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Essentials for Indoor Plants: 16 Accessories for Your Houseplant Collection

ByNell Foster Published on

You bought your first houseplant and are excited to bring the outdoors inside. But now what? How do you keep your new leafy friend happy and healthy? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here are some essentials for indoor plants to keep your houseplant collection thriving!

You may have heard about the basics, like watering, sunlight, and soil, but your plants need some important things for optimal growth.

At a quick glance, here are some houseplant accessories, tools, and supplies that we recommend, especially if you’re a new plant parent. Nell has 70+ houseplants, so these are all things she uses to ensure houseplant happiness.

While you don’t need to purchase all of these products, each one comes in handy depending on what you have in your houseplant collection!

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Essentials For Indoor Plants

  1. Watering Can: An important houseplant care essential, a can with a long, narrow spout will help you water your plants with precision.
  2. Moisture Meter: If you struggle with over or underwatering, this meter will help determine if your plant needs to be watered.
  3. Humidity Gauge: This may seem like an unusual item for a plant, but monitoring the humidity in your home is helpful.
  4. Mister: Some plants like to be misted regularly for an extra humidity boost. It also helps to keep them clean and keep pests away.
  5. Wash Bottle: This may not be essential, but it definitely makes watering your smaller plants easier. The long spout helps to reach deep into the pot without making a mess.
  6. Pruning Snips: These handy shears are perfect for trimming dead leaves and stems to promote growth and good form.
  7. Potting Soil: Having your plant growing in a well-draining soil mix is one of the keys to successfully keeping your plant thriving.
  8. Fertilizer: Just like humans, plants need a balanced diet, too! Fertilizers provide essential nutrients and promote healthy houseplants.
  9. Pots with Drainage Holes: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
  10. Plant Baskets: Not only are plant baskets aesthetically pleasing, but they’re lighter and easier to move around.
  11. Humidifier: Plants love humidity, especially tropical ones. Investing in a humidifier will help mimic their natural environment and keep them happy!
  12. Plant Trellis: For climbing plants, a trellis provides support for the vines to grow on and adds an aesthetic touch to your indoor garden.
  13. Microfiber Cloth: Use a microfiber cloth or gloves to gently wipe away dust and keep your plants clean.
  14. Natural Pest Spray: An all-natural solution for pest control, natural sprays are safe to use on your plants and help keep pesky insects away.
  15. Plastic Saucers: These can be used to catch excess water from the drainage holes of your pots.
  16. Plant Coasters: Use these to protect your floors from water damage and scratches from heavy pots.

1. Watering Can

A red watering can with a long spout sits in front of an aloe vera plant.

Watering your houseplants is made easy with this indoor watering can! The sleek design makes it perfect for small spaces, and the long spout allows for precise watering.

Plus, it’s lightweight, has a comfortable grip for easy use, and holds 1/2 gallon of water.

Here are a few watering cans you can consider for your houseplant collection. The best choice depends on which functions best and which appeals to you.

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2. Moisture Meter

A moisture meter inserted into the soil of a houseplant.

A moisture meter is a lifesaver for any indoor plant enthusiast. This little gadget takes the guesswork out of watering, one of the trickiest aspects of plant care.

Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and eventually kill your plant. On the other hand, underwatering can leave your plant parched and struggling to survive.

The moisture meter measures the moisture level in your plant’s soil, letting you know precisely when it’s time to water. I use this for my plants in larger pots because you can only stick your finger into the soil so deep!

With this tool, you can tailor your watering routine to the unique needs of each plant rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all schedule.

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3. Humidity Gauge

A Therm Pro humidity monitor is placed in front of houseplants.

Residing in the Arizona desert, I nurture over 70 houseplants. Accompanying me on this green journey is my trusty humidity meter/monitor, which has faithfully served me for over four years.

It will notify me precisely when the humidity drops below 25%. Because of that, I know when to activate the humidifiers near my plants.

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4. Mister

A small spray bottle used for misting plants sits next to a philodendron birkin.

Don’t forget about a mister for your tropical buddies. They love humidity and little rain shower! A simple spritz can make them feel right at home.

This plant mister bottle is on my list of houseplant essentials – most plants appreciate having their leaves misted.

This spray bottle is perfect for air plants, bromeliads, monsteras, rubber plants, and most tropical plants – just to name a few!

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5. Wash Bottle

A small wash bottle with a long spout sits next to a small succulent plant.

For those plants that don’t enjoy having wet leaves, a wash bottle is a great alternative for watering.

Its long spout allows for targeted watering at the base of the plant. I use it for watering my smaller succulents, like the haworthia shown above.

With its long, slender spout, you can water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring water reaches the roots without making a mess, disturbing the foliage, or getting your furniture wet.

This targeted approach reduces the risk of leaf rot and fungal diseases that can occur when leaves are left wet.

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6. Pruning Snips

A pair of fiskars pruning snips next to a pothos stem cutting.

Just like getting a haircut, plants need a trim every now and then. Keep them looking fresh by investing in a good pair of pruning nips.

