The Wirecutter Show Stop Killing Your Houseplants
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Apr 16, 2025 Darryl Cheng, a plant expert and author known for his engineering-based plant care approach, shares how to keep popular houseplants like pothos and monsteras alive. He emphasizes the importance of understanding plant needs and offers tips from his latest book for thriving plants. Joining him is Rose Maura Lorre, a senior writer specializing in affordable plants, who reveals insider secrets for scoring cheap or free houseplants, bringing a fun and frugal twist to indoor gardening.
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Darryl's Plant Journey Start
- Darryl Cheng started caring for houseplants when his mom asked him to decorate their home but couldn't maintain plants herself.
- His engineering background drove him to seek measurable, scientific methods rather than vague care advice.
Light Discrepancy Affects Growth
- Houseplants bought from nurseries grow under very bright light conditions, often 1,000 to 5,000 foot candles.
- When placed in homes with much lower light, their photosynthesis slows dramatically and they struggle to thrive.
Place Plants Near Windows
- Place plants right in front of windows for optimal light exposure, avoiding spots far away from natural light sources.
- If you can't measure light, positioning near windows maximizes plant productivity and health.
