant to plant how dry it should be in between waterings. Some like to be barely dry before needing water and some like to dry out completely between waterings.

There are many water meters made specifically for houseplants to determine whether a plant is too dry and needs to be watered. These can be simple or complex, but any mechanical means can fail. The best way to tell if a plant needs watering is to use your index finger and test the soil for dampness. Using your finger to test for moisture content of the soil has an added bonus – it can never be misplaced!

The proper amount of light your plant receives daily and seasonally is very important. Not enough or too much can send a plant down into oblivion. Most houseplants will do fine with medium to bright light. Before choosing a plant, take some time to watch how much light is in the room where you plan on placing it. Is it natural sunlight? Check in the morning, mid day and afternoon to see what type of light you have. Is it early morning sun shining in? Diffuse bright light all day? It could be the only light you get is some afternoon sun slanting in from the side.

Research the type of light your plant varieties will need to see if they are compatible with your light source. It’s important to choose the right plant for the space; and the type of light it will receive is key. I am happy to evaluate the space where your plant will go and help you choose the right plant for that space.

For our houseplants to be happy, we need varieties that can handle our state’s wild weather, love soaking up sunshine, and don’t get too thirsty if we forget to water them once in a while. Colorado is pretty special with its beautiful mountains and dry air, so our plant pals need to be strong and adaptable to thrive here. If you’re looking for plants that will be happy & healthy in your home and make it look great, then take a peek at my “Top 6 Houseplants for Colorado” to find your new leafy friends.

These days the world of houseplants is large and ever-expanding. There is a houseplant to suit any situation. Many of those plants can thrive in Colorado. It’s all a matter of understanding the nature of our climate and what works best to help mitigate or embrace it. Instead of throwing that houseplant in the trash, let me help you pick the right plant for the right spot in your home or office. I can also give you guidance for future care or keep your plants healthy and happy while you are away on a trip.