Having a few indoor plants around the house is never a bad idea. Not only do they improve your mood, but they also look great, add personality to your space, and give you something to care for. Lauren Chandler is the director at Chandlers Nursery in Sandy Bay, and she shared some pro tips with us on how to keep your indoor plants happy.

If you’re new to the world of indoor plants, the first question is: what types are best for beginners? Plants that thrive in pots, are easy to care for, and fit homes with a temperature of around 20°c are ideal. Lauren has some recommendations. “Old fashioned favourites such as Peace Lillies, Rex Begonias, Rubber Plants and Prayer Plants,” she says, “and classic foliage plants like Monsteras, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Banana Palms, Alocasias, and many varieties of Philodendrons.”

For smaller apartments, air purifier plants can improve the air quality, such as Spider Plants, Snake Plants, and Boston Ferns. Lauren also points out Cyclamens, that add a splash of colour to a cool space. For low light areas Cast Iron Plants, Dragon Tail Plants and Ferns get a mention. And if you don’t mind the horrifying idea of a meat-eating plant, Carnivorous Plants are a good shout.

If Lauren were to have just one indoor plant, the answer is easy. “My favourite indoor plant is a Ctenanthe, the foliage is striking, the undersides of the leaves are purple, and they’re hardy!”

Caring for the plant is important. It’s probably obvious, but like any living thing, if left unattended they will not survive. Newbies, did you know that plants need food? “Feeding indoor plants once a month with a liquid fertiliser will help them flourish and maintain their dark green leaves,” Lauren says. “Maintain their feeding regime from spring to autumn.”

But what about pests and diseases? One misstep and suddenly your plant could be covered. The best way, according to Lauren, is to simply keep the plant happy and healthy. “Sufficient water, light, good quality potting mix and fertiliser will help keep them at their finest,” she says. She also suggests applying a seaweed solution to your indoor plants monthly.

Now that autumn is here and winter is on the horizon, the temperature and amount of sunlight in Tasmania can change dramatically, so plants will need a bit of extra care. “As we head into the cooler months, ensure plants aren’t overwatered, and don’t get too cold overnight. Be mindful of heat pumps drying out plants if they are close by,” Lauren says.