Plants

Choosing the right plant starts with choosing the right spot. In this category you will find guides to bringing plants indoors and onto your balcony, based on the amount of light, airflow, available space and the routine of whoever will care for them.

We explain how to tell whether a spot gets direct light, bright indirect light or shade, how to pick pots with good drainage, how often to water and which signs point to too much or too little water. Plants are listed by common name and botanical name, so they are easier to find at garden centers, along with toxicity notes for cats and dogs when relevant.

For indoor spaces, start with our guide to the best plants for apartments, organized by light level and care needs. If your outdoor space is a balcony, the balcony plants guide will help you choose species for full sun, partial shade and windy spots.