Succulents & cactus
Succulents and cactus are the easiest place to start — let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and give them the brightest spot you have. Both tolerate a missed watering far better than an extra one.
Growing Guide
Plant Care
Simple, honest care for the plants we sell — and an open invitation to bring your questions in.
How We Think About It
Most houseplants ask for less than you'd fear.
A good spot, the right amount of water, and a little attention go a long way — and the rest, we're happy to help you figure out.
At INSIDE, we specialize in Aroids, Hoya, and other hard-to-find tropicals. With the right light and a little humidity, they settle into Pacific Northwest homes just fine — we create the conditions ourselves rather than limiting what we carry. Our stock rotates with the seasons, so what's on the tables this week reflects what's thriving right now. If you're not sure what will work in your space, tell us about your light and we'll point you to a plant that fits — that's the part we love.
This page covers the basics and answers the questions we hear most. When in doubt, come in. We'd rather talk it through in person.
Quick Reference
The basics, in four lines.
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Light
Most houseplants want bright, indirect light — a few feet from a window that gets good daylight. North and east windows suit low-light plants; south and west work for sun-lovers.
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Water
Check before you pour. Try the chopstick check: push one all the way to the bottom of the pot. If it comes out with soil on it, it's still moist; if it comes out dry, it's time to water thoroughly, until it drains.
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Humidity
Peninsula air is kind to most plants. Group them together, mist tropicals now and then, and move plants back from winter heat vents.
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Feeding
Feed lightly through spring and summer with a diluted houseplant food, and let plants rest in fall and winter. Less is more.
Care Guides
How to keep them thriving.
Short, plain guidance for the plants we carry most — from first-timer favorites to terrariums. Come in anytime and we'll tailor it to your space.
Aroids, Hoya & climbers
Monstera, pothos, hoya, and other climbers want bright, indirect light and a chance to dry slightly between waterings. Wipe dust off the leaves so they can breathe, and give climbers something to climb. Brown crispy edges usually mean the air's too dry; yellowing usually means too much water.
Air plants
Air plants don't need soil — they drink through their leaves. Soak them in water for 20–30 minutes about once a week, shake off the excess, and let them dry fully before setting them back in place. Bright, indirect light keeps them happy. We carry air plants in store and ship them, too — come pick your favorites in person, or ask us about having some sent.
Terrarium care
A closed terrarium makes its own little climate — you'll see condensation come and go, and that's normal. Keep it in bright, indirect light (never direct sun, which cooks it), and open it to air out if it stays foggy for days. Trim growth now and then to keep the scene tidy. Built one at a workshop and it's looking tired? Bring it in — refresh and repair are on us, though an appointment is best so we can carve out the time.
Repotting basics
Repot when roots circle the bottom or poke out the drainage holes — usually every year or two, best in spring. Go up just one pot size, use fresh potting mix, and make sure the pot drains. A too-big pot holds too much water and can do more harm than staying snug.
FAQ
Questions we hear most.
How often should I water my plant?
There's no universal schedule — it depends on the plant, the pot, and your home. Try the chopstick check: push a chopstick all the way to the bottom of the pot. If it comes out with soil on it, the pot is still moist. If it comes out dry, it's time to water. Most houseplants would rather be a little too dry than too wet. We also carry moisture, light, and humidity meters if you'd rather not guess.
I don't have much natural light. What can I grow?
More than you'd think. Bring a photo of your space when you visit and we'll match you to something in stock that will actually thrive there — a good number of what we carry does fine in lower light.
Do you ship plants, or is it pickup only?
In-store and local pickup. The one exception is air plants — we ship those, so ask us if you'd like some sent.
Can you help me pick the right plant?
That's our favorite part. Come in and tell us about your space — light, humidity, how much attention you want to give — and we'll find a plant that fits your life, not just your shelf. Jennifer and the team choose everything in the store by hand.
My terrarium looks overgrown or cloudy. Can it be fixed?
Usually, yes, and it's on the house. A quick trim, a rinse, or airing it out fixes most terrarium troubles. Bring it in — an appointment is best so we can carve out the time.
What happens at a terrarium workshop?
You build your own terrarium start to finish, with all the plants, soil, and materials provided — no experience needed. It's a relaxed couple of hours and you leave with something you made. Learn more about workshops.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
Walk in anytime during store hours — but if you want hands-on plant advice, an appointment is best. Not everyone on staff specializes in plants yet, so booking ahead helps us make sure the right person is there for you.
Learn It Hands-On
The best way to learn is to get your hands in the soil.
Our terrarium workshops walk you through building and caring for your own little world — no green thumb required. Or just stop in with a question; we're always happy to talk plants.