(StatePoint) Plant parenthood among Millennials and Gen Z has been on the rise in recent years, and time spent at home throughout the pandemic has inspired even more people to start houseplant collections. In fact, over the past year, searches including “indoor plants,” “buy plants” and “plant delivery” spiked, as many set out to create beautiful, calming sanctuaries at home and spruce up their Zoom backgrounds.

Why the sudden interest? Houseplants are grounding, keep you connected to the Earth and even help reduce stress. Their care also provides an excuse to take a much-needed break in the day. Plants make your world a happier place and add immeasurable value to everyday life. Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first-ever houseplant or you’re expanding an ever-growing collection, learn how you can return the favor by being the best possible plant parent.

Understand Your Plant’s Needs

While plant purchases tend to be spur-of-the-moment, there are plenty of steps you can take once you get home to ensure a great life for your plants. Explore the wealth of care instructions and guides online outlining recommended watering schedules and other necessary considerations. For busy plant parents or those looking to build collections in their office spaces, low-maintenance plants are the way to go. If your space is short on windows, seek out adaptable low-light plants that thrive outside of direct sunlight, such as ivy or spider plants.

Don’t Forget Furry Friends

If you’re already a pet parent too, don’t worry! Many houseplants won’t pose any threats to the fur babies in your home. Top pet-friendly houseplants include Curly Spiders, Baby Rubber Plants, Echeveria, Gasteria, Haworthia, Peperomia, Nerve Plants, Fluffy Ruffles Ferns, Rabbit’s Foot Ferns and Staghorn Ferns. When in doubt, foliage and succulents brand Wild Interiors helps potential plant and current pet parents by offering a handy online guide and paw print icons indicating pet-friendly options.

Not-So-Green Thumb

Finally, as you embark on your plant parenthood journey, avoid common houseplant mistakes. When it comes to indoor plant care, many problems stem from loving and caring for your plants too much! Overwatering, over fertilizing and over adjusting the plant’s location or pot situation can all do more harm than good, despite your best intentions. Also keep in mind that many plants require less care and attention during fall and winter months.

Ready to test your green thumb and take the leap into plant parenthood? Visit wildinteriors.com to explore more plant care tips and keep an eye out for its collection of succulent and foliage plants at a retailer near you.

And if you ever find yourself wondering if you need another plant, just remember: plants are self-care!