Plants that will do well indoors come in many shapes, sizes and textures. Their care needs can vary, but most do well without to much attention. In fact, overzealous attention can sometimes be harmful. Good air circulation is important. Plants should be kept out of drafts during the winter. Learn your plants' light, watering and food requirements and you will have little problems with your indoor garden.

Most indoor plants are happy with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees. Palms and Jungle (Christmas) Cacti between 59 and 75 degrees. Well within the range where most of us keep our homes. Our homes tend to be dry during the winter so you may need to check your humidity. 40-60% humidity is ideal for both plants and people.

Houseplants are killed more often by over watering than by anything else. How much water your plants require depend on the natural environment they come from. Plants from arid regions need very little water. While, plants from tropical rain forests will require more often watering. Some plants like to be on the dry side, while others prefer to be continually moist. The type of potting soil will also effect the amount of water needed. Peat based soils retain less moisture than loam based soils. Those with extra perlite or sand will dry out faster. Your plant should be potted in a soil that is right for it's needs. During the hot summer plants tend to need more watering than during the cooler winter months. Plants that "rest" during the winter will do better with less water at that time. Plants in an active growing period will need more. Watering really isn't complicated. Check your plants. Unless you're growing cacti, when they start to dry out water them until the water runs through the pot. During the winter this could be once a week or twice a month. Just don't let them get water-logged. Go by what your plant tells you. If you have questions, one of Telly's staff members will be happy to answer them.

Even houseplants need sufficient light to grow. They absorb the energy of sunlight as fuel for converting carbon dioxide into food. Foliage plants don't need as much light as flowering plants, as it takes more energy to form flowers. Plants with variagated foliage have less chlorophyll in the pale parts of the leaves and less ability to absorb light energy so require brighter locations. South facing windows are often too bright, especially in summer, for foliage plants. However cacti would do quite well. East or west windows usually are better. Or several steps away from a south window. A good rule is that if you can't read comfortably there isn't enough light to grow plants. You can use plant light bulbs to add extra light where needed. Rooms with pale colored walls will be brighter, reflecting and diffusing the light. If there is only one light source, turn your plants regularly so they don't lean towards the light too much.