Some people think that plants grow better if their owner talks to them or plays music to them. It could be that soothing vibrations actually do make plants grow better—scientists are studying this. But common sense will tell you that if you care enough about your plants to talk to them, you will also notice if they are not doing well. Paying attention to them—with proper light, soil, water, fertilizer, and perhaps a little music or conversation—is really all that it takes to be a successful indoor gardener.

Watering
Each plant uses water at a different rate, so you will need to develop a watering schedule for each plant. Some helpful tips are: the soil in small pots dries out more quickly than the soil in large pots; the soil in clay pots dries out more quickly than the soil in plastic or ceramic pots; plants need more water when they are actively growing (putting out new shoots, leaves, or flowers) than they do when they are resting.
The dryness of the air also influences how much water a plant needs. Most plants (except cacti) thrive in a moist climate. You can increase the humidity around your plant by putting gravel in a tray and setting the pot (without a saucer) on the gravel. Fill the tray with water to just below the pot. As the water evaporates, the air around the post will be slightly moist.

Temperature
Most houseplants thrive in daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 and 21degrees Celsius). They like slightly cooler temperatures at night. Test the area right around your plant at different times of the day and then at night. Because the sun changes course during the year, you should also check temperature and light during different seasons. If it is too hot or sunny, a light curtain may solve the problem. If it is too cold—especially on a windowsill during a winter night—put several layers of newspaper against the window to protect the plant.

Feeding
Each kind of houseplant fertilizer comes with directions from the manufacturer on how to use it. Be sure to follow these directions carefully. Plants need more than food when they are growing fast, usually in spring and summer. Unless the directions tell you otherwise, a small amount of fertilizer should be given to the plant once every two weeks during the growing period. If you use a fertilizer stick, the plant will be fed automatically as the stick dissolves.