Guide to Plant Care Basics

Search this library of plant care guides to learn more about the conditions, preferences, common issues, and information about each of your plants.

Your Indoor Plant Care Guide for Singapore

Welcome to your one-stop guide for thriving indoor greenery! Whether you’re a budding plant enthusiast or a seasoned green thumb, mastering plant care basics is essential. 

This page offers comprehensive instructions on indoor plant care in Singapore, covering everything from watering and lighting to common plant care issues. We’ll also help you to ensure your plant haven is safe for pets and kids. Let’s get growing!

Key Elements of House Plant Care Basics in Singapore

Like caring for terrariums, taking care of your house plant involves maintaining various environmental conditions and adjusting your care routine to suit the plant’s needs. Here’s what you should look out for:

Watering

watering

  • Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
  • Adjust watering frequency based on light conditions and plant type.

Light Requirements

light requirements

  • Differentiate between bright, medium, and low indirect light in various parts of your house.
  • Use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sunlight if necessary.

Toxicity and Safety

toxicity and safety

  • Check the plant’s toxicity information to ensure pet and child safety.
  • Place mildly toxic plants out of reach from pets and children, such as by placing them in separate parts of the home or using hanging planters

Easy Plant Care Instructions for Popular House Plants in Singapore

Search this library of indoor plant care guides to learn more about the conditions, preferences, common issues, and basic information about common plants in Singapore.

A

Origins

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia

Water

Water twice a week, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time such that the top of the soil feels damp, but not wet.

Light

Bright indirect light

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Dry/wrinkled edges – Give more water

Brown/limp leaves – Give less water

Dull leaf colour – Increase sunlight

Shop Aglaonema Plant

B

Origins

Asia, Australia, Africa

Water

Water once every two days. Give enough water each time such that the top of the soil feels damp, but not wet. Avoid water directly into the centre of the plant.

Light

Low indirect light

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

First Aid

Dry/pale leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves – Give less water

Shop Bird’s Nest Fern

Origins

North America and Mexico

Water

Water once every two days. Give enough water each time such that the top of the soil feels damp, but not wet. Avoid water directly into the centre of the plant.

Light

Medium indirect light

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

First Aid

Dry/pale leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves – Give less water

Shop Boston Fern

C

Origins

Eastern Brazil

Water

Water once every two days, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time such that the top of the soil feels damp, but not wet.

Light

Medium to bright indirect light

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

First Aid

Dry/wrinkled edges – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves – Give less water

Shop Calathea Makoyana

F

Origins

North Africa

Water

Water once every one to two days, when stems start to droop. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.

Light

Medium indirect light

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Drooping stems – Give more water

Yellow leaves – Increase sunlight

Shop Frog Joy

M

Origins

Southeast and Central Asia

Water

Water once every 2 – 3 days, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time so that the top of the soil is damp, but not wet.

 Light

Bright or medium indirect light

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Dry/wrinkled leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves, black stems – Give less water

More about Money Plant Care

Shop Money Plant

Origins

Central and South America

Water

Water every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. As Monsteras can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water, filtered water can be used.

 Light

Medium to bright indirect light

Toxicity

Toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Brown or crispy leaves – Give more filtered water

Wilting and dry potting mix – Give more water

Yellowing leaves or black stems – Give less water

More about Monstera Plant Care

Shop Monstera Plant

P

Origins

Mexico, Guatemala

Water

Water twice a week, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time so that the top of the soil is damp, but not wet.

Light

Bright indirect light

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

First Aid

Dry/wrinkled leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves, black stems – Give less water

Shop Parlour Palm

S

Origins

Central and South America, Southern Mexico

Water

Water once every two days, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time so that the top of the soil is damp, but not wet. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.

Light

Bright or medium indirect light

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Dry/wrinkled leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves, black stems – Give less water

Shop Swiss Cheese Plant

Z

Origins

Eastern Africa

Water

Water once every two to three days, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Give enough water each time so that the top of the soil is damp, but not wet.

Light

Bright or medium indirect light

Toxicity

Toxic to pets when consumed

First Aid

Dry/pale leaves – Give more water

Yellow/limp leaves, black stems – Give less water

More about ZZ Plant Care

Shop ZZ Plant

Common Indoor Plant Care Issues in Singapore

Overwatering and Root Rot

  • Signs: Yellow leaves and mushy stems.
  • Care instructions: Trim affected roots and allow soil to dry completely before watering the plant again. 

Underwatering

  • Signs: Dry, crispy leaves and drooping stems.
  • Care instructions: Water deeply and slowly, allowing the soil to gradually soak up the moisture. Ensure you water the plant consistently.

Light Deficiency

  • Signs: Leggy growth and pale leaves.
  • Care instructions: Move the plant to a brighter location or use grow lights. You can also turn the plant every few weeks to ensure all sides receive sufficient light. 

Pest Infestations

  • Signs: Discoloured leaves, webbing, or sticky residue.
  • Care instructions: Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant Care Basics in Singapore

Not all house plants are safe for pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the toxicity information about the plant before bringing it home if you have pets. While you may be able to keep mildly toxic house plants by keeping them out of your pets’ reach, you can also choose from our range of pet-friendly plants for better peace of mind.

Some basic plant care solutions for house plants in Singapore include adjusting the watering routine, changing the indoor light exposure, and anti-pest treatments. Do observe your plant to determine the issue as this will guide you in choosing the correct troubleshooting approach.