Fiskars pruning snip is perfect for trimming smaller indoor plants precisely and easily. Its soft grip handles make it comfortable to use for longer periods of time. They’re also great for propagating, harvesting herbs, and deadheading flowers.

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7. Potting Soil

Close-up of potting soil used for houseplants in a terra cotta saucer.

At some point, your plant will need repotting. It’s good to use a high-quality mix that’s formulated for houseplants.

Make sure it allows for good drainage and is well aerated. It’s the foundation from which the plant grows, and you want the roots to be healthy and happy.

Make sure to choose a potting mix that is suitable for the types of plants you have. The ones linked below are good for most tropical/subtropical plants. Succulents, cacti, bromeliads, and orchids need special mixes.

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8. Fertilizer

A bottle of foxfarm grow big fertilizer sits next to a small snake plant.

Feeding your plants is a good idea. They need nutrients to grow and can be the secret sauce to a lush indoor paradise.

How often you feed houseplants depends on the type of plants, the fertilizer you’re using, your home’s environment, and the time of year.

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9. Pots with Drainage Holes

A small succulent planting inside of a decorative terra cotta clay pot.

Part of the fun of creating an indoor garden is collecting creative and fun plant pots!

Make sure to use grow pots with drainage holes. This allows excess water to drain out of the soil, preventing root rot and other water-related issues.

The decorative pot above has plants directly planted and a good-sized drainage hole on the bottom.

If the pot you want to use doesn’t have drainage holes, you can always add some with a drill (if you feel comfortable doing this) or use a plastic nursery pot with drain holes inside the decorative one. Your plants will thank you for it!

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10. Plant Baskets

An anthurium with red flowers sits in a small basket.

Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but plant baskets are lighter in weight than most decorative containers, making them easier to move.

Just make sure to choose a basket with a plastic lining and/or use a saucer inside to prevent potential water damage. I also put a plant coaster underneath the basket for further protection.

We particularly enjoy handwoven baskets!

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11. Humidifier

Two Canopy humidifier used for houseplant care sit on a counter next to an african violet.

A humidifier is a vital accessory for your indoor plant collection, particularly if you’re caring for tropical plant species. The primary function of this device is to increase the humidity level in the air.

Many houseplants originate from humid rainforest environments and thrive in conditions that mimic their natural habitat. While you won’t be able to replicate the tropics in your living room, any boost will help!

Dry air, common in many households, can cause plants to lose moisture through their leaves and exhibit brown leaf tips.

On the other hand, a humidifier helps to maintain optimal moisture levels, preventing issues like leaf curling, browning, tipping, and wilting.

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12. Plant Trellis

A contemporary modern plant trellis for a desk houseplant.
A modern plant trellis like this is a fun way to display one of your plants!
Photo credit: BB3DesignShop

Depending on the type of plants you have, you might want to consider using a plant trellis to help them grow upwards.

A plant trellis encourages healthy vertical growth and allows them to reach their full potential by supporting their vines or stems.

Hoyas, Monstera Adansonii, and Monstera Minimas are just a few plants that can benefit from a trellis while they grow.

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13. Microfiber Cloth

A black microfiber cloth used for cleaning leaves rests on a rubber plant.
If you don’t want to wear gloves, then a microfiber cloth will work just fine to clean the leaves. It’s what I use to clean my plants with larger leaves like this Rubber Plant.

Did you know that dust can clog the pores on your plant’s leaves, making it difficult for them to breathe and photosynthesize? Many beginners are surprised to learn that cleaning your plants is essential to their care routine.

But instead of using a cloth or brush, make it easier and more fun with these adorable dusting gloves. Simply slip them on and wipe away the dust while giving your plants some love and attention. Your plants will shine!

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14. Natural Pest Spray

A spray bottle of Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap used for plant pest control.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes pests can still make their way into our indoor gardens. But instead of using harsh chemicals that can harm your plants and the environment, consider using a more natural approach.

These natural pesticides are safe for use around pets and humans while effectively controlling common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.

These pests multiply like crazy and spread from houseplant to houseplant, so spring into action as soon as you see them.

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15. Plastic Saucers

4 plaster saucers in different sizes used for houseplants.

Plastic saucers come in different sizes and can be used to catch excess water from the drainage holes of your pots, protecting your furniture and floors.

Don’t let too much water build up in the saucer; this can lead to the mix staying too wet and root rot.

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16. Plant Coasters

1 black felt mat and 1 cork mat used for houseplant gardening.

Use these to protect your floors or furniture from water damage and pot scratches. They also allow a bit of airflow underneath.

I buy them about an inch smaller than the pot’s base so they aren’t sticking out.

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Conclusion

Having houseplants is a beautiful and rewarding experience. Any indoor gardener will tell you this. But to keep them thriving, remember these essentials for indoor plants: appropriate lighting, consistent humidity, correct temperature, and suitable soil.

With these in mind, your green friends will flourish and bring joy to any space. Happy gardening!

Nell & Miranda

This post may contain affiliate links, you can read our policies here.

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