These plants are mostly grown for their foliage and generally prefer more consistent moisture than many of our chunkier aroids.

Begonias prefer good indoor light and should not be kept constantly wet. Avoid leaving water sitting on the foliage for long periods, especially where airflow is limited.

Calatheas prefer the soil to remain lightly moist and do not enjoy drying out completely. Higher humidity can help reduce crispy leaf edges, and self-watering pots can work very well once the plant is established.

Marantas are generally easier and more forgiving than Calatheas. They do well in bright indoor spaces and are particularly happy in bathrooms with good natural light.

For Calatheas and Marantas, we generally recommend Rays Retail Nursery’s Premium Aroid Mix because the finer blend holds moisture for longer while still draining well.

​This group includes many of the indoor plants we sell most often, including Philodendron, Monstera, Pothos, Scindapsus, Syngonium, Aglaonema, Dieffenbachia and Homalomena.

Most aroids are relatively easy to care for. They generally prefer a well-aerated growing medium and should not be kept constantly wet.

Water thoroughly, then allow the growing medium to dry appropriately for the variety before watering again. Plants in brighter positions will usually dry faster than those in lower light.

Most aroids do well in medium to bright indoor light. Variegated and highly patterned varieties generally benefit from stronger light to maintain their colour.

Climbing varieties such as Monstera, Pothos and many Philodendrons can be grown on a moss pole or other support to encourage larger, more mature leaves.

For most established aroids, we recommend Rays Retail Nursery’s Chunky Premium Aroid Mix.

​These smaller indoor plants are all fairly easy once you understand their watering habits.

Peperomias prefer to dry well between waterings and generally cope better with being slightly dry than staying constantly wet.

Pilea peperomioides also prefers to dry between waterings and does best in a bright position. Rotating the pot occasionally will help keep the plant growing evenly towards the light.

Fittonias prefer more consistent moisture. We usually recommend waiting until the leaves begin to look noticeably soft or droopy before watering. They can be dramatic when thirsty, but usually recover within a few hours after a good drink.

These plants work well on tabletops, shelves and in smaller pots. Fittonias are also particularly well suited to terrariums.

Alocasias and Anthuriums both appreciate warm conditions, good light and a well-aerated growing medium.

Alocasias generally prefer brighter positions and consistent care. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to mostly dry before watering again. Jewel Alocasias are often a little slower-growing and can be more sensitive to staying wet for too long.

Anthuriums also prefer good airflow around the roots. Water thoroughly once the pot has dried well and feels noticeably lighter, but avoid leaving the plant completely dry for extended periods.

Both groups benefit from regular feeding during active growth and generally perform well in higher humidity.

For most Alocasias and Anthuriums, we recommend Rays Retail Nursery’s Chunky Premium Aroid Mix.

These are some of our most popular larger indoor plants and all work well as floor plants as they mature.

Ficus prefer good light, should be allowed to dry well between waterings and generally do best once they are left to settle into one position.

Strelitzia Nicolai is extremely adaptable and can tolerate anything from lower light to very bright indoor positions. Plants in lower light will simply grow more slowly. Allow the soil to dry properly between waterings.

Pachira is another easy option that can grow from a smaller tabletop plant into a substantial floor plant. It prefers good natural light and should be allowed to dry well between waterings.

For palms, Chamaedorea elegans is one of our easiest recommendations. It tolerates lower light well, grows as a clump and continually produces new growth from the base.

Larger indoor plants generally need less frequent watering than people expect, particularly when kept in lower light.

Terrariums are generally low-maintenance once they are established, but the biggest thing to get right is watering.

Closed terrariums recycle moisture inside the glass, so they need very little additional water. Condensation is normal, but the glass should not remain heavily wet all day. If the terrarium looks constantly soaked, open it for a short period to allow some excess moisture to escape.

Open terrariums dry out more quickly and may need occasional watering, depending on the plants used and where the terrarium is positioned.

Keep terrariums in good indoor light but away from harsh direct sun. Glass can trap heat very quickly, which can overheat the plants inside.

Trim plants back when they become too large, remove dead leaves before they begin to break down, and keep an eye out for mould or fungal growth.

Rays Says

Terrariums usually fail from too much water, not too little. Add water sparingly and let the terrarium tell you what it needs. If there is still plenty of moisture inside the glass, leave it alone.

These care guides are based on our own experience growing and selling indoor plants.

There is rarely only one correct way to care for a plant. Different homes, light levels, growing media, pots and watering habits can all affect how a plant behaves.

Use these guides as a starting point and adjust your care based on what your plant is showing you.

If you are unsure, bring us a photo or chat to us in store. We are always happy to help you work out what your plant needs.

Read more of our practical plant care advice, growing tips and guides on the Rays Retail Nursery Blog.