Perhaps the most crucial factor regarding the care of a houseplant is that they are dependent on you for food and water (like a pet!) because they’re confined to containers.

Containers

Fortunately, there’s no “right” or “wrong” container; you can spend a small fortune on a fancy one or spend nothing at all, just using cartons or even butter dishes. In between, there’s practically an endless variety of containers, whether for indoors or out, for a flat surface, or as a hanging decorative basket.

Here are a few essentials: 

Clay pots are the most common and traditional.

Glazed pots are very decorative and adapt well to any type of décor.

Plastic pots are very lightweight; they’re less expensive than clay, with a variety of sizes and colors.

Wood Boxes or Containers-If they’re made of redwood or cypress (resists rot), these look good and can last a long time. Commercial products can rust quickly, however. If time allows or if affordable, you can have wood boxes and containers custom-designed and built.

Baskets are not strong containers; they’ll need to be lined with plastic or light soil. Hanging baskets can be made out of all the previous materials, plus wire or reeds, string, or yarn.

Light

Plants vary in the needed amount of light required, but most will grow well in four basic categories:

Sunny areas will get at least 5 hours of direct sunlight in winter. Windows facing southeast, south, or southwest are the best options.

Semi-sunny places get 2-5 hours of sun daily in winter. East or west windows are the best options.

Semi-shady locations offer bright, open light, but little or no direct sunlight.

Shady places don’t receive sunlight but do offer enough light to cast a shadow.
Whatever part of the world you live in will also affect how much light you’ll get.

Local industries can also impact light, as well as trees and bushes (They reduce light, but for shade-loving plants in a southern, western, or eastern window, it’s a good option).

A white house reflects light. 

Clean windows will provide more light, but window screens will reduce it by 30 percent.

Day length also affects light and determines when certain plants bloom.

Artificial light will provide optimal lighting year-round.

Air and Temperature

Frequent misting is a good option.

Most plants will grow between 65-75 degrees F (give or take a little below or above).

Watering

Just test by simply checking with your fingers. If the soil feels like dry powder, water. If you get water or mud, leave it alone. 

The amount of watering needed will always vary, depending not only on the plant but also on the seasons and the sizes and shapes of the containers.

For more info, visit http://www.ourhouseplants.com and http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com.